Join the National Agri-Marketing Association for the 20th Annual NAMA Boot Camp, August 6-8 in Kansas City. Whether you've just entered the working world or are one who's been through the NAMA Boot Camp drill before, sign up for this program today to learn more about the agri-marketing industry. Bottom line: if you're new to ag or new to marketing, you need to be at Boot Camp! And, non-members who register receive a free year of membership!

And don't forget the networking! Boot Camp provides plenty of opportunities to get to know your industry peers during the course of the event.

Who Should Attend?

• Agency Account Executives
• Media Professionals
• Art Directors
• Copywriters
• Marketing Professionals
• Sales Professionals

​Where does it take place?
The NAMA Boot Camp takes place at the Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza. Be sure to stay at the conference hotel to save time and money commuting.  Out of town attendees are responsible for making their room reservations. The rate is $199.  For more information click here.

Resources
All attendees will receive access to valuable ag information and facts. This compilation of resources has become one of the most popular aspects of Boot Camp!

Sponsorship
Check out the great sponsorship opportunities available for Boot Camp! This is a great way to get in front of potential employees! For more information contact Jenny Pickett at (913) 491-6500 or email [email protected].

Register Now

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Boot Camp Schedule & Sessions

Wednesday, August 6

7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Ag Tour (optional) Hosted by Farm Journal
This is a one-day, on-farm experience where attendees will tour and learn about different nuances of agricultural operations in the surrounding areas. The cost is $150/person and includes breakfast and lunch.

Ag Tour Stops:
Ward Brothers Livestock 
Shatto Milk Company
TB Farms
Lunch at Windy Wine Company

5–6 p.m.
Kick-Off Reception

6–7:30 p.m.
Dinner and Networking 
Kick off the NAMA Boot Camp with a networking dinner designed to help you get to know fellow attendees.

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Thursday, August 7
8:30 - 9:15 a.m. 
Breakfast

9:15-10:45 a.m.
​Producer Panel
Moderator: NAMA President Melanie Rice, Brownfield
Panelists:
Ryan Britt, Britt Farms
David Hemme, Hemme Brothers Creamery
Megan Larson, Larson Cattle
A boot camp favorite! Learn how to communicate effectively with producers. Attendees won't want to miss the valuable insights from producers. 

10:45 - 11:00 a.m.
Break

11:00 a.m. - Noon
​Tools of the Trade - Focus on Research 
Research is an important tool in the marketing process.  It helps in developing direction and making media purchase decisions.  This session will feature key research findings from two research studies conducted by prominent associations in the agriculture space:  The Farm Radio Listenership Study and the Ag Media Channel Study. 
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NAFB-Kynetic Farm Radio Listenership Research Study
Anita Vanderwert, Brownfield

Ag Media Channel Study 
​Dustin Johansen, Farm Journal

Noon - 12:45 p.m.
Luncheon

12:45 - 1:45 p.m.
​The Business of Agriculture
​Janice Person, CEO & Founder, Grounded Communications
There are a lot of components to learn in our industry --whether you work for an agency, a supplier of inputs, a service provider or somewhere else.  During this session you'll learn about the different components and what you need to navigate the industry successfully. This session will help you get grounded.

1:45 - 2:00 p.m.
Break

2:00 - 2:45 p.m.
​Networking for Introverts Pretending to be Extroverts: A How-To Guide
Erin Sass 
How often have you heard someone say "go network!" and then not know where to start?  Or how to find people to network with?  Or, do you network successfully?  This session is your solution.  Erin Sass will share the art and science of networking, from what to do when you first walk in the room to when to give yourself persmission to head home.

A natural extrovert, Erin enjoys small talk, networking and connecting people, but understands this is skill set that can - and needs to be - taught and shared. 

2:45 - 3:00 p.m.
Break

3:00  - 4:00 p.m.
​Trends in Marketing
Emily Dore, VML
Josh Chavis, VML
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, staying ahead of marketing trends is crucial for success.  This session delves into the latest trends and how they are reshaping the B2B market, and in turn agriculture, emphasizing the need for adaptations, the importance of reconnection, and the profound impact of upgrading humanity.

4:30–6 p.m.
Reception at Cafe Trio 
Enjoy a reception featuring fun, games, drinks & appetizers at Cafe Trio, just steps away from the Plaza Marriott. MoKan NAMA members will be joining Boot Camp attendees for some added networking.
Sponsored by MoKan NAMA

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Friday, August 8
8:00 - 8:30 a.m. 
Networking Breakfast

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8:30 - 9:15 a.m.
​​Cultivating Your Career
JJ Jones, Principal, Cultivated Conversations
Relying on "luck" is not a career strategy, but preparation combined with hard work is.  So, let's prepare you for your professional and personal development.  Whether through honing your strengths, engaging with mentors, building your network, and more, there are demonstrated strategies that will exponentially grow your career.  Let's roll up our sleeves and dig in as, together, we form the foundation for strategic growth.   

9:15 - 9:30 a.m.
Break

9:30 - 10:30
Telling Your Brand's Story
Meredith Westrich, Brighton Agency
People may forget the ads--but they will not forget how your brand made them feel. In this session, we'll explore how the most memorable brands aren't built on one-off moments, but on a clear, consistent story that shows up everywhere they do.  Learn how to craft a brand narrative that resonates, sticks, and drives lasting impact.

10:30 - 10:45 a.m.
Break

​10:45 - 11:30
​Great Marketing: Best of NAMA Case Study
Kevin Hall, Iowa Pork Producers Association
​Johnny Mackin, Meyocks
This session will feature a case study of the Grand Champion Best of NAMA winning entry: 
​Iowa Pork Producers Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon Campaign 

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11:30 a.m.
Adjourn

Boot Camp Committee

Chair
Emily Mauermann, Farm Progress

Vice Chair
Meredith Westrich, Brighton

Members
Katie Zwain, Mosaic

Executive Committee Liaisons
Ed Peck
Tom Posta, Bader Rutter 

Boot Camp Registration

Note: The Non-member Rate includes a free year of NAMA membership.

Member: $575
Non Member: $755
Ag Tour: ​$150

Cancellation Policy 
No refunds for cancellation after July 25. 

Register Now

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Boot Camp Hotel

The NAMA Boot Camp will take place at the Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza. ​Out-of-town attendees are responsible for making their own room reservations.  The room rate is $199. Reserve before July 25 to get the reduced rate!

​Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza
4445 Main Street
Kansas City,MO
 
Be sure to stay at the conference hotel!  It helps NAMA keep costs down if we can fill our room block.  Please contact Laura Lovisone at [email protected] to make your reservation!  

Reserve Room

​Future Boot Camp Dates

August 12-14, 2026
Kansas City