Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The NAFB Convention is a premier event for farm broadcasters and agricultural communicators, taking place from November 18-20, 2026, at The Westin Crown Center in Kansas City.
This year's convention focuses on the future of agriculture and communications, providing valuable insights and networking opportunities.
Attendees will engage with industry leaders, explore new ideas, and participate in the signature Trade Talk event, which connects broadcasters with ag companies.
TL;DR
- 1Scale and Focus: This event connects farm broadcasters with agricultural industry leaders, focusing on the future of agriculture and communications.
- 2Organiser: Hosted by the National Association of Farm Broadcasting, more information is available at nafb.com.
- 3Entry Information: Early registration is available until November 4, 2026, with discounted rates for NAFB members.
Why visit
Attending the NAFB Convention offers unique opportunities to network with industry leaders and gain insights into the future of agriculture. Dates and Venue: The NAFB Convention will take place from November 18-20, 2026, at The Westin Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Buyer Authority: Attendees include farm broadcasters, ag communicators, and industry leaders who influence agricultural communications.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the NAFB Convention provides unparalleled access to a targeted audience of farm broadcasters and agricultural communicators. Companies can showcase their products and services, conduct interviews, and build relationships with influential industry leaders. The event offers a platform to highlight innovations and engage directly with potential clients and partners.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Farm broadcasters and ag radio or TV journalists
Agricultural communications and public relations staff at ag companies and associations
Ag marketing managers and agency account teams serving farm clients
Digital and podcast producers covering agriculture and rural issues
Agricultural university faculty and students in ag communications programs
Cooperative and commodity group communications officers
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Agricultural technology and equipment companies promoting products to farm broadcasters
Ag news and market data providers and radio networks
Agricultural marketing, PR and advertising agencies
Commodity associations, cooperatives and checkoff programs
Farm media outlets and broadcast equipment or software vendors
Universities and ag-focused publishers recruiting or promoting programs
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Farm broadcasting and ag media production equipment and services
Agricultural news, market data and radio or podcast content platforms
Ag marketing, public relations and agency services for farm audiences
Livestock, crop and ag technology company communications programs
Agricultural association and cooperative outreach and member media
Broadcast and digital audience research, analytics and distribution tools
Location & Facilities
Venue
The Westin Crown Center
Kansas City, United States
Facilities
Parking
The Westin Crown Center in Kansas City typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: The Westin Crown Center in Kansas City typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at The Westin Crown Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB)
Organiser
What's on
Programme
1
Seminar
1
Event days
4:00–4:00
Typical time
Wednesday, Nov 18, 2026
4:00
a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. -4:50 p.m. 8:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. 8:30 a.m. - 10: ...
Seminar
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Next edition
Not announced yet
New this edition
- 1
2025 NAFB Convention edition materials
The 2025 NAFB Convention in Kansas City, MO was documented with a tentative agenda, sponsor prospectus and a final attendee list published on nafb.com.
- 2
Brownfield Ag News 2025 Convention coverage
Brownfield Ag News maintained a dedicated 2025 NAFB Convention archive of its reporting from the event.
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Kansas City, United States
Why it matters
Attending NAFB Convention on 2026-11-18 to 2026-11-20 in Kansas City lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Market news
Latest updates from across the market.
Farming News and Trending Stories - Successful Farming
ReadIn the News: Agricultural Trends and Industry News | AgAmerica
ReadAgriculture Newswire - Agriculture Industry Today - EIN Presswire
Read- Daily Ag News, Markets & Audio for the People Who Move Agriculture ...
ReadAgricultural News & Farm Policy Updates - Agri-Pulse
ReadPlan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center
Luxury / full-service
Crown Center district, Kansas City, MOHost venue for the NAFB Convention; on-site event space and direct Crown Center access via The Link. Price band is an approximate convention-week planning estimate - confirm Convention room rates with the organiser.
Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center
Upper upscale / full-service
Crown Center district, Kansas City, MOClosest large alternative to the host hotel, linked to Crown Center shops and venues by the covered Link walkway. Approximate nightly band; confirm availability for convention week.
Loews Kansas City Hotel
Upscale / full-service
Downtown Kansas City, MODowntown full-service option, a short ride or Streetcar-plus-walk trip from Crown Center. Approximate nightly band; confirm rates and cancellation terms.
