GEAPS Announces 2026 IOMSA Golden Ticket Award Winners

GEAPS Announces 2026 IOMSA Golden Ticket Award Winners

Three Rising Grain Processing Professionals Earn a Trip to GEAPS Exchange

Three grain processing professionals will head to GEAPS Exchange 2026 with full access to industry education, networking, and career-enhancing opportunities after being selected as this year's IOMSA Golden Ticket award winners.

The program provides complimentary full registration and a $500 travel stipend to the award winners who are eager to expand their technical knowledge and industry network.

2026 IOMSA Golden Ticket Award Winners:

• Kevin Heiden, Shipping and Receiving Supervisor, Zeeland Farm Services - Ithaca, Ithaca, MI

• Ben Schlatter, Facility Engineering Intern, Scoular, and Feed-Mill Operator, Midland Marketing Co-operative, Hays, KS

• Adam Kopachek, Inventory Manager, CHS Inc. - Global Grains and Processing, Mankato, MN

Recipients were selected through a competitive application process that evaluated professional experience, commitment to continued learning, and interest in advancing within grain processing operations. Continued for its second year, the IOMSA Golden Ticket aligns with the returning Processing track of education. The lineup of sessions in this track can be found at https://www.geaps.com/exchange/exchange-education-tracks/#processing-track.

John Caupert, GEAPS CEO, is excited about how GEAPS is once again working to bring more processing professionals together at Exchange.

"There is a major transformational shift happening right now with the flow of grain," said Caupert. "In this shift, the grain processing sector is seeing evolving demand, policies, and technologies creating new possibilities for growth. GEAPS Exchange is where the conversations shaping the future of grain processing are taking place."

The three winners will be recognized onsite at Exchange on Sunday, February 22^nd following the Grain Processing Leadership Panel Innovation Station taking place at 3:45 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Join us in celebrating these deserving honorees.

Make Your Plans to Attend

GEAPS Exchange will be held February 21-24, 2026, at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, MO. Click the button below to register and learn more. Follow us on social channels for the latest updates and sneak peeks of what to expect at GEAPS Exchange.

About GEAPS

The Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) is an international association of grain handling and grain processing professionals. GEAPS provides its members opportunities for networking, training and education, and access to a global marketplace of industry suppliers. The collaborative effort between GEAPS and its multimedia company GEAPS Media Group (GMG) expands reach in the industry and adds resources for members. GEAPS' global network includes over 4,000 individual members from approximately 1,200 companies. Join our network today!

About GEAPS Exchange

GEAPS Exchange is the premier event for grain and grain processing professionals. The 2026 show features over 45 hours of educational content and an expansive expo floor showcasing the latest equipment and technology. This event is ideal for operators, managers, and suppliers looking to expand industry knowledge, solve challenges, and make lasting connections.