Executive Forum

Join us Monday, July 20, for a high-impact, closed-door strategy session—just before Tech Hub LIVE begins.

This exclusive forum offers a rare opportunity to engage in candid conversations with 30 hand-selected top executives from the nation’s leading ag retail, dealers, and co-ops on the future of agriculture amidst evolving policies, technologies, and market dynamics.

12:30-1:00 PM

Arrival Networking

Arrive early for the Executive Forum and take advantage of the opportunity to network with peers before the program begins.

1:00-1:10 PM

Welcome and Opening Remarks

1:10-1:40 PM

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
Riding the Trade & Policy Waves: Ag Retail in the Crosswinds

Tariffs, shifting trade relationships, and uncertainty around tariff relief and refunds are creating real financial pressure across the ag economy—and ag retailers are feeling it from every angle. From rising input costs to disrupted supply chains and unpredictable market access, today’s policy environment is introducing new layers of risk that can’t be ignored.
In this keynote, Lorren Walker cuts through the noise to translate what’s happening in Washington and globally into clear implications for ag retail. Learn how to anticipate policy-driven shocks, protect margins, and position your business to stay competitive in an increasingly volatile and politically influenced marketplace.

1:50-2:30 PM

ESA Risk & Retail: Strategic Implications for Ag Leaders

Endangered Species Act requirements are reshaping pesticide registrations, label language, and liability exposure — with real implications for retail operations and customer relationships. This executive-level briefing examines regulatory trajectory, business risk, compliance infrastructure, and what leaders should be planning for over the next 3–5 years. Designed for decision-makers who need foresight, not just a rule summary.

2:40-3:20 PM

Innovation that Matters: Driving Ag Retail Forward

Mike Twining, Vice President of Innovation at Willard Agri Service, two-time TEDx speaker, and ARA Board Vice Chair, explores how innovation drives measurable impact in ag retail. This session offers executives actionable insight on how to foster innovation while maintaining focus on core business priorities.

• Does ag retail really innovate? What does Innovation mean?
• Designing Innovation into your team.
• What are actionable criteria for Innovation from an ROI (return on investment) perspective?
• What happens when Innovation challenges your existing business model?

3:30-4:00 PM

From Insight to Impact: Collaborative Breakouts for Retail Leaders

Join your peers in facilitated breakout discussions designed to tackle the biggest strategic questions facing ag retail today. Small groups will dive into topics such as evaluating tech investments, planning for the retail landscape five years from now, and practical approaches to customer segmentation and communication. These sessions provide a rare opportunity to exchange ideas with fellow leaders, explore solutions, and leave with actionable strategies to move your business—and the industry—forward.

Breakout Topics:

1. Tech Investment Decisions: How do executives evaluate and approve technology expenditures? What metrics or frameworks work best?
   Facilitated by Mike Twining
   
2. The Future of Retail: Using the Wayne Gretzky principle, “skate to where the puck is going,” what innovations should retailers invest in today to succeed tomorrow?
   Facilitated by Lorren Walker
   
3. Customer Segmentation & Communication: How do you understand and engage farmers with varying adoption behaviors, tech comfort levels, and operational styles?
   Facilitated by Amy Asmus

4:00-4:30pm

Networking Reception

Enjoy this time to connect and network with colleagues.