In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, one ag communicator wants to remind the industry that the most powerful tool we have is still the human heart. That message will take center stage when author and ag communicator Aaron Putze opens Ag Media Summit 2026 with his keynote address, “Grit. Growth. Gratitude. Leading with Heart in Ag Media,” on Monday morning, July 20, at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch.
The 27th annual Ag Media Summit runs July 19-21 in St. Louis, and registration is open now. Putze, who serves as chief officer for brand management and engagement at the Iowa Soybean Association, plans to explore the leadership mindset behind meaningful communication; leading with positivity, welcoming different perspectives, and showing up with empathy and humility.
“Your humanity is your superpower,” Putze says. The sentiment fits squarely with this year’s conference theme, “AI: Authentic Intelligence.” In an environment marked by skepticism, speed and artificial intelligence, Putze believes that how a person shows up matters more than ever. “When you lead with heart, you don’t just inform,” he says. “You influence, inspire and build relationships that last.”
Attendees can dig deeper by signing up for Putze’s breakout session, “The Future of Leadership: Empathy, Agility and Impact.” While the content speaks to communicators at every stage, Putze says the lessons will be especially valuable for those just getting started on their “journey to better.” And in keeping with the spirit of the summit, where attendees are encouraged to come to Sunday’s Famous Welcome Party dressed as their answer to “What is Your Superpower?”, Putze offers a refreshingly honest starting point. He suggests embracing the idea of being a work in progress. “Admitting you don’t have it all figured out keeps you sharp, humble and open to new ideas and perspectives,” he says. “Those are all helpful superpowers!”
Beyond his speaking sessions, Putze will be on hand to sign and personalize copies of his book, “YOU Are Destined for Greatness – Stories of Inspiration & Empowerment.” The book gathers short quips, insights and real-life examples of leadership shared by 27 difference-makers, many of whom carry Midwest and agricultural roots.
Ag Media Summit is hosted by the Agricultural Communicators Network and the Livestock Publications Council, with support from the Ag Media Council. Conference activities at the Hyatt Regency run from Sunday evening through late Tuesday afternoon. For those wanting to extend the experience, an optional post-summit tour day takes place Wednesday, July 22, featuring stops at Gateway Arch National Park, ADM’s grain barge facility on the Mississippi River, lunch and a tour at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and an on-farm visit, videography session and supper at Eckert Country Farm in Belleville, Illinois.
According to Pam Caraway, AMS 2026 chair and Farm Futures executive editor, the quality of the programming is made possible by a strong roster of sponsors, including Bayer, the United Soybean Board, Corteva, the National Pork Producers Council, New Holland, Slate Group, Syngenta, John Deere, USDA NIFA and others. Special thanks for speaker support goes to the Professional Improvement Foundation, a charitable organization affiliated with the Ag Communicators Network.
For agricultural communicators looking to sharpen their craft while reconnecting with what truly drives good storytelling, Putze’s central reminder may resonate long after the conference wraps: the technology will keep changing, but it is our humanity that builds the relationships—and the trust—that last.
To learn more or to register, visit www.agmediasummit.com, where early bird rates and hotel information are available.
