2026 Annual GCA Convention

We can't wait for you to join us in Perry, April 24-25, 2026!

Exhibitor/Sponsor Information

Click here for our sponsor and exhibitor packet. Sponsor/Exhibitor registration can only be completed by emailing your forms to caroline@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 caroline@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 - GJCA & GCWA Contests
Prepared Public Speaking
Stockman's Quiz
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
3:00PM - Tour Attendee Meetup
4:00PM - General Session 1 with Temple Grandin Keynote
5:30PM - GCA Office Open House & Calf Fry

Saturday, April 25, 2026
7:00AM Board of Directors Meeting & Breakfast
8:00AM Registration Opens
9:00AM General Session 2 - Legislative Session
10AM-12PM - Tradeshow Open
10:30AM - Cattlemen's College Session 2
12:00PM - Awards Luncheon
1-4:00PM - Tradeshow Open
1:30PM - Cattlemen's College Session 3
2:30PM - Temple Grandin Meet & Greet
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 2025 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

Information TBA.

2026 Convention Contests

This year, GJCA and GCWA are proud to offer members four convention contests to participate in that will allow them to meet new friends, learn more about the industry, and earn prizes (including gift cards!!) in a fun, competitive setting. The GCA Convention contests 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 contests will be available to youth at this year's convention:
Photography, Prepared Public Speaking, Stockman's Quiz, GCWA Best Beef Recipe
Please click here for more information on all contests - 2026 Convention Contests (Coming Soon!)

Photo Contest

This contest allows GJCA, 4-H, and FFA members to bring their experiences and creativity to life by enhancing their photography, presentation, and competitive skills. All entries will be displayed and judged at the 64th Annual Convention and photos must relate to farming, cattle, or conservation.
Please click here for more information and the registration form - Photo Contest Rules and Entry

Prepared Public Speaking

This contest aims to provide an opportunity for young people involved in the Georgia cattle industry to develop public speaking skills and participate in a competitive activity focused on agricultural issues.
Please click here for more information and the registration form - Prepared Public Speaking Rules and Entry

Stockman's Quiz

This contest is a general quiz designed to test contestants' knowledge on all facets of the beef industry. Students will compete and be scored as individuals for this contest.
Please click here for more information and the registration form - Stockman's Quiz Rules and Entry

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