Kansas City Marriott Downtown
Upscale / full-service
Downtown Kansas City, MODowntown alternative with Streetcar access toward Union Station and Crown Center. Approximate nightly band; confirm rates.
Select-service hotels downtown and near Kansas City International Airport
Midscale / budget
Downtown Kansas City and MCI airport areaBudget-conscious rooms cluster downtown or around MCI; the airport cluster adds a longer daily trip to Crown Center. Approximate nightly band; confirm rates and shuttle availability.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Ride-share (Uber/Lyft)
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forMCI Airport to The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center
Door-to-door option; Uber and Lyft both publish MCI to Crown Center routes.
Airport shuttle
Estimated costApprox. USD 25-45 per person one way; confirm with the operator
Best forMCI Airport to Westin Crown Center area hotels
Shared shuttle services for the Westin Crown Center are listed by shuttlefare.com and shuttlefinder.com.
Bus (RideKC)
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forRideKC bus routes serving Crown Center district, downtown Kansas City
RideKC operates Kansas City area bus routes; Moovit lists bus options to the Westin Crown Center hotel.
KC Streetcar
Estimated costApprox. USD 0 (streetcar is fare-free); confirm operating hours
Best forDowntown Kansas City loop (Union Station, Crown Center area)
The KC Streetcar links downtown destinations and stops near Union Station, a short walk from Crown Center via The Link.
taxi
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forKansas City International Airport (MCI) to The Westin Crown Center
taxi
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forCharles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC) to The Westin Crown Center
Weather
Kansas City in November is late autumn heading into winter: expect cool to cold days, often below 10 C (low 50s F) and near or below freezing overnight, with occasional rain and the first light frost or snow possible late in the month. Pack layers and a warm coat for the NAFB Convention dates. Confirm the live forecast before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
US mobile networks offer broad 4G/5G coverage in Kansas City; visitors can use a local SIM or travel eSIM (see businesstravelesims.com and timetransfers.com business-travel guides) or rely on hotel and venue Wi-Fi at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Business casual is typical for NAFB Convention sessions and the Trade Talk exhibit floor. Farm broadcasters and agribusiness staff often dress in clean denim or chinos with a branded shirt, so a jacket is smart but not required.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in the United States: around 15-20 percent of the bill at restaurants, roughly USD 1-2 per drink at bars, and 15-20 percent for taxi or ride-share trips.
Greetings and meetings
A firm handshake and first-name introductions are normal in Kansas City business settings. Farm-media meetings are informal and often run on the show floor, so keep an introduction short and lead with the product or policy point you came to make.
Interview culture at a farm broadcasting event
Attendees at NAFB Trade Talk include working radio and TV farm broadcasters who may ask for an on-the-spot recorded interview. It is normal to say yes to a short interview, or to ask for an email follow-up when a longer conversation is needed.
Food and local flavour
Kansas City is known for barbecue and steakhouses; downtown and Crown Center offer quick lunch options for short breaks between sessions. Coffee is widely available and meetings over coffee are common.
Paying and taxes
Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including ride-share and transit apps. Listed prices usually exclude state and local sales tax, which is added at checkout, and the legal drinking age in Missouri is 21.
Weather and packing
November in Kansas City is late autumn moving toward winter: cool to cold days, often below 10 C (low 50s F), near-freezing overnight lows, occasional rain, and the first light snow late in the month. Pack layers, a warm coat, and shoes suitable for cold walks between Crown Center buildings.
Getting around Crown Center
The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center and the adjacent Crown Center complex are linked by The Link, a covered elevated walkway, which makes the short walk between event space, shops, and nearby hotels practical in cold or wet weather. Union Station and the fare-free KC Streetcar are a short walk away.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Kansas City; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Visa
US visa requirements depend on nationality: many visitors travel under the Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA, while others need a B-1 business visitor visa for attending a convention or trade event. Check the US Department of State business visa page for your case.
Apply early: visa interview slots at US consulates can take weeks to months in peak periods. Official application and appointment portals include ustraveldocs.com and ais.usvisa-info.com; USCIS explains B-1 temporary business visitor status.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Kansas City; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near The Westin Crown Center: Crown Center district, Kansas City, MO: The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center; Crown Center district, Kansas City, MO: Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center; Downtown Kansas City, MO: Loews Kansas City Hotel.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Kansas City; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: RideKC buses and the fare-free KC Streetcar serve downtown Kansas City; Union Station is a short walk from The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center via The Link covered walkway. Check RideKC routes and schedules before travel.
