Check back often as more event details become available!
| Click an item below to view the topic: | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Conference Overview | 7. | Top Things To Do |
| 2. | Speakers | 8. | Top Places to Eat |
| 3. | Resort Details | 9. | Weather Forecast |
| 4. | Transportation Details | 10. | Post Conference Survey |
| 5. | Meals & Attire | 11. | Emergency Contact |
| 6. | Appreciation Banquet | 12. | Changes & Cancellations |
CLICK AN ITEM BELOW TO VIEW THE TOPIC:
1. Conference Overview
With a desire to inspire your success, Ag Spectrum has developed a comprehensive conference program that covers practical farming applications, grower experience stories, and fundamental principles that can lead to the prosperity and growth of a farming operation.
Conference sessions feature presentations from a team of professional researchers, guest speakers, and company experts who have firsthand knowledge of the Maximum Farming System. You will learn how Ag Spectrum’s approach to crop production through the Maximum Farming System provides our customers with what they need to have profitable acres.
We will present relevant and valuable information, offer opportunities to connect with top farmers from across the nation, and celebrate success stories. After our meetings, there is time for social and leisure outings in the late afternoons and evenings and scheduled free time on the weekend.
Join the conference Facebook group to connect with your fellow attendees as we get closer to and during the conference.
Hearing Assistance
A hearing assistance tool called “Listen Everywhere” will be available during the event. This app-based tool allows you to connect to the audio system in the meeting room to hear the presenters through headphones on your device. If you think this tool may be of help to you or your guests, please download the Listen Everywhere app on your smartphone and bring headphones to the conference. Additional instructions will be available in the meeting room.
Preliminary Schedule
2. Guest Speakers
Dr. Peter Lundquist – Michigan State University
Dr. Lundquist is an Assistant Professor of Biochemistry at Michigan State University. An active member of the Plant Resilience Institute, he is a recognized thought leader among those studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms of plant stress management. He will be presenting research describing how nutrient stress affects plants at the biochemical, cellular, and whole plant level. Such work points toward how farmers should manage rates, timing, and placement of fertilizer to optimize yield potential in corn.
Dr. Roli Wilhelm – Purdue University
Dr. Wilhelm is an Assistant Professor of Agronomy at Purdue University where he teaches and conducts research on the components and processes that dynamically alter soil health. He has extensively studied soil microorganisms and how they contribute to soil quality and plant performance. He will be presenting recent research on calcium-containing inputs and how they can alter carbon cycling and net accumulation in agricultural soils.
Dr. Stuart Grandy – University of New Hampshire
Dr. Grandy is a Professor of Natural Resources and the Environment at the University of New Hampshire. He is an internationally recognized expert in soil ecology and biogeochemical cycling in soils studying the regulation of nutrient cycling in forest and agricultural ecosystems. He will be presenting research describing how soil microbes cycle nitrogen fertilizer applied with Ag Spectrum’s in furrow mix or banded UAN during early season crop growth.
Dean Heffta – Powering-up Farm Communication
Dean Heffta speaks and trains on the leader’s path from technical competency to leadership mastery. Raised on his family’s North Dakota farm, he has worked with hundreds of international leaders ranging from Fortune 100 companies to family farms. He is the co-author of the 2023 book “How We Connect” and the president of the Illinois chapter of the National Speakers Association. Dean’s Peoria-based firm, Clarus Results, delivers tailored training and coaching solutions designed for team effectiveness.
3. RESORT DETAILS
Check-In Time: 4:00 p.m.
Check-Out Time: 11:00 a.m.
Contact Information
Address: 430 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767
Phone Number: (866) 258-7247
Website: https://bit.ly/453MT6A
Amenities
- Complimentary Luggage Assistance (Gratuity covered by Ag Spectrum. Please self-identify as part of the group so they receive their gratuity.)
- Wireless internet access
- Under counter cooler
- Flat screen TV
- In-room coffee
- Daily newspaper
- Access to business center
- Beach/pool towels
- In-room safe
- Bottled water each day in guestroom
- Discounted $20 per day parking (There is no on-site self parking available)
- 10% discount on spa services (Must mention you are with Ag Spectrum for discount to be applied)
There are incredible experiences on-site and near the hotel. With a central waterfront location, there is everything you need within the resort or close walking distance. Relax on a lounge chair by the pool with a drink in hand, explore Clearwater’s eclectic shops and dining, or head into the great outdoors. Dive into vibrant local festivals, kick back with a spa treatment, or hit the water to explore the Gulf Coast’s renowned fishing scene.
Pools
Lounge in the shade in a private cabana or embrace the Florida sunshine in the zero-entry Gulf front pool.
Spa
Step into Opal Sands’ spa for an experience away from the ordinary. With a design that soothes and customized treatments from their expert therapists, relax into a journey of rejuvenation. Make a reservation.
Fitness Center
If you like to break a sweat while away, the Opal Sands fitness center has you covered. Enjoy complimentary access to the center and take advantage of the treadmills, cross trainers, strength machines, mats, and yoga balls. It also offers Peloton Bikes with shoe cages or SPD pedals if you have your own.
Beach
With its optimal location on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Opal Sands gives you a front-row seat to one of the most coveted stretches of coastline in the country. Lounge amongst the powdery white sand and turquoise waters just steps from the resort.
Food & Beverages
Savor International cuisine in one of the onsite restaurants featuring authentic Mediterranean dishes and classic Mexican fare. In addition to the information below, more details can be found here, including reservation availability. No food or beverage purchased outside of the hotel is allowed in the meeting/banquet facilities.
