Interactive Event Calendar

International Sweetener Colloquium

February 12-15, 2012

The Waldorf Astoria Orlando | Orlando, FL



Overview

Co-hosted by IDFA and the Sweetener Users Association, the International Sweetener Colloquium has long been considered the sweetener industry’s premier meeting. This annual event provides a unique opportunity for key players from all sectors to discuss the most pressing issues facing the global sweetener industry. The 2012 International Sweetener Colloquium will be held at the Waldorf Astoria located in Orlando, Fla.

The newest Waldorf Astoria is nestled in the heart of more than 480 pristine acres and is home to the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, a 24,000 square-foot spa and several celebrated restaurants inspired by the Waldorf Astoria flagship in New York. Colloquium attendees will also have access to complimentary private shuttle service direct from the hotel to the Walt Disney World theme parks.

Agenda

Sunday, February 12, 2012

8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Registration
9:30 - 11:00 a.m. SUA Board Meeting
Noon

Golf Tournament

Sponsored By:

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Opening Reception

Co-Sponsored By:

Monday, February 13, 2012

7:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Registration
7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Session I
Breakfast and Keynote Address
*
With farm programs and agricultural trade policy within his portfolio at USDA, Acting Under Secretary Michael Scuse is at the crossroads for most of the federal policies impacting the sweetener sector. How will the federal sugar program operate going forward in a Farm Bill year? What impact will trade policy have on the sector? We are honored to have Acting Under Secretary Scuse tackle these critical issues and present our keynote address at the 2012 International Sweetener Colloquium.
Keynote: The Honorable Michael Scuse, Acting Under Secretary, Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, USDA
8:35 - 9:45 a.m. Session II
The World Sugar Market Rollercoaster – with Brazil as the Driver
*
Tight world sugar supplies have been one of the major factors behind the escalation in U.S. prices the last couple of years. And conditions in Brazil’s sugar/ethanol complex are the main determinant of what happens in the world market. Will 2012 put us on what buyers would consider a welcome downward ride, or are there new peaks ahead? One of the foremost world authorities on that question will give us a glance into his crystal ball.
Moderator: Thomas Earley, Vice President, Agralytica
Panelists: Michael Liddard, Partner, Agrilion Commodity Advisers
Leticia Philips, Representative for North America, UNICA
9:45 - 10:15 a.m. Break
10:15 - 11:15 a.m. Session III
The North American Sugar Outlook
*
Coming off of a year of record high U.S. sugar prices, buyers and sellers in early 2012 will be focusing intently on U.S. and Mexican production forecasts, evolving consumption patterns and the size of the overall sugar import deficit as the April TRQ decision looms. Canada could also play a role through sugar-containing product trade and as a source of refined sugar imports. The panel will sketch out the shape of the 2012 North American sugar market.
Moderator: Thomas Earley, Vice President, Agralytica
Panelists: Frank Jenkins, President, Jenkins Sugar Group
Sandra Marsden, President, Canadian Sugar Institute
11:20 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Session IV
The U.S. Energy Outlook
*
Energy has been a key driver of booming commodity markets since 2008 and, in one form or another, it is a key input for U.S. food and beverage manufacturing and distribution. This session will focus on the outlook for the U.S. petroleum, electricity and natural gas markets, and whether there is any relief in store from energy cost pressures. Attend this session to learn about emerging trends in managing costs associated with energy inputs.
Moderator: Rick Pasco, Counsel, Sweetener Users Association
Panelists: James Stuart, Vice President, Beeson & Associates, Inc.
Doug Newman, International Trade Analyst, U.S. International Trade Commission
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Reception

