Cattle convention to head to Wenatchee for 2nd year
The Grand Apple Ballroom of the Wenatchee Convention Center, the site of the 2023 Washington Cattlemen’s and Cattlewomen’s Associations’ Convention and Tradeshow from Nov. 9 to 11.
Courtesy photo/Wenatchee Convention Center
The Washington Cattlemen’s Association and Washington Cattlewomen’s Association 2023 Convention and Tradeshow will be held Nov. 9 to 11 at the Wenatchee Convention Center.
WENATCHEE — The Washington Cattlemen’s Association and Washington Cattlewomen’s Association will be holding their 2023 Convention and Tradeshow at the Wenatchee Convention Center Nov. 9 to 11.
Washington Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President Chelsea Hajny said they were hoping for high numbers like the 2022 convention.
“Our convention is really a gathering place for our members to come and get together because we encompass about 1500 members, ranching families, across the state,” said Hajny. “It’s just really a time where we can all get together and socialize and network. Sometimes it’s the only time of year we all get together in one room.”
The event begins at 5 p.m. on Nov. 9, with the tradeshow open during the day on Nov. 10 and 11. Dinner and entertainment will take place Nov. 10 at 5:30 p.m., and a banquet and auction will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 11 to finish out the event.
“We do feature industry speakers and topics and we do a lot of fun giveaways, but, you know, ultimately it’s our beloved annual gathering.”
Hajny said the speakers and activities at the convention consist of learning opportunities as well as networking and social opportunities.
“We really tried to have some keynotes figures that focus on motivation and uplift last year,” said Hajny. “And then for our breakout sessions, we do get into industry-specific issues. So in the past, we always hear from our state veterinarian team, our friends at the Washington State Beef Commission always do a presentation on our beef check-off dollars.”
Hajny said they also often try to focus on the business side of things for the convention’s speakers.
“This year, one of our featured speakers is Larson Gross, an accounting firm, focusing on maximizing tax benefits in agriculture, you know, the business mind.”
Other presentations will include the subject of marketing and how to market your brand as a cattle rancher, said Hajny.
“We pack a lot into those 2.5 days,” said Hajny.
Hajny said she hopes the event lives up to the 2022 convention, which she said went very well.
“It was our first year up in Wenatchee and we had such a great time we’re going back,” said Hajny. “They were very hospitable and it was a nice, fairly central location in the state. We try to move around and kind of share the geographical love but we really had a great time and it was a wonderful convention and one of our best-attended conventions.”
Hajny said that the WCA is also hoping to attract new members to join their association.
“It’s hard to find a room full of better people. I always say agricultural people are the best people in the world and I really do mean that,” said Hajny.
To become a member of the WCA or register for the convention, visit
Gabriel Davis may be reached at gdavis@columbiabasinherald.com. Download the Columbia Basin Herald app on iOS and Android.
Convention Schedule (subject to change)
Thursday, Nov. 9:
Set up 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
BBQ/Social-Pybus Public Market (sponsored by Washington Cattle Feeders & WCA Allied Industries)
Friday, Nov. 10:
Tradeshow open all day with scheduled time just for Tradeshow visits
Social, dinner and entertainment at 5:30 p.m. in the Tradeshow area
Breakout sessions with speakers
Saturday, Nov. 11:
Tradeshow open until lunch with scheduled time just for Tradeshow visits
Banquet and ETF Auction at 5:30 p.m.
Breakout sessions with speakers and a General Membership Meeting
