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WELCOME

Dear Block and Bridle Members and Advisors,

Iowa State University is honored to host the 100th National Block and Bridle Convention. The convention will take place April 8-11, 2021 in Ames, Iowa. Students of the Iowa State University Block and Bridle Chapter have been working diligently since 2018 to create a fun, educational, and memorable convention! With this convention being extremely exciting and meaningful as the National Block and Bridle Club celebrates its centennial, we could not be prouder as a charter chapter to host this special celebration. We will provide national members with opportunities for professional development through guest speakers, workshops, and going on industry tours to experience Iowa agriculture. 


As planning is underway, we will continue to keep you updated via social media until registration opens in January 2021. Coming together for this event will give you the opportunity to connect with students and industry professionals from across the nation as we continue to focus on the future of animal agriculture. We cannot wait for you all to join us in the spring. In the meantime, check out our schedule of events, list of tours, and everything you can expect to experience as we commemorate the 100th National Block and Bridle Convention on our website and social media pages. Come experience how we celebrate a Heritage in the Heartland!


Sincerely, 


2021 National Block and Bridle Convention Tri-Chair Executive Team & Planning Committee

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COVID-19 GUIDELINES

-Face coverings are required at all times.
-50% capacity will be maintained in the lobby of the hotel and all meeting rooms.
-Tour busses will be at 50% capacity and loaded from back to front and unloaded from front to back to limit passing by other people.
-Social distancing will be in place at all times, including while eating or drinking.
-No food items will be self-serve - it will all be pre-packaged or assembled by event staff.
-Hand sanitizer will be supplied throughout the event.

Please see the link below for more ISU COVID-19 guidelines that will be followed at the 100th National Block and Bridle Convention to keep us all safe!

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                        REGISTRATION

Registration is open NOW! Register with the form below. Registration will be open from January 25th-February 26th. Late registrations will be accepted up until March 5th, with an additional $25 late fee cost added on to the original registration fee. Registration cost will be $195 per person (including advisors). The registration fee covers all meals, desserts, and snacks needed throughout convention as well as a complimentary goodie bag, guided tours, and transportation costs during convention.

ISU Block and Bridle Mailing Address: 120 Kildee Hall 806 Stange Rd. Ames, IA 50011

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CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORM

Click here to download the 2021 National Block and Bridle Convention registration form!

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VIRTUAL REGISTRATION FORM

The virtual option will include Thursday and Saturday activities and will cost $100/club. Click here to download the 2021 Virtual National Block and Bridle Convention form! Applications must be postmarked by March 26th.

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CONVENTION DRESS CODE

Thursday: Business casual (dress pants/khakis with school polo or button down)

Friday: Casual (jeans and a nice shirt - be sure to check the weather to plan on being outdoors on tours in Iowa.)

Saturday Morning: Business professional (dress pants, blazer, tie, appropriate skirt/ dress - no jeans allowed)

Saturday Evening: Casual

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ITINERARY

THURSDAY - APRIL 8TH

12:00 PM - Registration opens
6:00 PM - Opening session begins 
8:30 PM - Dessert social
9:00 PM - Comedian

FRIDAY - APRIL 9TH

5:30-8:30 AM - Tours depart hotel 

6:00 PM - All tour busses arrive at the Hansen Center

6:30-8:30 PM - Food truck supper & live music at the Hansen Center

8:30-10:30 PM - Night activities, games, lip sync battle, etc. at the Hansen Center

SATURDAY - APRIL 10TH

7:00 AM - Breakfast
7:45 AM - Dr. Kaysen speaks 
9:10 AM - Breakout session 1 begins 
10:10 AM - Breakout session 2 begins 
11:10 AM - Breakout session 3 begins 
12:00 PM - Lunch
1:15 PM - Jan Hargrave speaks 
2:45 PM - Break for refreshments and writing thank you notes
3:00 PM - Trent Loos speaks 
4:45-6:30 PM - Break to set up for the banquet
6:30-8:15 PM - Banquet 
9:00 PM-1:00 AM - Dance

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MAIN SESSION SPEAKERS

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JIM OLSON

A Different Kind of Service: Undercover in the CIA

DR. BRETT KAYSEN

The Top 10 Things I Would Tell My 20 Something Old Self

JAN HARGRAVE

Actions Speak Louder Than Words: Effective Nonverbal Communications During Virtual Settings and From 6 Feet Away

TRENT LOOS

Empower Yourself With Truth

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BREAKOUT SPEAKERS

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DR. MARCUS KEHRLI

Biosecurity is Critical for Global Food Security

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LEXI MAREK

Marketing to the Next Generation

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DR. DAN THOMSON

Bringing Technology to the Animal Agriculture Journey

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DR. RODRIGO TARTE

Meat Alternatives: What's the Beef?