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Registration
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Session V
High Intensity Sweeteners & Corn Sweeteners
*
What are the big trends in sweetener use by food and beverage manufacturers? Are reformulations from HFCS to sugar a long-term trend in place, or a flash in the pan? Whether you’re a marketer, a buyer or a manager, these and related questions will affect your business in the years ahead. We will look at social, health, regulatory and other factors that are affecting the sweetener markets.
Moderator: Randy Green, President, Sweetener Users Association
Panelists: Lisa Watson, Partner, Watson/Mulhern LLC
Owen Wagner, Senior Economist – North America, LMC International
David Rosenthal, Senior Vice President, Corn Refiners Association
10:00 - 10:30 a.m. Break
10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Session VI
Mexico-U.S. Sweetener Policies & Interaction with the U.S. Market
*
The U.S. sugar market has become increasingly dependent on sugar imports from Mexico. How do the sweetener policies in our two countries impact the flow of sugar into the United States? To find out the most current assessment of Mexican production and available supplies as they interface with government policy in both the United States and Mexico, we encourage you to attend this session of informed panelists.
Moderator: Audrae Erickson, President, Corn Refiners Association
Panelists: Pat Henneberry, Executive Vice President of Commodity Operations, Imperial Sugar Company
Froylan Gracia, Counselor for Agricultural Affairs, Embassy of Mexico, SAGARPA
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Golf Awards Luncheon
1:00 - 2:15 p.m. Session VII
Ingredients in a Dynamic Global Economy
*
Many ingredients need to be sourced to manufacture the full compliment of today's food and beverage products. The markets for these ingredients are quickly affected by changes in weather, in energy prices, in the geopolitical environment or a host of other factors. Come and hear the latest expert opinions on the outlook for a variety of important commodities in today's complex global economic environment.
Moderator: Clay Hough, Senior Group Vice President and General Counsel, IDFA
Panelists: Mary Ledman, Principal, Keough Ledman Associates, Inc.
Steve Freed, Vice President of Research, ADM
Ken Lorenze, Vice President, Jenkins Sugar Group
George Lovatt, President, Lovatt and Rushing
2:20 - 3:30 p.m. Session VIII
2012 Farm Bill
*
For the first time in more than a decade, Congress will write a new Farm Bill with less money rather than more. Our expert panel will look at what’s different – and what’s not – in the current Farm Bill debate. They’ll cover everything from how farm politics change in an era of austerity, to how a big class of House freshmen look on agricultural policy, including sugar.
Moderator: William E. O’Conner, Jr., Senior Agriculture Policy Advisor, McLeod, Watkinson and Miller
Panelists: Ruth Saunders, Vice President, Policy & Legislative Affairs, IDFA
Bruce Knight, Principal & Founder, Strategic Conservation Solutions, LLC
3:30 - 4:00 p.m. Break
4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Session IX
Implementing Sugar Policy
*
Government decisions affect U.S. sugar markets dramatically, to an extent seen in virtually no other commodity markets. Our panelists will talk about how USDA and other federal agencies have implemented the 2008 Farm Bill’s sugar provisions, what the short- and long-term market implications are and what may lie ahead.
Moderator: Brian O’Malley, President & Chief Executive Officer, Domino Foods, Inc.
Panelists: Barbara Fecso, Agriculture Economist, Farm Services Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Greg Breunig, Vice President, Operations, Clasen Quality Coatings, Inc.
Jack Roney, Director of Economics and Policy Analysis, American Sugar Alliance
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Reception

Sponsored by:

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

7:30 - 8:55 a.m. Session X
Coffee with Stuart Rothenberg: The 2012 Federal Elections
*
We will sit down with Stuart Rothenberg, one of Washington's most respected political analysts and commentators to hear his unique insight into the 2012 federal elections. A frequent contributor to prominent media outlets, Rothenberg is the editor and publisher of The Rothenberg Political Report, a non-partisan political newsletter that reports on and analyzes elections in the United States, the House and the Senate, as well as gubernatorial elections, presidential politics and current political developments.
Speaker: Stuart Rothenberg, Editor and Publisher of The Rothenberg Report and Columnist for Roll Call
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Session XI
2012 Refining Capacity Outlook
*
With the prospect of new refineries and an increase in cane refining capacity on the horizon in 2012, our expert will examine the outlook and market implications for the New Year.
Speaker: Craig Ruffolo, Vice President, McKeany-Flavell Company
10:00 a.m. Adjournment


Affiliate Meetings During the International Sweetener Colloquium

No meetings or events may be held during Colloquium program hours at the resort. Resort personnel will advise SUA of any such requests. However, we invite you to host a meeting or event at the resort during the following non-Colloquium program times:

Saturday, February 11, 2012
Anytime

Sunday, February 12, 2012
After 7:30 p.m.

Monday, February 13, 2012
1:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
After 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012
After 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012
After 10:00 a.m.

Please contact Diana Carmenates at (202) 220-3504 or dcarmenates@idfa.org for more details.

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Hotel and Local Information

The 2012 International Sweetener Colloquium will be held at the Waldorf Astoria in Orlando, FL.