Seaguini – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This menu takes its inspiration from fresh Gulf seafood and Italian and Mediterranean flavors. The result is a vibrant array of housemade pastas, pizzas, and specialty plates. The dining experience is enhanced by a contemporary design approach that offers views of the Gulf of Mexico from every seat in the restaurant. With both indoor and outdoor seating options, you can make the most of every angle.
- Dress Code: Dressy Casual
- Daily 8:00 a.m.-Midnight
Sandbar – Lunch & Dinner
Step into full vacation mode at Sandbar, a beachfront Tiki Bar with a tropical drink menu. Grab your go-to beverage or try a handcrafted beach cocktail as you kick back for casual conversations under the embrace of the Florida sun. Recharge with fresh sandwiches, greens, and beachside fare before watching the sun set over the water.
- Dress Code: Casual
- Daily 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Reflections Poolside Bar – Lunch
Reflections Poolside Bar provides fare and refreshments at the pool. The menu features a refreshing array of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and desserts handcrafted with fresh local ingredients.
- Dress Code: Casual
- Daily 11:00 a.m.-Sunset
4. Transportation Details
Guests must provide their own airfare and ground transportation to and from Opal Sands Resort & Spa. St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) and Tampa International Airport (TPA), both located a short distance from the resort, offer rental car and shuttle options.
If you choose to rent a car, here are things to keep in mind:
- There is a discounted $20 per car, per night valet parking fee at the resort. No self-parking is available on-site. A rental car service is 3.6 miles away and a trolley service goes right by the resort.
- It is advised to make rental car arrangements early as the rental companies often run out of cars during this season.
- Utilizing private rental services like Uber and Lyft is also an option.
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) Airlines
Tampa International Airport (TPA) hosts most major airlines. For a listing, click here.
5. MEALS & ATTIRE
Ag Spectrum provides a variety of meals throughout the conference; however, there will be opportunities for guests to enjoy the fresh and flavorful dishes that the resort and area restaurants have to offer. We invite you to enjoy breakfast each morning of your stay, which is included in the package. Attendees and spouses gather at the resort for lunches, provided by Ag Spectrum, on Wednesday and Thursday. Dinner will be provided during the Welcome Banquet on Tuesday and the Appreciation Banquet on Saturday. No food or beverage purchased outside of the hotel is allowed in the meeting/banquet facilities.
Contact us at meetings@agspectrum.com with any special situations or food allergies for members of your party that you did not already include during registration so we can help make your stay as safe and comfortable as possible.
Layers are recommended throughout the conference as both outdoor and indoor temperatures may vary. The Welcome Banquet on January 23rd will be a casual gathering allowing you to come as you are from traveling. Business casual attire is encouraged for meetings and meals, with the exception of the Appreciation Banquet held on January 27th that will be a themed event.
6. Appreciation Banquet
Pack your island-wear and join us for our Beach Party-themed banquet on the final night of the conference! We will enjoy dinner, drinks, live music, and dancing.
7. Top Things to Do
Top Things to Do
Clearwater Marine Aquarium249 Windward Passage | (727) 441-1790
The Florida Aquarium701 Channelside Dr, Tampa | (813) 273-4000
ZooTampa at Lowry Park1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa | (813) 935-8552
Pier 60 Clearwater7 Causeway Blvd | (727) 462-6466
John’s Pass Village12901 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa | (813) 884-4386
Adventure Island Water Park10001 McKinley Dr, Tampa | (813) 884-4386
Celebration Station24546 US Hwy 19 N | (727) 791-1799
Clearwater Watersports521 S Gulfview Blvd | (727) 503-0700
Captain Bligh’s Landing630 S Gulfview Blvd | (727) 443-6348
Tampa Bay Automobile Museum3301 Gateway Centre Blvd, Pinellas Park | (727) 579-8226
Florida Botanical Gardens12520 Ulmerton Rd, Largo | (727) 753-7840
Shell Key Preserve2187 Oceanview Dr, Tierra Verde | Shuttle information can be found here
Caladesi Island State Park1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin | (727) 469-5918
8. Top Places to Eat
Top Places to Eat
(all within 1 mile of resort)
Crabby’s Bar & Grill – $$
333 S Gulfview Blvd | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
American | (727) 608-2065
7 Rockaway St | Lunch & Dinner
American | (727) 446-4844
Salty’s Island Bar & Grille – $$
437 S Gulfview Blvd | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
American | (727) 216-8085
Frenchy’s South Beach Cafe – $$
351 S Gulfview Blvd | Lunch & Dinner
American | (727) 441-9991
Badfins Food + Brew – $$
215 S Gulfview Blvd | Lunch & Dinner
American | (727) 474-5591
Blinkers Beachside Steak House & Lounge – $$$
476 Mandalay Ave | Dinner
Steakhouse | (727) 754-1757
Toucans Bar & Grill – $$
431 Mandalay Ave | Lunch & Dinner
Sports Bar | (727) 461-4500
Hogan’s Hangout – $$
499 Mandalay Ave | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sports Bar | (727) 386-9933
We the Pizza – $
301 S Gulfview Blvd Suite 105 | Lunch & Dinner
Pizzeria | (727) 437-4040
King’s Pizza & Grill325 Coronado Dr | Lunch & Dinner
Pizzeria | (727) 216-6689
Barefoot Beach House332 S Gulfview | Lunch & Dinner
Coffee, Ice Cream & Snacks | (727) 449-8070
9. Weather Forecast
10. Post-Conference Survey
A survey will be available to complete here after the conference.
11. Emergency Contact
In case of emergency please contact the Ag Spectrum representative who invited you, or our meeting coordinator, Robin Petersen (meetings@agspectrum.com).
12. Changes & Cancellations
If changes or cancellations are necessary, contact the Ag Spectrum representative who invited you and/or meetings@agspectrum.com as soon as possible so the cost incurred can be minimized. Examples of these changes include late arrival and early departure.