“Exchange is an opportunity for all our exhibitors to tell their own stories about what new things they have. Our exhibitors take a lot of pride in their booths and really work to give our attendees a great representation of what they do and how they can be of service,” said Adrianne Fjerstad-Miller, GEAPS’ Conference and Expo Director. “Yes, Exchange is about relationships and connecting with customers but it’s also such a wonderful opportunity for our exhibitors to showcase the best of themselves.”

It was standing room only when Kansas native Dan Cnossen delivered his keynote speech Sunday morning. Cnossen (ka-na-sen) is a true patriot, a Navy SEAL, a war veteran, a survivor, a Harvard graduate and Paralympian with the medals to prove it! His presentation was a wonderful way to begin Exchange.

The event featured four education tracks this year designed to meet the needs of grain professionals. Maintenance; Employee Development; Safety; and Grain Operations. Attendees packed training rooms as they were able to focus on one track or sample them all.

In addition to great education, GEAPS Exchange 2023 included an Expo Hall filled with technology and services to make grain operations safer and more efficient; education on the latest trends and best practices and social events that help reinforce business relationships.


About GEAPS

The Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) is an international professional association of grain handling and processing professionals. GEAPS addresses the industry’s critical grain handling, storage and processing operations needs by providing networking, professional development programs and access to a global marketplace of industry suppliers. GEAPS’ global network includes more than 3,000 individual members from more than 1,100 companies. Join our network today!

---

After the difficulties faced since the previous time the industry gathered for CONEXPO-CON/AGG, attendees and exhibitors expressed excitement to see the return to normalcy. One of those individuals is 89-year-old Leonard McCurley. McCurley has attended the show for the last six decades and is a true CONEXPO-CON/AGG veteran.

Raised on a farm in Michigan and working in construction his whole life, McCurley has found CONEXPO-CON/AGG to be a home away from home throughout his adult life. He attended his first show in 1963 and has made it back to each and every one in the 60 years that have followed.

“There are so many interesting people I’ve talked to; it’s an education just to talk to all of them,” said McCurley. “I think everybody that is around heavy equipment should go to that show.”

CONEXPO-CON/AGG is a family reunion of sorts for McCurley. Several of the companies he has worked for in the past have booths at the show, and he looks forward to reconnecting with their representatives whenever and wherever he possibly can this week.

In addition, his own children and grandchildren will be in Las Vegas this week attending the 2023 show. However, McCurley recalls his fondest memories of attending CONEXPO-CON/AGG were with his wife in years past.

“She went to every show with me when she was alive, and she really enjoyed them, too,” he said.

Now that McCurley has made it to this year’s CONEXPO-CON/AGG, McCurley notes he has nothing but love for North America’s largest construction trade show and would like to attend the show moving forward for as long as it makes sense for him to do so.

McCurley says it’s impossible to attend six decades worth of CONEXPO-CON/AGGs without at least having some advice to share with newcomers.

“You’ve got to have a good pair of shoes and make sure you go to see the whole thing, because if you don’t, you’re missing a lot," he said.

About CONEXPO-CON/AGG

CONEXPO-CON/AGG is the largest construction trade show in North America and the premier event that connects professionals from every major construction sector. Held every three years, CONEXPO-CON/AGG takes the construction industry to the next level by helping construction professionals elevate their industry expertise, experience the newest equipment and products through demonstrations and industry-leading education, make new professional connections, and grow their own marketability within the industry. The next CONEXPO-CON/AGG will be held March 3-7, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information on CONEXPO-CON/AGG, visit https://www.conexpoconagg.com.