Check back often as more event details become available!

1. Conference Overview

With a desire to inspire your success, Ag Spectrum has developed a comprehensive conference program that covers practical farming applications, farmer 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.

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.

2. Guest Speakers

Dean Heffta

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. In his presentation, “The Strategic Farm”, Dean will discuss how leaders build purposeful operations that last.

Tom Van Wagner

Mr. Van Wagner has served for 28 years as the Director of the Center of Excellence for the Lenawee Soil and Water District where the latest research in sustainable farming is presented to farmers. Previously, he served as a District Conservationist for NRCS for over thirty years and now works as a soil and crop consultant in south-central Michigan. He will share his knowledge and experience regarding soil carbon management, the pros and cons of various types of incentive programs currently offered to farmers, and highlight how whole system management is critical to success.

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 reviewing recent research on sources and cycling of phosphorus in agricultural soils with a particular emphasis on the role soil microbes play in crop nutrition.

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 recent field research characterizing nitrogen flows from Ag Spectrum’s in-furrow mix and banded UAN into various soil and plant pools during early season crop growth.

3. RESORT DETAILS

Check-In Time: 4:00 p.m.

Check-Out Time: 11:00 a.m.

Contact Information

Address: 5001 Coconut Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

Phone Number: (239) 444-1234

Website: Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa

Amenities

• Complimentary Luggage Assistance (Gratuity covered by Ag Spectrum. Please self-identify as part of the group so they receive their gratuity.)
• Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
• Flat Screen TV
• Mini fridge
• In-room coffee and tea
• In-room safe
• Step-out balcony
• Bottled water each day in guestroom
• Complimentary self-parking

Pools

Play all day in the pools encompassing three sprawling acres. There’s fun for every family member with five waterslides, a relaxing lazy river, four swimming pools, a hot tub and a waterfall.

Stillwater Spa

Stillwater Spa treatments are meant to restore the body’s natural rhythms, renew your sense of balance, and rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul. Make a reservation.

Fitness Center

If you like to break a sweat while away, the Stillwater Spa Fitness Center has you covered. Enjoy 24-hour access to the center and take advantage of the treadmills, elliptical machines, free weights, mats, and more.

Eco-Tour and Shuttle – Due to recent storms, the resort’s private beach is currently closed for repairs. As an alternative, there is a complimentary hour-long boat eco-tour available at 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM each day. During the tour, a guide will share the area’s history and provide insights into the local wildlife. Reservations can be made up to three days in advance. To access the boat, guests will take a shuttle from the front desk to the marina.

Food & Beverages

Experience the vibrant dining scene of the Naples area and the fresh food culture of the Florida Gulf Coast at the five on-site restaurants and bars. 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.

Corkscrew Poolside Bar & Grill – Lunch

Relax with service provided right to your poolside chaise or grab some shade under one of the umbrella tables at Corkscrew. They offer a full-service cocktail bar with frozen tropical drinks, domestic, imported, and local craft beers. The menu features, burgers, wraps, hot and cold sandwiches, garden fresh salads, kid’s menu, fruit, and soft drinks.

• Dress Code: Casual
• Daily 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tanglewood Southern Kitchen – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Indulge in the newly renovated and reimagined, Tanglewood- A Southern Kitchen. Tantalize your taste buds and enchant your senses with innovative dishes including soft-shell crab po boys, “surf & swine” seared scallops with candied pork belly, a bayou etouffee, chicken and waffles, and alligator jambalaya.

• Dress Code: Casual
• Daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Tarpon Bay – Dinner

Enjoy gorgeous fountain and lake views from the screened porch of this Florida-inspired seafood restaurant.  The chef infuses the freshest seafood with innovative combinations of herbs and spices for an unforgettable meal. Find a seat at the bar for a drink, toss in some live music on Friday and Saturday night and you have the recipe for a memorable evening.

• Dress Code: Dressy Casual
• Daily 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Mangroves Bar – Lite Fare

Relax with a handcrafted cocktail and appetizer, watch sporting events or mingle at Mangroves. Take a seat in the bar or on the patio. Located beyond the lobby, this full service bar offers weekday Happy Hour specials, mixologist cocktails, beer, wine, lite fare and cigars.