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JOE KERNS

Agriculture: more fun than a Nintendo Switch, more profitable than an Arts degree

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CODY MCKINLEY

Advocacy 101: engaging with your elected officials

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ELDON MCAFEE

Legal Challenges & Opportunities Facing Livestock Producers

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DR. CHERYL MORRIS

Emotional Intelligence - Your super power for managing people and animals

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DR. PAM ZAABEL

What's Worse than the Zombie Apocalypse? A Foreign Animal Disease!

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TOURS

THE GENOME OF IOWA

Embark on a trip to northwest Iowa to Rule Sheep Company, a sheep operation that maintains over 500 ewes, a research facility, and show lambs. Stop at Wells Blue Bunny is the ice cream capital of the world and has over 70 unique and popular flavors to try!  This trip will satisfy your taste buds and pique your interest in several ruminant species.

THE HUNDREDTH HERD

Head to northeast Iowa to Diemer Boer Goats, a quality boer goat operation based out of Hawkeye, IA. Here, they have excellent goats that will fit right into your breeding program, or that will stand out in the show ring. Next, travel to Hansen’s Dairy -  where seven generations of the Hansen family have grown up on the same family farm since 1864. You’ll get to taste the farm fresh product, see their 150 milk cows and replacement heifers, and feed some kangaroos! Finally, finish off the day at Coco’s Ranch, a farm to fork operation with a variety of livestock. Here you’ll get to experience all sections of the farm, including learning about their goat yoga operation.

SWIMMING INTO THE CENTURY

Travel to the heartland of Iowa where you will experience the unique and diverse agricultural operations that Iowa has to offer. Start your day by exploring Prairie Moon Winery and Alluviale Brewery. With over 20 years of experience creating unique and classic wines and craft beers. Then take a trip to the inland sea with Midland Seafood, a land-based seafood company dedicated to raising sustainable, ethical, and delicious seafood using innovative Algae-Based™ RAS. End your day with a trip to Nichols Cryo Genetics. On this stop explore NCG's world-class facility specializing in semen and embryo collection and transportation services.

CHEERS TO A CENTURY

Head west to see the production of rye transformed into whiskey. By visiting Templeton Rye you will have the ability to see the distillery and the finishing, creating, and bottling of various products. Then, stop by Dunlap Livestock Auction, an auction house that has been in the Schaben family for three generations, dating back to 1950. Learn how the family-run operation got its start and what changes were made to stay up to date - while also remaining committed when it comes to competitive markets and the best possible service. Next, Sullivan Supply is an innovative leader in the stock show world, and you will get an insight into their products and equipment at their new Iowa facility!

BACK TO OUR ROOTS

Travel to Southwest Iowa to Hawkeye Breeders, a premier export facility for all your semen collection and bull reproductive service needs. Then next, to Nichols Farms, a premier seed stock family operation, that sends bulls, semen, and embryos all around the world. Their bulls will add value to your cattle herd especially with their value-added programs. Then end your day at Early Morning Harvest, an organic farm with an aquaponic greenhouse, grain mill, poultry, and cattle. Here, you’ll get to walk through their greenhouse, mill, and store to see the fresh and healthy food they grow and produce.

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HOTEL INFORMATION

Quality Inn and Suites​ - Convention Hotel

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2601 E 13th St, Ames, IA 50010

515 - 232 - 9260

456-789-1234

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Other Hotel Accommodations 

If the Quality Inn & Suites is full, here are the following hotels we recommend contacting to make reservations. There is a difference in price between the hotels, so we will leave that decision up to your chapter. All these hotels are within a 5 minute drive to the convention headquarters. 

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ames

Address: 2600 E 13th St, Ames, IA 50010

Phone: (515) 232-2300


Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Ames

Address: 2137 Isaac Newton Dr, SE 16th St, Ames, IA 50010

Phone: (515) 232-4000


TownePlace Suites by Marriott Ames

Address: 1523 S Dayton Pl, Ames, IA 50010

Phone: (515) 232-5500


Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ames

Address: 2216 SE 16th St, Ames, IA 50010

Phone: (888) 293-6315

AmericInn by Wyndham, Ames

Address: 2507 SE 16th St, Ames, IA 50010

Phone: (515) 233-1005

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