Register now, for the 2008 ABA National Agricultural Bankers Conference, November 16-19, 2008 in Des Moines, Iowa.  This year's conference is all about the Future and will address the issues you'll need to know to grow, sustain and enhance your ag lending business.

We're going to kick-off the conference with the preeminent predictor of the future,
Dr. Lowell Catlett.  Dr. Catlett is a Regent's Professor at New Mexico State University. He is the author of numerous books and articles and has won the university's highest award to a professor, the Westhafer Award.  He is internationally known for his work with corporations, governmental agencies, and other organizations for helping them envision the Future. Professor Catlett has been a visiting professor and has delivered presentations at over 50 universities including Harvard and MIT. Dr. Catlett will open the conference by challenging you, entertaining you, and helping you see your Future.

We're going to close the conference with Kirk Lippold, Commander of the USS Cole (retired).  Kirk Lippold was commander of the USS Cole when it came under suicide attack by al Qaeda in October 2000.  Lippold and his crew distinguished themselves and kept the ship from sinking in one of the seminal events of the 20th Century.  Using the devastating terrorist attack as a backdrop, Lippold describes how he created an environment that empowered his crew.  He'll share the fundamental building blocks of leadership with audiences.

In between, we'll have dozens of sessions on topics such as:

• Who will be the Ag banker of the future?
• Will there be business ethics in the future?
• Is Rural Lifestyle Lending in your Future?
• Ag Banking '25: 25 Predictions about the Future of Agricultural Banking in 2025
• The Big Economic Picture
• A Whole Mess of Future Outlook Sessions on Commodities
• The Platinum Ag Banker of the (ok, you get it!)

Check back soon for more program information and future program updates.

Hotel Reservations

One Conference -- Two Hotels
This year, we have two hotels for conference attendees to choose from.  The host site for the 2008 ABA National Agricultural Bankers Conference will be the Des Moines Marriott Downtown in Des Moines, Iowa.  However, you may choose to stay at the Renaissance Savery Hotel which is connected to the Des Moines Marriott Downtown via skywalk.

Des Moines Marriott Downtown, 700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, Phone: 515-245-5500
To register with the Des Moines Marriott Downtown, call 1-800-514-4681 and ask for the American Bankers room block or online by clicking here.

The Renaissance Savery Hotel, 401 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA, Phone: 515-365-7237
To register at the Renaissance Savery Hotel call 1-800-514-4706 and mention code NABNABA or online by clicking here.

We will hold conference General Sessions and Luncheons at the Polk County Convention Center linked to both hotels via skywalk.  (A little exercise never hurt anyone).  Workshop sessions and the Exhibit Hall will be held at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown.

Event Contacts

FOR PROGRAM INFORMATION: Contact John Blanchfield, Senior Vice President, Center for Agricultural and Rural Banking, at 1-800-BANKERS.

FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: Contact our Sponsorship Manager, Cynthia Watkins, at (202) 663-5291.

FOR EXHIBITOR INFORMATION: Contact our Exhibits Manager, Carroll Merry, Countryside Marketing Inc., at (262) 253-6902.