📅✨2026 EMDA Convention Schedule✨📅
We’re excited to announce the 2026 EMDA& FEMA Fall Joint Convention happening at the New Orleans Marriott - New Orleans, Louisiana - October 27–29, 2026
Get ready to connect, collaborate, and celebrate in one of the most vibrant cities in the U.S.!
Monday, October 26
8:00- 12:00 Group 6 Meeting Special Meeting for G6 Members
12:00- 5pm Board of Directors Meeting Board Members only
Tuesday, October 27
12:30-1:00 Vi by visorPRO®- The ROI of AI.
1:15-2:00 Phil Paterson- Executive Order Strengthening Customs Enforcement – What importers and suppliers need to know to be ready.
2:00-3:30 Roundtable: EMDA … Gateway to the North American Market – panel presentation and Q&A for manufacturers looking to sell products in North America.
3:30-4:00 Member Spotlight – The EMDA President, Kris Yancey will do a presentation on Implement Sales and Marketing
4:00-4:30 New Member/ Mentor Toast For New Members and Mentors
4:30-6:00 ITA Meet and Greet
6:00- Past President Reception & DinnerFor Past Presidents, the Board, and their guests.
Wednesday, October 28
08:00a – 09:30a FEMA/EMDA Joint Opening Session & Breakfast – Speaker: Alex Webber
Get ready to kick off the convention with energy, inspiration, and practical strategies for success. Alex Weber is an award-winning keynote speaker, champion coach, acclaimed author, NBC television host, and competitor on American Ninja Warrior. In fact, he is the only person ever to both host and compete on the show.
Known for his contagious enthusiasm and actionable insights, Alex helps individuals and organizations lead through change, overcome challenges, and achieve breakthrough results. Having inspired more than 5.5 million people worldwide and worked with leading organizations including Amazon, Apple, Fidelity, LinkedIn, RE/MAX, and the Los Angeles Lakers, Alex brings a unique blend of entertainment, motivation, and real-world strategies.
Through powerful stories, practical takeaways, and his signature The Unstoppable You framework, Alex will empower attendees to embrace change, conquer obstacles, and unlock new levels of personal and professional achievement.
8:00- 5:00 ITA Communication Room
10:00a-11:00a Corporate Annual Meeting – Standard agenda items (reports, nominations, etc.).
10:30a –2:30p Join us for the EMDA/FEMA Joint Social Program
Spouse Outing: A Taste of New Orleans
Experience the flavors and rich history of New Orleans during this unforgettable outing.The day begins at the renowned New Orleans School of Cooking, where guests will enjoy a lively, interactive cooking demonstration and lunch. During this two-hour experience, local chefs will prepare classic Louisiana favorites while sharing the history and traditions behind Creole and Cajun cuisine. Guests will enjoy each course as it is prepared, along with complimentary beverages, and will receive recipe cards to take home so they can recreate these iconic dishes. Following lunch, the group will visit The Historic New Orleans Collection Museum for a guided tour through one of the city's premier history museums. Guests will explore fascinating exhibits, artifacts, and stories that showcase the unique culture, architecture, and heritage of New Orleans.This memorable outing combines authentic New Orleans cuisine, history, and Southern hospitality, offering the perfect way to experience the spirit of the Crescent City.
11:15a – 12:45p Contact Session – Each table will have a small sign to remind participants of the 10-minute ‘limit’. Booth Signs include “distributor” or “rep” notation and territory map, and product types. Companies are set in alphabetical order. The first 30 minutes are limited to EMDA Associate members only.
1:00a -5:30p Open for Provider and Associate member Breakout sessions
1:15–1:45 PM Osmundson MFG.
2:00–2:30 PM RepFabric- From the Field to the Factory: Creating Visibility That Drives Growth- RepFabric Breakout session
2:45–3:15 PM Gripp- Building stronger customer relationships the easy way
3:30–4:00 PM Dündarlar Makina and Toscano
4:15–4:45 PM- Moore Colson- is “Agribusiness Capital Spending Outlook”
5:00–5:30 PM ITA Delegate Introduction
06:00p – 07:00p Partners Party– All EMDA convention registrants are invited. FEMA manufacturers Members invited to celebrate our joint partnership.Sponsored by Osmundson MFG.
7:00p- 9:00 p Open for sponsorship party
Thursday, October 29th
7:00a – 9:00a FEMA/EMDA Joint Breakfast Buffet
8:00 a- 9:00 a Past Presidents Breakfast for Past Presidents and the Board
9:00a-10:30a Rep RoundTable- For Distributors and Reps only
10:30a -2:00p Industry Showcase- Mardi Gras Themed
1:00p-5:00p EMDA ONLY FREE Head Shots- Sponsored my FARMX
05:30p - 9:30 Joint Farewell Outing -
Farewell Dinner Cruise | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Join us for an extra-special farewell evening aboard a classic New Orleans steamboat as we cruise along the historic Mississippi River. Guests will enjoy authentic New Orleans cuisine, live music, and breathtaking views while celebrating the close of another memorable EMDA Convention. It's the perfect opportunity to relax, connect with fellow attendees, and experience the unique culture and charm of the Crescent City.
Transportation: Motor coaches will depart the hotel at 5:30 PM. The cruise will sail from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, with an anticipated return to the hotel by 9:30 PM.