The newest Waldorf Astoria is nestled in the heart of over 480 pristine acres and is home to the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, a 24,000 square foot spa and several celebrated restaurants inspired by the Waldorf Astoria flagship in New York. Colloquium attendees will also have access to complimentary private shuttle service direct from the hotel to the Walt Disney World theme parks.

With a special room rate of $259 per night for registered attendees, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando has something for everyone. You may make your reservation here or call the resort at (407) 597-5500 to reserve your room today. When calling, refer to the International Sweetener Colloquium to receive the special room rate.

The deadline to secure a room is January 20, 2012, or when the room block is filled, whichever comes first. We have secured a large block of rooms, but once all the rooms have been reserved, we cannot guarantee that additional space will be available. Check-in time is 3:00 p.m.

**If you're having difficulty making a reservation please contact Patrick Crosson, IDFA's Meeting Assistant and Registrar, at pcrosson@idfa.org.

*Please note that only registered Colloquium attendees will receive the special group rate.


Address:

14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane
Orlando FL 32821
Phone: 407.597.5500
http://www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com/

 

 Hotel Key Cards Sponsored By:

 

Dining

Bull & Bear
The 159-seat Bull & Bear exudes a club-like warmth, compliments of its handsome furnishings and impeccable service. Chandeliers, a coffered ceiling and beveled glass windows lend an air of stateliness. The menu offers hearty portions of classic fare, much like the trend-setting original, which was the first restaurant on the Eastern Seaboard to serve USDA-Certified Angus Beef Prime®, the highest quality grade available in the United States.

Hours: Open daily for dinner, 6:00pm - 10:00pm

Oscar’s
Much like its stylish namesake brasserie, Oscar's tantalizes the palate with contemporary cuisine in an elegantly casual setting. The menu includes some of the best comforting, contemporary American dishes and re-interpretations of dishes such as Eggs Benedict - a hallmark of the original Waldorf Astoria in New York. Delicious appetizers, wines by the glass and speciality entreés are available.

Hours: Open daily for Breakfast and Lunch, 7:00am - 2:30pm

Peacock AlleyPeacock Alley
Peacock Alley is centrally located in the heart of the main lobby, overlooking its magnificent hand-crafted clock. With a nod to the stunning landmark restaurant of the same name in New York, Peacock Alley features an irresistible menu of small-plate inspired cuisine.

Hours:
Sunday - Thursday, 11:00am - 11:00pm
Friday - Saturday, 11:00am - 12:00am

Sir Harry’s Lounge
Imbued with the distinctive ambiance of a private club, Sir Harry's Lounge is an excellent place to meet. Furnished with rich, luxurious seating, the lounge encourages lively conversation and offers generous beverages. Enjoy a Manhattan originally invented at the Waldorf Astoria in New York.

Hours: Friday and Saturday, 5:30pm - Midnight 

Aquamarine
Garden-style salads and bountiful sandwiches share the bill of fare in Aquamarine, a wonderfully casual poolside grille. Aquamarine takes its name from the color of the pool's brilliant blue water, a grand sight as guests dine in an al fresco environment.

Hours: Open daily, 11:00am - 7:30pm

The Clubhouse Grille
The Clubhouse Grille serves as the 19th hole at the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club and offers a relaxing environment with traditional fare for a post-game meal overlooking the course. Relax after a challenging game with the signature Reuben, Angus burger or enjoy something lighter, such as the composed trio salad.

Hours: Open daily for Lunch, 10:00am - 4:30pm

Amenities

  • 18-hole Rees Jones-designed championship golf course
  • The Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain
  • State-of-the-art fitness center
  • Private cabanas
  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Concierge service
  • Bike rentals
  • Waldorf Astoria Kid’s Club
  • Jogging trails
  • 24-hour business center

 
Area Attractions

  • Walt Disney World® Resort (9 miles)
  • SeaWorld®, Discovery Cove®, Aquatica® (9.7 miles)
  • Universal Studios® and Islands of Adventure (12 miles)
  • Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra (18.3)
  • Orlando Performing Arts Center (22 miles)
  • Orlando Ballet (22.5 miles)
  • Orlando Museum of Art (24 miles)
  • Orlando Shakespeare Theater (24 miles)
  • Orlando Science Center (24 miles)
  • Harry P. Leu Gardens (25 miles)
  • Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art (26 miles)
  • Kennedy Space Center (67 miles)
  • Cocoa Beach (70 miles)
  • Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay (71 miles)
  • Daytona Beach (76 miles)

Theme Parks
    

 

To receive special rates on theme park tickets, please click one of the banners above. This link will give attendees and their traveling companions access to some unique options and special savings on pre-arrival purchases for theme park tickets. 