Parking: On-site parking is available at The Westin Crown Center; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026
Temperature: Daytime highs typically around 8-13 C (mid 40s to mid 50s F), overnight lows near or just below 0 C (around 32 F)
Seasonality: Late-autumn conditions: short daylight, rain showers possible, and the first frost or light snow can appear late in November. Sources: weather-and-climate.com, weatherspark.com November Kansas City averages.
Packing: Pack layers: a warm coat, sweater, and a light waterproof layer for rain showers; bring gloves or a scarf for cold mornings. Comfortable walking shoes suit the Crown Center district and The Link covered walkway between venues.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at NAFB Convention usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
14-10 days before
Confirm your NAFB Convention registration at nafb.com/events/nafb-convention and book The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center or another Crown Center district hotel early, since convention-week room blocks in the district tighten first.
10-7 days before
Book flights into Kansas City International Airport (MCI) and pick a ground option for the Crown Center district: taxi or ride-share is commonly quoted around USD 35-75, shared shuttle around USD 25-45 per person (approximate; confirm live fares).
7-4 days before
Download the NAFB Convention agenda and session listings from nafb.com, mark the farm-broadcasting and farm-market sessions you want to sit in on, and write a short list of Trade Talk exhibitors and broadcasters you plan to meet.
4-2 days before
Pack layers and a warm coat: Kansas City in November is late autumn, with daytime highs often below 10 C (low 50s F), near-freezing nights, occasional rain, and the first light snow possible late in the month.
2-1 days before
Save your registration confirmation and session plan offline, and reconfirm any interview, podcast, or one-to-one meeting you set up with farm broadcasters before you travel.
Arrival day
Collect your badge at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center, walk The Link covered walkway to orient yourself around the Crown Center district, and check the session rooms and Trade Talk floor layout for the next morning.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at The Westin Crown Center
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2NAFB Convention registration concourse
The Westin Crown Center
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
The Westin Crown Center
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether NAFB Convention fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where is the 2026 NAFB Convention?
The 2026 NAFB Convention is scheduled for 18-20 November 2026 at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Confirm final dates and times on nafb.com/events/nafb-convention.
Who should attend the NAFB Convention?
Farm broadcasters, agricultural communicators, ag marketing and public relations professionals, ag technology and media companies, and students preparing for careers in agricultural communications. It is the annual gathering of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting.
What is Trade Talk at the NAFB Convention?
Trade Talk is the NAFB Convention's exhibit and interview event where ag companies, associations and agencies meet farm broadcasters on the floor. Details are published on nafb.com/events/trade-talk-0.
Do international visitors need a visa to attend in Kansas City?
US visa requirements vary by nationality; some visitors use the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) and others need a B-1 business visitor visa for the convention. See travel.state.gov business visa guidance and apply early.
How do I get from Kansas City International Airport (MCI) to Crown Center?
MCI is roughly 25-30 km north of the Crown Center district. Options include ride-share (Uber/Lyft), shared airport shuttles to Westin Crown Center area hotels, and RideKC buses; the fare-free KC Streetcar serves downtown near Union Station.
Glossary
- NAFB
- National Association of Farm Broadcasting, the US professional body for farm broadcasters that organises the annual NAFB Convention.
- Trade Talk
- NAFB Convention exhibit and interview event where ag companies, agencies and associations meet farm broadcasters on the show floor.
- Farm broadcaster
- Radio, television or digital journalist who reports agricultural news and markets to farming audiences.
- Crown Center
- Kansas City district that includes The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center hotel, exhibit hall and meeting space, connected by The Link covered walkway.
- MCI
- IATA code for Kansas City International Airport, the primary air gateway to the city.
- KC Streetcar
- Fare-free streetcar line serving downtown Kansas City, with stops near Union Station and Crown Center.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- NAFB Convention
- NAFB Convention 2026
- NAFB Convention Kansas City
- NAFB Convention Kansas City 2026
- NAFB
- NAFB 2026
- NAFB Kansas City
- NAFB Kansas City 2026
- Kansas City United States
- Broadcasting equipment and technology for agriculture.
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.