Retired U.S. Army Col. Peter Mansoor will discuss the rise of ISIS during the keynote address at the Ohio AgriBusiness Association's 2016 Industry Conference and Industry Networking Dinner Feb. 3.

Mansoor is the General Raymond E. Mason Jr. Chair of Military History at The Ohio State University and a CNN military analyst. A distinguished graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, he earned his doctorate from Ohio State in 1995.

He assumed his current position in 2008 after a 26-year career in the U.S. Army that included two combat tours, which culminated in his service as executive officer to retired Gen. David Petraeus in Iraq.

Ohio AgriBusiness Conference featuring special keynote speaker

Mansoor is the author of The GI Offensive in Europe: The Triumph of American Infantry Divisions, 1941-1945; Baghdad at Sunrise: A Brigade Commander's War in Iraq; and Surge: My Journey with General David Petraeus and the making of the Iraq War.

"We're honored to have Dr. Mansoor come speak to our conference," said Chris Henney, OABA president and CEO. "He will bring a new perspective to the agricultural community on the state of the world and the long term impacts of terrorism."

The OABA Industry Conference will be held Feb. 3-4 at the Columbus Marriott Northwest. In addition to the dinner and annual meeting, the conference features large general sessions, daily breakout sessions and an exhibitor showcase.

Certified Crop Advisers and state licensed pesticide applicators that attend the conference are eligible to receive continuing education units (CEUs).

All-inclusive registration for the event includes admission to both days of educational programming and all meals, including the Industry Networking Reception & Dinner and the OABA Annual Meeting. Registration fees are as follows:

•Member: $335
•Non-Member: $475

Individual day and reception/dinner-only registrations are also available, as are exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities. Visit oaba.net/events_conference for more information and to register. All cancellations must be made by Jan. 22 to be eligible for a refund.

Hotel accommodations for the Columbus Marriott Northwest can be made online by visiting oaba.net/events_conference or by calling 614-791-1000 and using the code "Ohio AgriBusiness Association." The deadline to make reservations is Jan. 22.