The NADeFA Convention – Was once again a huge success! Even before Thanksgiving Day has come and gone, I’m planning for the spring NADeFA Convention. I see the convention not only as a way for us to come together and garner more support for the deer industry, but as a big family reunion. Journalist Gail Veley and I look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones as we encourage deer farmers and advocates to become a part of each state association magazine, whether it be for their very own state association or for another one they do business with. This is a great way to share their farm, passion or products with others. This past convention was one of the best ever as Oklahoma is a great state to visit, and one of the very best for deer farming. A lot of detail went into planning the Multi State Association Booth. Not only did we assemble a large foldable velcro booth with each state associations quarterly magazine cover represented on it, we also had to decide where to put the hunting blind, Gail’s interview “office” during the convention. Interview subjects become magazine stories after the convention is over. As a result, we have several interesting articles to look forward to this year such as one about The Cervid Livestock Foundation, insights on whether or not to bottle feed, new feature farm stories as well as other interesting topics. The blind not only provided interviewees with a private space for interviews, it became a raffle prize through a drawing for those who signed up for three or more memberships. This year, we broke the record on new and renewed memberships sold with 87 total! The blind was definitely an eye-catcher and conversation starter as people walked by and visited us. We were proud to showcase the multi association booth which also included a table filled with complimentary magazines for all to take and enjoy reading. This provided a great way for them to learn about other state associations and served as additional inspiration to become involved with more than just their own. I feel a great deal of satisfaction in representing 14 state associations through quarterly magazines mailed to each state association member.
Gail interviewing inside the hunting blind
Rockin-R Whitetails interview on bottle feeding
Each year at the NADeFA Auction, D&K Design donates a ½ page ad for all 40 annual magazines. This year the bidding went as high as $2,750. We are very proud of this and for our ability to donate to and support NADeFA. The time and effort into preparing for each convention is well worth it and I wouldn’t want to miss NADeFA for the world. From the accommodating hotel with it’s amenities, the spacious convention hall, hearty well-prepared meals and much anticipated socializing, NADeFA seems to always live up to everyone’s expectations, just as it did this year. The deer industry is filled with some of the most down to earth, friendly helpful people you could ever meet, and I am proud to be a part of it. Gail and I can’t wait for next year!! Kathy Giesen, D&K Design
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