Event Agenda

TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY

Tuesday

NOVEMBER 11, 2025

Arrivals & Registration

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Stop by the Hospitality Desk in the Grand Central Ballroom Foyer between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM to check in and pick up your conference materials. Our team will be available to answer questions, provide directions, and help you get settled in.

Planting the Seeds for Success: Welcome to the National Agent Summit!

Pat Faga, FMH EVP Chief Marketing Officer and Kevin Johnson, FMH Senior Vice President of Sales

1:00-1:40 PM

Kick off the conference with us as we set the tone for the next few days. We’ll discuss where FMH is headed in the coming years, share strategic updates that focus on growth, opportunity, and preparing for success.

An Abundant Future with Artificial Intelligence

Zack Kass, Futurist, AI Thought Leader, Former Head of Go To Market for OpenAI

1:40-2:40 PM

Artificial Intelligence is transforming work as we know it—and the stakes for organizations couldn’t be higher. Individuals and companies that don’t adapt run the risk of being left behind. How can you prepare for what’s coming? As the former Head of Go To Market for OpenAI and leading futurist, Zack Kass has helped hundreds of leaders rethink their AI strategy. In this compelling talk, Zack will deliver a comprehensive roadmap on how to build, develop, motivate, and retain high-performing teams and companies in an AI-driven world. You will walk away understanding the importance of soft skills, constant learning, and a culture of adaptability to thrive in the new business landscape.

Break

2:40-3:00 PM

Grab a snack and refresh with beverages in the Grand Central Ballroom Foyer. 

The Wild World of Washington: Key Updates and Insights

Tara Smith, Executive VP at Torrey Advisory Group

3:00-4:00 PM

Washington is buzzing with activity, and the decisions being made on Capitol Hill have real implications for agriculture and crop insurance. Join Tara Smith, a seasoned expert with an ag background and a front-row seat to the action, as she unpacks the latest legislative and regulatory developments affecting our industry. This interactive session is designed to give you targeted insights into how recent policy changes and elections impact crop insurance and farm operations.

As Executive Vice President at Torrey Advisory Group, Tara leads a talented team to develop legislative strategies and inform policymakers on priorities for the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB). Bring your questions — there will be time for live Q&A!

 

Direct Connect Experience Zone & Cocktail Reception

4:00-5:30 PM

Mingle with fellow agents and FMH staff while exploring the Direct Connect Experience Zone—all in one lively space. Enjoy cocktails and conversation as you get hands-on with tools, tech, and resources designed to elevate your agency. Engage with FMH experts and vendor partners for valuable insights, one-on-one discussions, and next-level strategies.

Dinner on Own

Evening

Explore Omaha’s vibrant dining scene at your leisure. Stop by the hospitality desk for restaurant recommendations.

Wednesday

NOVEMBER 12

Group Breakfast

7:00-8:00 AM

Start your day with a hot breakfast served in the Blackstone Ballroom. 

FMH’s Vision with President & CEO Shannon Rutledge

Shannon Rutledge, FMH President & CEO

8:00-8:15 AM

Join FMH President & CEO Shannon Rutledge for a forward-looking conversation about FMH’s strategic direction and vision for the future.

Secrets of a Champion Mindset

Molly Fletcher, Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker, Author, and Former Sports Agent

8:15-9:15 AM

Hailed as “the female Jerry Maguire,” Molly Fletcher has negotiated over $500 million in contracts for some of sports’ biggest names. Now, she brings her behind-the-scenes insights to the business world—showing high performers how to harness the mindset that drives true, lasting success.

In this powerful session, Molly shares the secrets behind a champion’s mindset. Learn why the best don’t focus on beating the competition—they focus on beating yesterday’s version of themselves. By embracing everyday discipline and committing to the process, you’ll discover how to unlock your potential, drive performance, and stand out in your field.

Get ready to be inspired to lead with purpose, push past complacency, and compete at your highest level.

 

 

Ag Economics: Situation and Outlook

Steve Elmore, Corteva Agriscience Chief Economist

9:15-10:00 AM

Join Steve Elmore, Chief Economist at Corteva Agriscience, for a can’t-miss session exploring the current state of the agricultural economy and what lies ahead. With over 25 years of industry experience and a deep understanding of both policy and markets, Steve will break down key economic indicators, market trends, and policy shifts that are shaping the ag landscape. His insights will help you make informed decisions and stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of agriculture’s leading voices—gain a clearer picture of what’s impacting your business now and how to prepare for the future.

FMH Marketing and our Customer Experience Strategy

Tracy Klever, FMH AVP Marketing Services and Dave DeCapp, FMH Senior Vice President of Marketing

10:00-10:30 AM

Discover how FMH is aligning marketing and customer experience (CX) to build stronger relationships, support agents, and enhance the policyholder journey. This session will explore our CX strategy and how it informs messaging, branding, and communication—from first impressions to lasting loyalty. Learn how we’re creating more meaningful touchpoints and elevating the FMH experience for both agents and farmers.

direct-connect-image

BREAK + DIRECT CONNECT ZONE OPEN

Stop by the Direct Connect Zone during any of the following break times.
Wednesday • 10:30 - 11:00 AM | 2:00 - 2:15 PM | 3:15 - 3:30 PM

Breakout Sessions

11:00 - 12:00 PM - Choose a session to attend. Sessions repeat at 2:15 - 3:15 PM

Session 1

Session 2

 

FMHQ: Selling Strategies, Success Stories,
and Phase 2&3

Kathleen Bjerke, FMH AVP Regional Sales Manager

Get the latest on FMH Quoting (FMHQ) as we showcase fresh selling strategies, celebrate real success stories from the field, and share key insights from the now-completed Phase 2. We’ll also take a look at what’s unfolding in Phase 3. This session highlights how FMHQ continues to evolve and support you in driving growth.