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Travel and Transportation


Getting to Orlando

*Average temperatures in Orlando in February are 73F high, 50F low.

Getting There by Air

Orlando is served by the Orlando International Airport. We are pleased to announce discounts with American, United, Delta and Airlines for the 2012 International Sweetener Colloquium. The following promotion is available:

American Airlines
IDFA has partnered with American Airlines to provide our attendees  a 5% discount for the 2012 International Sweetener Colloquium in Orlando. The valid travel dates for this discount are February 9 - 18, 2012. You can easily access American’s fares and apply this discount by going to www.aa.com to book your flight. Place the below Promotion Code  in the promotion code box and your discount will be calculated automatically. This special discount is valid off any applicable published fares listed for American Airlines, American Eagle, and American Connection. International originating guests will need to contact your local reservation number and refer to the Promotion Code.

You may also call 1-800-433-1790 to book your flights, please refer to the Authorization Number below when you call. Please note there is a reservation service charge for all tickets issued by phone. Please use our preferred partner, American Airlines when you can because of the benefits provided to you as a traveler and to our organization for extended partner value.

Promotion Code: 7922BE

Delta
Delta is pleased to offer discounted airfares. Use WorldFile/Ticket Designator NM8D7 to purchase your tickets and discounts from 2 to 7 percent will be applied. Please call (800) 328-1111 for reservations.

United/Continental Airlines
United/Continental Airlines offer discounts off published fares of 2 to 10 percent.  Valid travel dates are February 9 - 18, 2012. Book your reservations online at www.united.com for maximum savings and receive an additional 3 percent discount off the published fares. Click on www.united.com, choose your flight times and access your meeting discounts by inserting ZKZC496527 in the offer code box. Or you may call your travel professional or United Meetings at (800) 468-7022 ($25 service fee). Refer to Z Code ZKZC and Agreement Code 496527. This information applies to both United and Continental Airlines reservations.


Getting to the Waldorf Astoria

Transportation from Orlando International Airport (Approximately 26 minutes):

Head east on Airport Blvd (1.3 miles)/Continue onto S Semoran Blvd (0.3 miles)/Take the ramp onto FL-528 W Partial Toll Road (10.9 miles)/Take the exit onto I-4 W toward Tampa (4.7 miles)/Take exit 67 toward Epcot/Downtown Disney (1.1 miles)/Merge onto Epcot Center Rd (0.7 miles)/Take the first exit to Downtown Disney/Typhoon Lagoon (0.30 miles)/At traffic light make a left onto Buena Vista Dr (0.2 miles)/At the next light turn left onto Chelonia Pkwy (1.1 miles) /Turn right onto Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Waldorf Astoria Orlando is the second hotel on your right (0.4 miles)

Diamond Cab: 407-523-3333, $55 (one way)

Mears Transportation Shuttle: (407) 423-5566, $21 (one way)

Mears Private Town Car: $78 (one way including gratuity)

Parking Fees: Valet is available for $20.00 per day.


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Golf Tournament

The golf tournament is open to all registered attendees and their spouses.

Golf Tournament at the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club


Sunday, February 12, 2012

Noon shotgun start
Price: $240 per person

golf course

Test your skill on the 18-hole, Rees Jones-designed championship course, winding through a large wetland preserve and measuring 7,108 yards with a Par 72, Slope 139, and 74.6 rating from its professional tees. Holes are visually arresting from tee to green and require intelligent management of the game. Bunkers are carved to be reminiscent of the hazards designed on courses a century ago. Majestic stands of pine and cypress trees line the fairways. The style of this meticulous Orlando golf resort was dictated by the land's existing contours, which Jones then enhanced always mindful of the natural elements and environmental issues. Enjoy the convenience of a fully stocked pro shop with TaylorMade, Adidas and Ashworth merchandise and TaylorMade club rentals.

