A Can’t Miss Week in Phoenix

 Article and photo provided by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

When cattlemen and women blaze a trail, they do it with a sense of purpose and pride. For the 2018 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, we’ll Blaze a Trail to Phoenix, Ariz., and you’re invited to join us. Whether or not you’ve experienced Phoenix, this year’s event is one you won’t want to miss.

The 2018 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show promises to be one for the record books with countless leadership and educational opportunities, a trade show that will span more than six acres and entertainment for the entire family. Of course, we’ll also do the work of America’s beef business during the week, so join us as we set a course for the future of the industry.
This year, we’ll also celebrate the 25th anniversary of Cattlemen’s College. Cattlemen’s College is famous for stimulating and thought-provoking sessions that can help generate high returns for your operation. Join us and find out why Cattlemen’s College is the cattleman’s number one resource for education and profit-building advice. The event begins on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 30, with sessions and a welcome reception, and continues with a day full of educational sessions on Wednesday.
The week’s events officially kick off on Jan. 31, with the Opening General Session, emceed by Storme Warren, best known as the host of GAC’s Headline Country show. Satellite radio subscribers also hear him every weekday morning as a host on The Highway, a country channel on Sirius XM. He’ll be joined by the session’s featured speaker Ree Drummond, “The Pioneer Woman.” Wednesday’s events will also include the “Sonoran Shindig,” Welcome Reception and the crowning of the National Environmental Stewardship Award recipient.
Thursday’s activities begin with the ever-popular CattleFax Outlook Session, and the day features a packed agenda of industry meetings where cattle industry policy and checkoff program work takes center stage for attendees. As the business landscape shifts, cattlemen and cattlewomen are constantly adjusting business priorities and that work begins each year during the Cattle Industry Convention. This year, we’ll continue to outline our agenda and lay the groundwork for what looks to be another successful year on the policy front in Washington, D.C. Leaders of the beef checkoff and other important programs will also set their focus on 2018 priorities during our week in Phoenix. For attendees who have extra time in their agenda, this year’s NCBA Trade Show features more than 325 exhibitors and the Route 66 Outdoor Display area where you can find the latest agricultural equipment. At the end of Thursday’s work, participants will be treated to the Phoenix Fiesta, an opportunity to enjoy the excitement that Arizona has to offer.
Friday features the popular Best of Beef Breakfast, where the year’s award recipients are honored. The event will be followed by General Session II, featuring former Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Abbott; who will share his motivating story of success despite having been born without a right hand. The day also features more time to take in the expanded NCBA Trade Show, or step out and enjoy downtown Phoenix, which has grown significantly in recent years. The city’s walkability, downtown shops, restaurants and nightlife offer something for every cattleman and woman who makes the trip to the great Southwest.
Speaking of nightlife, the week’s fun and festivities conclude on Friday night with the Cowboy Comedy Club, featuring Bill Engvall and some of his friends. This star-studded lineup will be sure to deliver nonstop laughs and entertainment for the entire family! Be certain you save some energy for the Desert Gloasis After Party, as we celebrate the end of what is sure to be an epic week in Arizona.