• Dress Code: Casual
• Daily during the afternoon and evening

Cool Beans Marketplace – Grab & Go

Find everything from coffee and bakery treats to garden salads and sandwiches for a quick bite on the go. Cool Beans offers items to make your visit more comfortable including cooler rentals for the beach, games, and souvenirs. Enjoy giant chocolate chip cookies, locally-made ice cream, and an old-fashioned candy shop display. Cool Beans also offers convenience items including bottled beverages, bagged snacks and sunscreen.

• Dress Code: Casual

4. Transportation Details

Guests must provide their own airfare and ground transpor­tation to and from Coconut Point Resort & Spa. Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and Punta Gorda Airport (PGD), 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:

• Self-parking is complimentary at 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.

Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) Airlines

• Allegiant 
• Sun Country Airlines

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) 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 14th 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 18th which will be a themed event.

6. Appreciation Banquet

Join us on the final night of the conference for a Beach Party! Pack your island wear for a night of fantastic food, drinks, coastal music, and dancing.

7. Top Things to Do

Top Things to Do

ALL WATER EXCURSIONS
5001 Coconut Road
(239) 594-0213

BONITA JETSKI & PARASAIL
27908 Hickory Boulevard
(239) 399-5277

AUDUBON CORKSCREW
SWAMP SANCTUARY
375 Sanctuary Road, Naples
(239) 348-9151

EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
Nathaniel P Reed Visitor Center
33000 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee
(239) 695-4758

SANIBEL AND CAPTIVA ISLANDS
Chamber of Commerce
1159 Causeway Boulevard, Sanibel Island
(239) 472-1080

NAPLES ZOO
1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples
(239) 920-2085

NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDENS
4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples
(239) 643-7275

EDISON & FORD WINTER ESTATES
2350 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers
(239) 334-7419

GOLISANO CHILDRENS MUSEUM
15080 Livingston Rd, Naples
(239) 514-0084

COCONUT POINT MALL
23106 Fashion Drive, Estero
(239) 992-9966

MIROMAR OUTLETS
10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero
(239) 948-3766

5TH AVENUE SHOPPING
649 5th Avenue South, Naples
(239) 692-8436

MERCATO
9110 Strada Place, Naples
(239) 254-1080

8. Top Places to Eat

Top Restaurants

DOC’S BEACH HOUSE – $
27908 Hickory Boulevard • Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
American, Pizza • (239) 992-6444

LANSDOWNE STREET – $
24851 S Tamiami Trail • Lunch & Dinner
Sports Pub & Grill • (239) 495-3800

IGUANA MIA – $
28051 S Tamiami Trail • Lunch & Dinner
Mexican • (239) 949-2001

COCONUT JACK’S WATERFRONT GRILLE – $$
5370 Bonita Beach Road SW • Lunch & Dinner
American, Caribbean • (239) 676-7777

TED’S MONTANA GRILL – $$$
8017 Plaza del Lago Dr, Estero • Lunch & Dinner
Steakhouse • (239) 947-9318

DEROMO’S RESTAURANT – $$$
26811 S Bay Drive, Suites 140 & 148 • Lunch & Dinner
Italian • (239) 325-3583

BACKWATER JACKS – $$$
27598 Marina Pointe Dr • Dinner
Seafood • (239) 992-3010

ANGELINA’S RISTORANTE – $$$$
24041 S Tamiami Trail • Dinner
Italian • (239) 390-3187

C LEVEL RESTAURANT & COCKTAIL BAR – $$$$
4450 Bonita Beach Road • Dinner
French, American, International • (239) 221-7046

WYLDS CAFE – $$$$
4271 Bonita Beach Road SW • Dinner
American, Seafood • (239) 947-0408

9. Weather Forecast

10. Post-Conference Survey

Please provide your feedback in this short survey. Click Here

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 or send an email to meetings@agspectrum.com as soon as possible to minimize your cost. Examples of changes include late arrival and early departure.