Leadership Excellence


Denver Event | April 16-18, 2025

Three-Phase Leadership & Networking Series

The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers is proud to continue offering its Leadership Excellence program, sponsored by Pioneer. This three-phase training and networking series is designed to equip both current and emerging leaders with the essential tools and skills to thrive in their roles. The first event is in Denver in Spring of 2025, with the next event in Summer of 2026 at Education Week, and the conclusion of the events in Washington DC with a truly unique Leadership Experience.

Sponsored by:

Cost

$860 for the Denver Event (includes 2 room nights, leadership programming,  networking dinners, breakfasts, and lunch). Many ASFMRA Chapters provide scholarships for one or two members to attend LEX. The scholarship typically covers the registration fee; however, details may vary based on each individual Chapter. To find out if your Chapter provides a scholarship, please contact your Chapter Secretary/Administrator. 

Location

Accommodations will be at the Hilton Garden Inn, Denver/Cherry Creek, at 600 South Colorado Boulevard. Meeting activities will be held next door at the ASFMRA National office.

Apply Now!

Agenda Preview

  • Communicating With Confidence – Build your skills in delivering powerful presentations and business communication 
  • Leadership and Innovation – Discover how innovation is transforming leadership and decision-making.
  • Networking Events – Connect with industry peers over dinners and social activities.
  • Ridiculously Easy to Do Business With! – Future-proof your business by better responding to a new generation of wants, needs, and expectations.
  • Empower: Cultivate Leadership Excellence and Growth – Delve deep into the art of leadership that transcends boundaries and inspires transformation.
  • Manager/Consultant and Appraiser Breakouts

What Members Are Saying

LEX was an extremely valuable experience. In a short three days I walked away with a higher level of confidence, new knowledge about myself and my leadership skills and a whole new roster of people to add to my 'phone a friend' list. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to develop themselves in their career!
Brian Rideout
Northeast Chapter Incoming President

Speaker Spotlight

David Avrin

David Avrin, CSP, GSF, is a globally recognized customer experience expert and dynamic speaker, helping organizations become ridiculously easy to do business with. He has delivered high-energy, content-rich presentations across North America and worldwide, from Singapore to London. A media-featured thought leader and author of five books, including Why Customers Leave and Ridiculously Easy to Do Business With, David provides practical strategies to attract and retain customers in a rapidly changing market.

Additional Speakers

Angie Coleman

Angie Coleman is an organizational development consultant with FCCS, where she leads the employee engagement survey practice, administers and consults on assessment instruments, and supports executive selection engagements with expert research. Prior to joining FCCS, she founded and managed a consulting firm focused on human capital strategies, organizational development, employee engagement, executive coaching and executive development.

Elizabeth Lenherr

Elizabeth Lenherr is transformative leadership coach with 20 years’ experience in human development. Beth specializes her work around equipping leaders with Self- and Other- awareness and communication skills needed for intercultural understanding and powerful human connection. Her compassion, joy and care creates lasting relationships and sustained results in the workplace.

Stephen Frerichs

Stephen Frerichs is the ASFMRA’s Government Relations Representative and owns and operates his own consulting company, AgVantage LLC in Alexandria, Virginia. Mr. Frerichs specializes in budget, agricultural and credit issues and has over 30 years of agricultural policy experience in Washington, D.C.

Beth Yohe

Beth Yohe leads The Conflict Center, empowering individuals with communication, conflict management, negotiation, and assertiveness skills to navigate challenges productively.

With over 25 years in non-profit leadership, Beth previously directed fundraising for the Anti-Defamation League’s Mountain States Region, raising over $1.6 million annually. She also developed impactful leadership training programs. Beth is dedicated to effective conflict resolution, leadership development, and fostering growth through strategic communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: Who should attend?
    A: This program is ideal for emerging leaders or those seeking to grow in their leadership journey.

    Q: What is the structure of the event agenda?
    A: The Leadership Excellence Program balances training and networking:

    • April 16, 2025: Afternoon check-in (around 3 PM), followed by 2-3 hours of programming and a social dinner with networking.
    • April 17, 2025: A full day of leadership training and workshops, concluding with a social dinner.
    • April 18, 2025: Morning leadership sessions and program wrap-up.

    Q: What does it mean that this is a three-part series?
    A: The Leadership Excellence (LEX) Program is a three-phase leadership development series designed for sustained growth, practical application, and meaningful connections:

    1. Phase 1: April 16-18, 2025, in Denver – Leadership workshops, networking, and innovation-focused sessions.
    2. Phase 2: One day in July 2026 at Ed Week – Continued leadership training and skill-building.
    3. Phase 3: September 2026 in Washington, DC – Advocacy training, legislative updates, and immersive leadership experiences.

    Q: Do I have to attend all three phases of the program?
    A: No, you are not required to attend all three phases. However, attendance at the Denver event (Phase 1) and Ed Week (Phase 2) is mandatory to participate in the Washington, DC event (Phase 3). This ensures participants are fully prepared for the culminating experience in DC.

    Act Now!
    Applications are now open, and space is limited. 

    Next Events in the LEX Series

                               

    LEX at Education Week: Strengthening Leadership Skills

    Summer 2026

    Location: Corteva Agriscience, Johnston, IA

                           

    Immersive D.C. Experience: Engaging with Policy Makers to Shape the Future of Our Professions

    September 2026