2026 CONVENTION AGENDA
Billings, Montana
Thursday - April 23rd
7:00 AM- 7:30 AM
Board of Directors Meeting
7:30 AM- 8:30 AM
At Billings Hotel and Convention Center
Convention Registration Begins
Light Breakfast - Donuts and Coffee
8:00 AM-5:30 PM
Supplier Setup - Billings Hotel and Convention Center
Buses Leave for Tours
8:30 AM
9:00 AM
B & L Scales - 351 Scott St, Billings
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Long Time MMPA Supporter Celebrating their 50th Year Anniversary
10:00 AM - 3 pm
Buses will split between the two tour spots. Lunch will be served from Noon-1pm at Ranch House and then buses will swap locations.
Bloody Mary Bar/Mimosas Bar and Beer will be set up for lunch.
Ranch House Meats - 2032 Old Hardin Rd, Billings
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Plant and Equipment Tour
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Limited parking available if you need to drive yourself.
Tour Agri Organics Compost Facility Agri Organics Compost - 505 Lomond Ln, Billings
12:00 - 1:00 pm
Lunch - Ranch House Meats
3:00 pm
Both Buses head to.
105 Brewing for a Tour and Drinks
4:30 pm
Buses Head Back to Hotel for a quick break before bowling
6:00-10:00 PM
Bowling & Dinner
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Town and Country Lanes - 6126 Hwy 312, Billings
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All you can eat Pizza
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Drinks available at the bar
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Bus leave hotel at 5:30 pm
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Two buses will be rotating throughout the night, so you can head back to the hotel whenever you’re ready
Friday - April 24th
7:00 AM- 8:00 AM
At Billings Hotel and Convention Center
Light Breakfast - Muffins & Coffee
8:00 AM- 9:00 AM
Beef Council Presentation
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Understanding the beef market
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How to market beef when the price gets higher
9:00 AM- 9:15 AM
Break
2026 Governor’s Food and Agriculture Summit
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33 x 33 Initiative
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Ideas on how the Governor's Summit can help the meat industry
9:15 AM- 9:45 AM
9:45 AM- 10:15 AM
Resource Update: Grants, Loans and Technical Assistance for Meat Processors
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Sara Niccum from Great Falls Development Authority
10:15 AM- 10:45 AM
U.S. Small Business Administration -
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Justin Everett & Trent Staggs
Mastering the Seal: Professional Packaging for the Modern Butcher
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Thomas Kafski
10:45 AM- 11:30AM
Supplier Show Opens
11:30 AM- 2:30 PM
12:00 PM
Lunch - Club Sandwiches
2:30 PM- 3:00 PM
AAMP Update
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Chris Young - Executive Director
3:30 PM- 4:15 PM
Labeling Requirements:NEW- Product of USA/Made in Montana
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Chris Young - AAMP Executive Director
4:15 PM- 4:30 PM
Break
4:30 PM- 5:00 PM
First Half of General Meeting
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Committee Reports
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Introduction of New Business
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Board and Officer Nominations
Supplier Show Open
5:00 PM- 6:00 PM
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Cured Meats Check-In - Only Time it is Open
6:00 PM
Dinner & Evening Social (Cash Bar)
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Western Buffett
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Corn Hole Tournament - Prizes for the winning team
Saturday - April 25th
7:00 AM
Cured Meats Judging
7:00 AM- 8:00 AM
Billings Hotel and Convention Center
Light Breakfast Available - Donuts, Fruit & Coffee
8:00 AM- 9:00 AM
Efficiency in Action: Practical Ways to Streamline Your Plan
Shane & Tanya Flowers - Ranch House Meat
9:00 AM- 9:15 AM
Break
9:15 AM- 10:30 AM
2nd Half General Membership Meeting
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Officer Elections
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Board Member Elections
10:30 AM- 12:00 PM
Supplier Show Open
12:00 pm
Lunch - Mexican Buffett
1:30 PM
Trap Shooting -Billings Rod and Gun Club
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2931 Rod and Gun Club Rd, Billings
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Just bring your shot gun all other cost included in registration.
5:30 PM-6:30 PM
At Billings Hotel and Convention Center
Cocktail Hour
6:30 PM
Banquet
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Prime Rib Dinner
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Cured Meats Awards & Auction
9:00 PM
Cured Meat Viewing & Pickup
Sunday - April 26th
8:30 AM-9:30 AM
At Billings Hotel and Convention Center
Critique Breakfast with Dr. Jane Ann Boles
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Eggs, Sausage, Bacon, Potatoes, Muffins, & Coffee
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Cured meats pickup
