2026 Fall Symposium
August 24-26, 2026
InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza
Kansas City, Missouri
Make plans now to join us for the 2026 TEGMA Fall Symposium, held once again in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Surface Transportation Board’s National Grain Car Council.
TEGMA Meeting Program — Wednesday, August 26
Featured Speaker
Tyne Morgan
Host and Executive Producer, U.S. Farm Report
“Navigating Uncertainty in Agriculture”
Drawing from her national reporting and ongoing conversations with producers, economists, and industry leaders across rural America, Tyne Morgan will share insights on the current agricultural economy and the factors influencing grain supply and movement.
Her presentation will explore producer sentiment, economists’ outlooks through the Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor research, input costs, policy uncertainty, and the opportunities and challenges shaping agriculture today. The discussion will also examine how these dynamics are impacting planting decisions, risk management strategies, and broader market trends across U.S. agriculture.
Featured Speaker
Stephen Vaden
Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture
As the second-highest-ranking official at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden helps lead the Department’s operations and implementation of policies affecting producers, agribusinesses, rural communities, and agricultural markets across the country.
Drawing on his experience in agricultural policy, international trade, and federal leadership, Deputy Secretary Vaden will provide an update on key USDA priorities and initiatives affecting U.S. agriculture. His remarks are expected to address issues including agricultural trade, grain transportation, cross-border phytosanitary concerns, USDA organizational priorities, and other developments influencing the competitiveness and resilience of the nation’s food and agricultural systems.
Attendees will gain insight into the federal policy landscape and USDA’s efforts to support efficient supply chains, expand market opportunities, strengthen rural economies, and ensure the continued success of American agriculture.
Featured Speaker
Gregg Doud
President & CEO, National Milk Producers Federation
Drawing on his extensive experience in agricultural policy, international trade, and market development, Gregg Doud will share insights into the evolving policy and trade environment affecting U.S. agriculture.
His presentation will explore the status of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) following the 2026 Joint Review, as well as broader developments in agricultural markets and trade policy. The discussion will examine the opportunities and challenges facing U.S. agriculture and what they may mean for producers, agribusinesses, and the movement of agricultural commodities in the years ahead.
National Grain Car Council Program — Tuesday, August 25
Held in conjunction with the Surface Transportation Board's National Grain Car Council Annual Meeting, the NGCC program will feature expert perspectives on grain transportation, rail markets, and the broader agricultural economy.
Featured speakers include:
Austin Hunt, Rail Economist, USDA — Agricultural rail market update
Stephen Nicholson, North American Head of Crops, RaboResearch, Rabobank — Grain and commodity market outlook
Katie Hadenfeldt, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of Sales, GATX — Railcar fleet and equipment overview
Zach Boehme, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Watco — Short line rail perspective
The program will also include a grain shipper and receiver panel discussion, reports from Class I railroads, and participation by members of the Surface Transportation Board, including:
Chairman Patrick Fuchs
Vice Chairman Karen Hedlund
Board Member Michelle Schultz
Board Member Richard Kloster
Preliminary Meeting Schedule
Monday, August 24, 2026
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Transportation Committee Meeting (closed)
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
TEGMA Board Meeting (closed)
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
National Grain Car Council Meeting
Open to the public
5:00 to 6:30 p.m.
TEGMA + NGCC Reception
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
8:00 to 11:30 a.m.
TEGMA General Meeting Session
Schedule is subject to change.
Sponsor Opportunities
TEGMA is excited to offer sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 Fall Transportation Symposium. Sponsoring this event provides a valuable opportunity to showcase your company while supporting TEGMA. Your sponsorship helps ensure a successful meeting and enhances your company’s visibility within the industry.
All sponsors will receive:
Prominent signage at the sponsored event
Recognition during the meeting and in pre-event materials
Logo placement in the official meeting program
For more details or to secure your sponsorship, please contact Erica Venancio.
Hotel Accommodations
InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza
401 Ward Parkway
Kansas City, MO 64112
TEGMA has secured a discounted nightly rate of $189 at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza. Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and availability is limited. The discounted rate will expire when the block is full or on August 3, 2026 —whichever comes first. We encourage you to make your reservation as soon as possible.
Hotel Reservation & Cancellation Policy
All reservations must be guaranteed with a major credit card.
Cancellations made less than 48 hours prior to arrival will incur a fee equal to one night’s room and tax.
Early departures will be subject to a charge of one night’s room and tax.
Important Notice – Avoid Housing Scams
To ensure you receive the negotiated group rate and a guaranteed room, only book your reservation using the official hotel link provided by TEGMA. Be cautious of third-party solicitations claiming to offer discounted hotel rates.
Event Policies & Guidelines
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be received by August 10 to qualify for a refund. No refunds will be issued after this date, regardless of the reason, including illness. Substitutions are allowed.
Meeting Attire
The dress code for this event is business casual.
Special Needs
For questions about accessibility, accommodation requests, or special dietary needs, please contact Erica Venancio at least two weeks prior to the event.
