Joint Opening Breakfast Session: The Unstoppable You
Alex Weber
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Get ready to kick off the convention with energy, inspiration, and practical strategies for success. Alex Weber is an award-winning keynote speaker, champion coach, acclaimed author, NBC television host, and competitor on American Ninja Warrior. In fact, he is the only person ever to both host and compete on the show.
Known for his contagious enthusiasm and actionable insights, Alex helps individuals and organizations lead through change, overcome challenges, and achieve breakthrough results. Having inspired more than 5.5 million people worldwide and worked with leading organizations including Amazon, Apple, Fidelity, LinkedIn, RE/MAX, and the Los Angeles Lakers, Alex brings a unique blend of entertainment, motivation, and real-world strategies.
Through powerful stories, practical takeaways, and his signature The Unstoppable You framework, Alex will empower attendees to embrace change, conquer obstacles, and unlock new levels of personal and professional achievement.
General Session: Economic Outlook
Patrick Luce and Jeremy Bess, Stantec Consulting Services
Wed. Oct. 29, 2025 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
The dynamic duo of Patrick and Jeremy, both Principal Exonomists with Stantec, will focus on key factors impacting FEMA members, with economic outlooks including:
• Trends in markets impacting the Farm Equipment Manufacturing industry as they relate to domestic demand
• The financial health of U.S. businesses and consumers and their capacity to drive investment
• Cost escalation factors, particularly the rising costs of materials and production
Discover the vibrant and exciting side of Economics. Similar to the camaraderie found in the early 2000s sitcom Scrubs, these lifelong friends have collaborated for years, bringing genuine passion to the field of Economics. Their mission is to transform the perception of economics, turning negativity on its head. Yes, they have their degrees, have been published in print, featured as guests on podcasts, and have delivered countless keynote presentations. However, their most cherished achievement is resonating with diverse audiences, whether it’s senior executives, inquisitive Wall Street Journal readers, or casual presentation attendees who came for the coffee but stayed for the insights. With an abundance of news and information available, these hosts guide their audience to look beyond the headlines and focus on what truly matters. By delving into the intricacies of the business cycle, the duo unpacks the trends that matter, offering management solutions to help better plan for the future.
At Stantec, we stand out in the economic speaking arena due to our unique approach to understanding and interpreting the economy. Unlike other firms that specialize exclusively in either public sector policy or private sector analysis, Stantec brings a holistic perspective by having deep experience in both worlds. This dual expertise allows us to offer insights not only from a policy-making standpoint but also from a practical, business-focused lens. We believe this ability to bridge the gap between government policy and its direct impact on business practices provides true value for our clients.
While many economic firms focus solely on dissecting current trends, Stantec’s Market Economic Insights and Solutions team takes a forward-looking approach, providing actionable strategies that drive success. Our goal is to help clients anticipate challenges, plan effectively, and capitalize on opportunities to support long-term growth.
FEMA AgTech Arena Pitch Contest
Wednesday, October 28 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Learn about new innovations straight from the developer! This new event is an idea brought to you from FEMA’s Technology Council and is an exciting pitch competition for AgTech startups! See groundbreaking solutions in precision agriculture, farm equipment technology, automation, robotics, sensors, AI for machinery & more. A panel of judges will choose a grand prize winner. Attendees will choose a fan favorite!