 

Understanding Competitor Products and How to Sell Against Them

Ken Ripley, FMH AVP Regional Sales Manager and Dave Kahle, FMH AVP Regional Sales Manager

In today’s competitive market, knowing how to position your products against others is key. This session will provide a comparative overview of FMH private product offerings from other AIPs and highlight the unique strengths and hidden value of our own. You'll walk away with practical insights and talking points to help you confidently sell against the competition and better communicate the advantages of our solutions to your customers.

Lunch and Direct Connect

Direct Experience Zone Open

12:00-1:00 PM

Enjoy lunch in the Blackstone Ballroom, connect with colleagues, and recharge for the afternoon sessions.

Navigating Change: Growing Your Agency in a Shifting Market

Colleen Francis, Founder and President of Engage Selling Solutions

1:00-2:00 PM

Join Colleen Francis for a powerful session designed to help you not just survive—but thrive—in today’s evolving agricultural market. She’ll share actionable strategies to connect with multiple generations of farmers, navigate industry consolidation, and put customer care at the center of your success. Learn how to leverage social media effectively and stay sharp with deep product knowledge, all aimed at helping you grow your agency and win more business in a competitive landscape.

Colleen brings over 20 years of sales leadership experience and a passion for driving real results. She knows firsthand that traditional sales tactics no longer cut it in today’s fast-changing environment, and she’s here to equip you with fresh, effective approaches that work now.

 

Breakout Sessions

Choose a session to attend.

2:15-3:15 PM

Choose a session to attend. Sessions descriptions are listed above. 

View Session Descriptions

Breakout Sessions

3:30-4:30 PM - Choose a session to attend.

Session 1

Session 2

 

Future-Proofing Your Agency: Health, Growth, and Succession Planning

Kevin Johnson, FMH Senior Vice President of Sales and Dave DeCapp, FMH Senior Vice President of Marketing

Prepare your agency for long-term success by focusing on three critical areas: agency health, sustainable growth, and effective succession planning. This session will offer practical insights and strategies to help you build a resilient business, nurture future leaders, and ensure a smooth transition in an evolving market. Whether you're thinking about your own succession plan or exploring how to grow through acquisitions, this session will provide valuable direction for the future of your agency.

 

Precision Solutions: Progress, Performance & What’s Next

Dawn Stoppelmoor, FMH AVP Business Development and Brian Hagen, FMH Precision Technology Manager

Explore the latest developments in FMH’s Precision Solutions, including current capabilities, recent successes, and a look ahead at what’s coming next. This session will provide key updates on how these tools are helping agents and farmers work smarter, improve accuracy, and drive operational efficiency. 

SUMMIT
DINNER & RECEPTION

5:30 – 8:00 PM

Join us at 5:30 PM in the Grand Central Ballroom Foyer for a welcoming reception—enjoy drinks, light appetizers, and great conversations with fellow attendees. Dinner will follow in the Grand Central Ballroom, where you’ll indulge in a delicious meal while continuing to connect and celebrate a successful day together.

Thursday

NOVEMBER 13

Breakfast

7:00-8:00 AM

Start the final half day energized with a hot breakfast in the Blackstone Ballroom.

Chasing Water, Wind and the Science of Weather Prediction and its impact to Agriculture

Matt Reardon, Senior Atmospheric Scientist, Conduit Ag

8:00-8:45 AM

Hear a clear-eyed review of how 2025’s weather shaped crop outcomes and indemnities across the U.S: where excessive rainfall, severe storms, heat waves, and drought shaped the season, and how those patterns affected yield variance. Using the latest climate indicators, we will frame an outlook and scenarios for:

  • Winter 2025-26 temperature, precipitation, and freeze risk
  • Planting-window soil-moisture prospects and spring severe-weather exposure
  • Yield-critical summer stress periods in the Corn Belt, Great Plains, and Delta
Expect an evidence-based discussion focused on risk, climate trends, and drivers that impact our weather. We’ll discuss how climate drivers like sea surface temperatures, ENSO (El Niño and La Niña), and other major factors play into this year’s forecast, weaving in historical trends to provide context for the season ahead. This talk will give your audience practical insights and a clear perspective on what lies ahead.

 

 

The Future of Crop Insurance: An RMA Update with Administrator Pat Swanson

Pat Swanson, RMA Administrator

8:45-9:30 AM

Get the latest updates straight from the source as RMA Administrator Patricia Swanson shares timely insights on federal crop insurance policy, priorities from the USDA, and what lies ahead for the industry. This session will provide agents with a clear view of how national decisions are shaping risk management in agriculture—and what that means for you and your customers.

Break

9:30-9:45 AM

Enjoy snacks, beverages, and connect with fellow attendees in the Grand Central Ballroom Foyer.

 

Regional Breakout Sessions

9:45-11:15 AM

Ken RipleyKEN RIPLEY

North Region Breakout
FMH AVP Regional Sales Manager

Kathleen BjerkeKATHLEEN BJERKE

Central Region Breakout
FMH AVP Regional Sales Manager

Dave Kahle

DAVE KAHLE

East Region Breakout
FMH AVP Regional Sales Manager

WHAT'S AHEAD
FOR FMH AND YOU

Kevin Johnson, FMH Senior Vice President of Sales 11:15–11:30 AM

We’ll wrap up the Summit with an exclusive look at what’s coming next. Get early insight into FMH’s roadmap for upcoming tools, system enhancements, and new products to support your sales strategy.

See you at the Summit!!

Be ready to INNOVATE and ELEVATE your business!