Includes:

  • Green Fees
  • Boxed Lunch
  • Cart fees
  • Practice Balls
  • Service Fees

Beverage Cart Sponsored By:

Hole-in-One Contest Sponsored By:

             National Sugar Marketing LLC

Golf Hole Sponsored By:

Golf Hole with Contest Sponsored By:

Golf Caps Sponsored By:

Water Bottles Sponsored By:

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Sponsorships*

For more information on sponsoring the 2012 International Sweetener Colloquium, please contact Paxton Styles, Coordinator - Meetings and Educational Services, at pstyles@idfa.org or 202-220-3532. You may also visit our sponsorship webpage.

Registration Tips

1. When is the 2012 International Sweetener Colloquium being held?

The International Sweetener Colloquium will be held Sunday, February 12, through Wednesday, February 15, 2012.

2. Why should I attend the 2012 International Sweetener Colloquium?

The International Sweetener Colloquium is an annual event that provides a unique opportunity to hear key players from the sweetener, biofuels and ingredients sectors discuss the pressing issues of the day.  This is a great opportunity to join industry colleagues for four days of educational sessions, networking and the annual golf tournament.  

3. Who attends the International Sweetener Colloquium?
The International Sweetener Colloquium is one of the industry's largest annual events, which is attended by more than 400 sweetener industry professionals each year. Attendees include sweetener buyers, suppliers, academics and policy makers, which makes the Colloquium one of the most sought-after networking events in the industry.

4. Will there be exhibits?
No, there are no exhibits for this event.

5. Which hotel has been reserved? What is the rate?
The International Sweetener Colloquium will be held at the Waldorf Astoria in Orlando, FL. There is a special room rate of $259 per night for registered attendees.

6. Can I make my hotel reservations now?
Yes, you can make your reservation directly on the hotel website or call the resort at (407) 597-5500 to reserve your room today. When calling, refer to the International Sweetener Colloquium to receive the special room rate. 

7. What is the schedule for the International Sweetener Colloquium?
The agenda with program and activities schedule will soon be available online. Please note that the program schedule is subject to change.

8. How can I become a speaker at the International Sweetener Colloquium?
The International Sweetener Colloquium offers attendees access to divergent opinions, important policy makers and the latest research. If you would like to suggest a topic for the Colloquium, please email John Kelly, manager of international affairs, at 202-220-3507 or jkelly@idfa.org.

9. How do I register for the International Sweetener Colloquium?
The fastest and easiest way to register is online.

You may also email your registration to registrar@idfa.org, fax it to 202-331-7820 or mail it to: IDFA Registrar, 1250H St, NW, Suite 900, Washington, D.C. 20005.

10. What is the registration fee?
There is a multiple registration discount. The first three registrants pay $1095 each, registrant four pays $995, and registrants five and greater pay $945 each. The early bird discount has now expired. Please note that in order to qualify for the multiple registration discount, all registrants must be registered at the same time.

11. What does my registration fee include?
Your registration fee includes access to all sessions Monday through Wednesday, meal functions on Monday and Tuesday, and receptions Sunday through Tuesday evenings.

12. Will I receive a confirmation of my registration?
Yes, you will receive a confirmation for your registration via email or fax. It will contain detailed information about this year's International Sweetener Colloquium.

13. What is the registration cancellation/refund policy?
Full refunds will be granted for written cancellations received up to three weeks before the meeting. Cancellations received one to three weeks before the meeting will be eligible for a 50 percent refund. No registration refunds will be granted after February 6, 2012. All cancellations must be received in writing. Substitutions may be made without penalty. All golf tournament cancellations must be made before January 12, 2012. No golf tournament refunds will be given after this date.

14. I am a member of the news media, do you have press registration?
Yes, it is $350.

15. Are there any airfare discounts?
Please visit the Travel and Transportation section for information on discounts as it becomes available.

16. What is the dress code?
Business casual attire is highly recommended. Average temperatures in Orlando in February are 73F high, 50F low.

17. I am bringing my family with me; will there be any activities for them to enjoy?
We offer activities for families to enjoy. We have an afternoon golf tournament on Sunday February 13th. Please visit the Area Attractions section for more information.

18. My question is not here! Who should I contact?
If you have any further questions about 2011 International Sweetener Colloquium, please contact Patrick Crosson, meetings assistant & registrar, at 202-220-3557 or pcrosson@idfa.org.

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How to Register

For more information, contact the IDFA meetings registrar at registrar@idfa.org.

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