Regions Turn Up the Volume at Managers Conference

June 30, 2026

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The Exchange is family serving family … but sometimes family revelry turns to rivalry.

Since 2023, the regions have adopted a tradition of bringing noisemakers to the Exchange Managers Conference kickoff session—and each year the stakes (and the noise levels) get higher. The 2026 conference reached nearly 110 decibels, the sound equivalent of a helicopter flying low overhead.

“Our regions love friendly competition,” said Exchange President and COO Marla Randolph. “It’s always fun to see—and hear—just how creative the teams are for bragging rights.”

This year, Europe/Southwest Asia Region packed bullhorns; Western Region brought hand clappers; Central Region rang cowbells; Eastern Region blared stadium horns; and Pacific Region didn’t miss a beat with drums and other noisemakers.

“We brought a bullhorn because we enjoy making some noise,” said United Kingdom Consolidated Exchange General Manager Matt Beatty. “We want to represent our region to the best of our abilities. These lively celebrations are just one way for us to express that pride.”

Exchange Pacific Region Vice President CJ Morganfield, who held a bullhorn with police siren sound effects, said that each year, the team tries outdoing what they did the year before.

“One year we had those noisy chickens and kazoos, and this year we brought drums … and I specifically requested to have a bullhorn,” Morganfield said. “We might have to bring a gong next year.”

With each year’s conference, the stakes rise, and the sounds of celebration grow ever louder, creating a lively arena where creativity and camaraderie collide in a battle for bragging rights.

“Western Region is the best region,” Travis AFB Exchange Main Store Manager Hafeeza McCullough said. “We’re like a very competitive family, and we always want to be ranked No. 1.”

To hear how loud it was at the 2026 Managers Conference, click here.