Wednesday, October 7

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM  –  Registration & Breakfast in the Exchange

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM – Smokin’ Hot Topics: The KC Kickoff Jam  |  Panelists: Thomas Dirmyer (Louis Dreyfus Co.), Steve Kubicki (Golden Agri Resources), Trent Weatherly (JST Global)

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM  – Tallow Session: The Future of LCI Feedstocks (Such as Tallow & UCO) and Their Role in the Global Fuels Market  | Speaker: Juan Sacoto (S & P Global)

11:00 AM – 11:45 AM – Economic Outlook: From Tariff Turmoil to Turbulent Oil and Everything in Between  |  Speaker: Michael Gregory, CFA (BMO Capital Markets)

11:45 AM – 1:30 PM – Lunch in the Exchange

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM – Animal Proteins Session: No More Waste  |  Speaker: Kim Broekemeier (Sanimax)

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM – The Exchange is open for meetings

4:30 PM – 7:30 PM – Reception at Kansas City Live

Before heading to Kansas City, be sure to download the Whova event app on your mobile device or access it from your desktop. The app is your go-to resource for everything happening at the AFOA Annual Meeting—and a great way to start connecting before you even arrive!

With the AFOA event app, you can:

• View the full agenda and build your own personal schedule
• Explore session and event details so you know what to expect
• Access documents, presentations, and slides shared by AFOA and our speakers
• See who’s attending and connect with fellow attendees ahead of time to schedule meetings
• Post and browse job openings within the industry
• Receive important real-time updates from AFOA staff, including any last-minute schedule or session changes

Explore the descriptions below for a closer look at the topics, discussions, and insights you can expect throughout the Annual Meeting.

Smokin’ Hot Topics: The KC Kickoff Jam

Panelists: Thomas Dirmyer | Louis Dreyfus Co., Steve Kubicki | Golden Agri Resources, and Trent Weatherly | JST Global

Kick off the AFOA 2026 Annual Meeting with a lively discussion featuring industry leaders from across the fats and oils supply chain. Representing a variety of market segments and areas of expertise, this panel will share their perspectives on the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping today’s marketplace.

From shifting market dynamics and emerging opportunities to the issues keeping industry leaders focused, this interactive session offers attendees a broad view of the current landscape through the eyes of experienced industry professionals.

Wednesday, October 7 | 8:30 – 9:30 AM

The Future of LCI Feedstocks (such as UCO & Tallow) and Their Role in the Global Fuels Market

Speaker: Juan Sacoto | S & P Global

This session will explore the growing importance of low-carbon-intensity feedstocks such as tallow and used cooking oil (UCO) and their expanding role in the global fuels market. Attendees will gain valuable insights into market trends, supply and demand dynamics, policy drivers, and the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of these increasingly sought-after feedstocks.

Wednesday, October 7 | 9:45 – 10:45 AM

Economic Outlook: From Tariff Turmoil to Turbulent Oil and Everything in Between

Speaker: Michael Gregory | BMO Capital Markets

Despite being hit by the pogo sticks of tariffs and oil prices, the economy has remained resilient, with help from the AI buildout and allied wealth effect. Alongside the resiliency, however, inflation has remained sticky. After more than five years of above-2% readings, the Federal Reserve has recommitted to restoring price stability. Can this be done without raising policy rates? It’s unclear, but against the background of affordability pressures, a lackluster labor market, along with stagnant non-AI-related capex and housing, there is a lot to consider for the Federal Reserve and investors.

You don’t want to miss this timely conversation.

Wednesday, October 7 | 11:00 – 11:45 AM

No More Waste

Speaker: Kim Broekemeier | Sanimax

This session will provide an overview of the rendering industry before exploring the often-overlooked value of rendered protein products. Attendees will gain a greater understanding of how rendered proteins contribute to a more sustainable food system, support animal agriculture, and play a vital role in advancing the circular economy by ensuring that every part of the production cycle has a purpose.

Wednesday, October 7 | 1:00 – 1:45 PM

Believe & Achieve: A Leadership Kickoff with Coach Campbell

Speaker: Coach Donnie Campbell | Championship-winning Coach, Inspiration behind Jason Sudeikis’ character, Ted Lasso

Coach Campbell was a math teacher and a high school basketball coach from Kansas who was plucked out of obscurity when Jason Sudeikis, the American actor and star of the 5-time Emmy Award winning show, revealed to Stephen Colbert on The Late Show that Campbell was in part the impetus for the lead character he plays with such wit and wisdom. It was back in the late 1990’s when Jason played basketball at Shawnee Mission West High School and Donnie was his coach. Little did Campbell know that all the pearls of wisdom he was dropping on Jason and the team would appear years later and make an indelible impression on millions around the world.

In his powerful leadership keynote, Coach Donnie Campbell, will show attendees how to discover their “MVP” – their mission, values, and principles to inspire individuals to reach their potential and teams to reach new heights.

Thursday, October 8 | 9:00 – 10:00 AM

High Impact Meteorology

Speaker: Eric Snodgrass | Nutrien Ag Solutions

Weather is one of the most powerful, and often unpredictable, forces shaping global agriculture, commodity markets, supply chains, and the fats and oils industry. In this fast-paced session, Atmospheric Scientist Eric Snodgrass will explore the high-impact weather events and climate patterns influencing production around the world, from droughts, floods, hurricanes, and severe storms to El Niño and other large-scale drivers. He’ll look at where we’ve been, what the latest forecasts suggest is coming next, and how much confidence we should place in those predictions. Eric will also explore the rapidly changing technology behind modern weather forecasting, including artificial intelligence and advances in predictive science, while separating weather fact from fiction and highlighting practical tools and resources businesses can use to make better-informed decisions in an increasingly volatile environment.

Thursday, October 8 | 10:15 – 11:15 AM

How Energy Policy is Reshaping the Global Food Trade

Speaker: Jim Wiesemeyer | Pro Farmer

As energy markets, biofuels policy, sustainability initiatives, and geopolitical developments continue to influence agricultural supply chains, understanding these connections has never been more important. Jim will provide valuable insights into how evolving energy policies are impacting global trade flows, market opportunities, and the future of the fats, oils, and feedstocks industries.

Thursday, October 8 | 1:30 – 2:15 PM

The Grain and Oilseed Outlook for the Coming Year

Speaker: Bill Lapp | Advanced Economic Solutions

As weather, global demand, trade dynamics, biofuels policy, and shifting market fundamentals continue to influence grain and oilseed markets, staying ahead of these trends has never been more important. Bill will provide a forward-looking perspective on the factors shaping the year ahead, helping attendees better understand the opportunities, risks, and market forces that could impact the industry.

Thursday, October 8 | 2:30 – 3:15 PM

Biofuels Outlook: Policy, Production, & What’s Next

Speaker: Dr. Scott Irwin | Chair of Agricultural Marketing at the University of Illinois

With record-setting RVOs, uncertainty surrounding biomass-based diesel production, ongoing discussions about potential RVO waivers, and the future of E15, the renewable fuels landscape is evolving rapidly. Dr. Irwin will break down what these developments mean for the fats and oils industry, explore the challenges and opportunities ahead, and provide the data-driven perspective attendees have come to expect from one of the industry’s leading economists.

Thursday, October 8 | 3:30 – 4:30 PM

Center Stage: KC Live!

AFOA’s Wednesday Evening Event

October 7 | 4:30 – 7:30 PM | The Living Room & The Level Up Deck