2026 Annual GCA Convention

We can't wait for you to join us in Perry, April 23-25, 2026!

Exhibitor/Sponsor Information

Click here for our sponsor and exhibitor packet. Sponsor/Exhibitor registration can only be completed by emailing your forms to events@gabeef.org or sherri@gabeef.org or by mailing your forms to GCA, PO Box 27990, Macon, GA 31221.

Reach out to sherri@gabeef.org or events@gabeef.org or call the office at (478) 224-5900 to reserve a sponsorship.

Convention Agenda

Thursday, April 23, 2026
1:00PM - Events Committee Meeting
2-5:00PM - Large Equipment Tradeshow Move-in

Friday, April 24, 2026
8AM-12PM - Tradeshow Move-in
8:00AM - BQA Classroom Training presented by the GBB
9:00AM - Registration Opens
9:00AM - GCWA Contest
Best Beef Recipe
10:00AM - Executive Committee Meeting & Luncheon
10:00AM - BQA Live Cattle Demo presented by the GBB
1-4:00PM - Tradeshow Open
1:30PM - Cattlemen's College Session 1 - Dr. Janemarie Hennebelle, Georgia State Veterinarian
3:00PM - GBB Checkoff Update
4:00PM - General Session 1 - Troy Landry, Swamp People, Keynote Speech
5:30PM - GCA Office Open House & Calf Fry; Troy Landry Meet & Greet

Saturday, April 25, 2026
7:00AM Board of Directors Meeting & Breakfast
8:00AM Registration Opens
9:00AM General Session 2 - Legislative Session; Commissioner Tyler Harper
10AM-12PM - Tradeshow Open
10AM - GCWA Meeting
10:30AM - Cattlemen's College Session 2 - Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Division
12:00PM - Awards Luncheon
1-4:00PM - Tradeshow Open
1:30PM - Cattlemen's College Session 3 - Dr. Curt Lacy, Mississippi State Extension
2:30PM - Cattlemen's College Session 4 - Dr. Dan Thomson, Doc Talk
6:00PM - Cattlemen's Ball
8:00PM - Casino Night hosted by YCC

*Schedule is subject to change.*

Attendees

Click here to register online for our 2026 GCA Annual Convention.

Hotel & Lodging Information

Our Annual Convention will be held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter!

Camper information and reservations through the GNFA: https://www.gnfa.com/p/rvreservations

We do not have any room blocks setup, but recommend you book your lodging asap. Here are some hotels that are close:
- Fairfield by Marriott at the GNFA: https://tinyurl.com/FairfieldGCA
- TownePlace Suites by Marriott at the GNFA: https://tinyurl.com/TownePlaceGCA
- Avid Hotel: https://tinyurl.com/AvidGCA
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites: https://tinyurl.com/HolidayInnExpressGCA

Attendees are welcome to stay wherever they please during GCA's Annual Convention.

Rancher Resilience Grant

GCA Annual Convention has been selected again as an approved event for the NCBA Rancher Resilience Grant. The grant is a fixed amount of $400 and applications are due by April 6, 2026. You can apply for this grant here. *GCA does not facilitate this grant or have anything to do with grant selection, please reach out to NCBA directly with any inquiries about the Rancher Resilience Grant.*

2026 Convention Contest

This year, GCWA is proud to offer members a convention contest to participate in that will allow them to meet new friends, learn more about the industry, and earn prizes in a fun, competitive setting. The GCA Convention contest will take place the morning of Friday, April 24, 2026. All contest and award winners will be recognized at the Awards Luncheon at 12:00PM on Saturday, April 25, 2026. The following contest will be available to youth at this year's convention:
GCWA Best Beef Recipe
Please click here for more information on the contest - 2026 Convention Contest (Coming Soon!)

Best Beef Recipe

This contest aims to provide an opportunity for youth and adults to get involved in the Georgia cattle industry by developing their culinary skills and participating in a competitive activity focused on beef products.
Please click here for more information and the registration form - Best Beef Recipe Rules and Entry