MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, U.S. — The Grain Elevator and Processing Society’s (GEAPS) Exchange 2011 will be held Feb. 26 to March 1 at the Oregon Convention Center. Approximately 2,000 grain-industry professionals will be attending the Exchange, which is celebrating its 82nd year. GEAPS said 264 companies will be represented in the sold-out expo hall.

“Exchange 2011 is going to be exceptional for a variety of reasons, and not only because it’s in the Pacific Northwest,” said Rick Krier, GEAPS International President. “Our members carefully developed the largest educational program in the event’s history. If you want to improve your understanding of grain operations, Portland is the place to be. It’s a great opportunity for everyone in this industry.”


Exchange 2011 will offer nearly 30 hours of focused information, open discussion and practical demonstration. One standout educational program features 12 small-group sessions specifically designed to offer participants hands-on opportunities to experiment with safety equipment. These expo-hall “pods” also provide the ideal atmosphere for discussion with the experts. Another useful session, set for Feb. 27, will address pressing industry concerns regarding bin entry and bin sweeps. "We are planning a great discussion about these issues at the workshop," said Ken Schmenk, EPC Chair. "What is the industry doing to make bin sweeps OSHA-compliant? How are GEAPS members dealing with this issue? What modifications are manufacturers of bin sweeps making to make this equipment safer?"

Additional educational sessions will cover topics including, but not limited to: confined space entry/bin entrapment, combustible dust standard, CO2 monitoring, job safety analysis, mycotoxins, behavior-based safety and so much more. Participants will leave each session with a wealth of practical knowledge.

For more information, visitwww.geaps.com.