We look forward to your participation in the 2026 ASA State Staff Meeting, October 20-21, 2026, at the Ameristar Casino Resort & Spa in St. Charles, Missouri. 

About the Meeting
State staff play a critical role in advancing the interests of soybean farmers every day. Whether your work focuses on communications, policy, membership, compliance, farmer engagement, administration, or executive leadership, your efforts help strengthen the entire soybean industry. 

The ASA State Staff Meeting brings together professionals from soybean associations for two days of learning, collaboration, and relationship building. This meeting is designed to help attendees leverage the full strength of the national soybean system while exploring how collaboration among state and national organizations creates greater value for farmers. 

Participants will gain valuable insights into federal policy priorities, soybean demand initiatives, communications strategies, emerging food and nutrition conversations, state support resources, and opportunities to strengthen collaboration across the soy family. Throughout the meeting, attendees will hear how ASA's policy advocacy, economic analysis, communications expertise, and state support services complement and support the important work already being done by state organizations, creating opportunities to expand our collective impact for farmers. 

The program is designed to ensure every attendee leaves feeling informed, connected, valued, and empowered in the important role they play as force multipliers for farmer success. 

Together, state and national soybean organizations are stronger, more effective advocates, and better equipped to deliver value to farmers. This meeting is an opportunity to learn from one another, strengthen those connections, and build for the future. 

Meeting Schedule
 The meeting begins Tuesday, October 20 at 12:30 p.m., and concludes at Noon on Wed-nesday, October 21. 

Optional Pre-Meeting Session: Policy for Non-Policy Staff
Tuesday, October 20 | 11: a.m.-11:45 a.m.
An optional session, "Policy for Non-Policy Staff," will be offered from 11:00a.m. to 11:45 a.m. prior to the start of the meeting. This session is designed for staff who may not work directly in policy but whose responsibilities are influenced by advocacy outcomes. Anyone interested in gaining a broader understanding of ASA's advocacy efforts is encouraged to attend. Lunch will be provided for pre-registered attendees. 

Keynote Speaker: Jenn Whitmer
This year's keynote speaker, Jenn Whitmer, will share insights on creating positive workplace cultures, strengthening collaboration, and finding greater joy and purpose in our work. 

Travel & Hotel Information
States are eligible for reimbursement of travel expenses (flights, mileage, taxis/Ubers) up to $450 per state. An expense report will be provided. The program will cover your hotel room on Tuesday, October 20. Reservations will be made for participants based upon the registration form.  Registration will close Fri., October 9, 2026.

Tuesday Evening
Tuesday evening will include dinner, networking, and activities with colleagues from across the country, providing a valuable opportunity to build connections, share ideas, and strengthen relationships across the soybean industry.  

Thank you to Our Sponsors
ASA extends its sincere appreciation to Bayer Crop Science, FMC, and Inari for their support of the 2026 State Staff Meeting. Their partnership helps make this event possible and supports the exchange of ideas and collaboration that strengthen the soybean industry. Attendees will also enjoy refreshments provided by ASA Industry Partner, PepsiCo.

Ready to Register?
Please use the link below to begin your registration and hotel arrangements. Additional meeting details and hotel confirmation information will be shared in the coming weeks. 

We look forward to welcoming you to St. Charles this October and continuing to build a stronger, more connected soybean community together.

Click the REGISTER NOW button to begin.