Overview

Co-hosted by the Sweetener Users Association and the International Dairy Foods Association, the International Sweetener Colloquium has long been considered the 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 2013 International Sweetener Colloquium will be held at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa located in Bonita Springs, Florida.

Agenda

Day One
Sunday, February 10, 2013

8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.	Registration
9:30 - 11:00 a.m.	SUA Board Meeting
Noon	Golf Tournament* Sponsored by: Golf Beverage Carts Sponsored by: Golf Towels Sponsored by:  Closet to the Pin Golf Contest Sponsored by:  Hole In One Sponsored by:
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.	Opening Reception* Sponsored by:

Day Two

Monday, February 11, 2013

7:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.	Registration Presentation Flash Drives Sponsored by:
7:30 - 8:30 a.m.	Breakfast and Keynote Address - Under Secretary Michael Scuse (Confirmed) At last year’s Colloquium, Under Secretary Michael Scuse gave one of the best keynote addresses in recent memory. And he continues to have responsibility over both domestic and trade policies critically impacting the sweetener sector. As one of the most important federal government stakeholders in the sweetener sector, his address will be a “can’t miss” session at the 2013 Colloquium. Keynote: Michael Scuse, Under Secretary, Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture
8:35 - 9:45 a.m.	Session II - World and U.S. Sugar Outlook Early indications for the 2012/13 world sugar balance are for some stock rebuilding but we’ve seen how quickly things can change. Too little rain here, too much there, throw in a hurricane or two, and pretty soon you’re talking high world sugar prices. And it’s a similar story for the U.S.-Mexican sweetener situation, which will depend not only on how crops turn out, but on whether high corn prices affect HFCS use and Mexico’s sugar exports. Get the latest views of our well-regarded experts at this session on the sugar market outlook. Moderator: Thomas Early, Vice President, Agralytica Panelists: Mike Gorrell, Head of Imperial Sugar Co., Louis Dreyfus Commodities Paul Meyers, Vice President, Commodity Analysis, Foresight Commodity Services
9:45 - 10:15 a.m.	Break
10:15 - 11:15 a.m.	Session III - International Energy and Ethanol Overview If you want to know what’s happening in the U.S. and international energy market and in the Brazilian/Canadian/E.U./U.S. ethanol complex, be sure to attend this session. Congress eliminated the U.S. ethanol tariff and the ethanol tax credit, a devastating drought reduced U.S. corn production, and Brazil will factor these events into its ethanol/sugar mix from sugarcane production.  Natural gas extraction is booming in the United States, shale gas and shale oil may be viable energy sources, and energy demands are rising, while Middle East crude oil supplies are threatened. This panel of experts will discuss the implications of these events and more to aid you in managing costs associated with energy inputs. Moderator: Dan McEntee, Director of Business Development, Batory Foods Panelists: Leticia Phillips, Representative for North America, UNICA James Stewart, Vice President, Beeson & Associates Geoff Cooper, Vice President of Research & Analysis, Renewable Fuels Association
11:20 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.	Session IV - The Trans-Pacific Partnership – Opportunities for Sugar Trade Liberalization Billed as “an ambitious, next-generation, 21st century trade agreement,” the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement is the most significant multilateral trade initiative since NAFTA and will likely serve as a template for future trade agreements. The current negotiations include several important players in global sweetener markets, including Australia, Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Our panelists will discuss the status of the negotiations and the potential impacts of this agreement on markets and future trade policy. Moderator: Rick Pasco, President, Sweetener Users Association Panelists: Sandra Marsden, President, Canadian Sugar Institute Warren Males, Head of Economics, Australian Canegrowers Dr. Oscar Cruz-Barney, International Trade Advisor, Mexican Sugar & Alcohol Association
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.	Reception* Sponsored by:

Day Three
Tuesday, February 12, 2013

8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.	Registration
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.	Session V - Hot Topic: Sustainability As more and more customers are expressing an interest in the environmental and ethical impacts of food production and supply chains, sustainability has gained considerable momentum in concept and practice. There has been a great deal of progress and a lot has been learned, but there is still some confusion as to why sustainability and where it will take us. Attend this session to learn about the win-win nature the endeavor can have for your business. Moderator: Clay Detlefsen, Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, International Dairy Foods Association Panelists: David Pendlington, Procurement Operations Director, Sustainable Sourcing, Unilever Michael Hewitt, Director, Environmental Sustainability Programs, Publix Super Markets, Inc.
10:00 - 10:30 a.m.	Break
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.	Session VI - The Future of Food Safety: Increased Laws or Self-Imposed Industry Regulation? The Food Safety Modernization Act is the most important food safety legislation in the last 100 years. Agree? Is this legislation the fundamental paradigm shift or just more of the same? Do the proposed rules give any clues? How will this legislation and the regulatory implementation specifically impact the sweetener sector? Come hear a panel of experts sort out these critical issues. Moderator: Clay Detlefsen, Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, International Dairy Foods Association Panelists: Joseph A. Levitt, Partner, Hogan Lovells US LLP
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.	Golf Awards Luncheon*
1:00 - 2:15 p.m.	Session VII - The Sugar Program in the Real World This panel will explore sugar policy’s impact on business operations under current law, as well as under a new farm bill – and how policies can best be administered. Are there better and worse ways to operate the program? How should buyers and traders interpret USDA numbers and their policy impact? How does the program affect markets? Moderator: Pat Henneberry, Executive Vice President of Commodity Operations, Imperial Sugar Co. Panelists: Barbara Fecso, Agricultural Economist, Farm Services Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture Jack Roney, Director of Economics and Policy Analysis, American Sugar Alliance Randy Green, Principal, Watson Green LLC Owen Wagner, Agricultural Economist, LMC International
2:20 - 3:30 p.m.	Session VIII - Ingredients Coming off of the worst U.S. drought in 50 years this always popular panel should not be missed. Our experts will cover the current situation and future supply outlooks for a number of important commodities. Moderator: Clay Hough, Senior Group Vice President, International Dairy Foods Association Panelists: Stephen S. Nicholson, Chief Economist, International Food Products Phil Plourd, President and CEO, Blimling and Associates Dave Hightower, Principal, The Hightower Report George Lovatt, President, Lovatt and Rushing
3:30 - 4:00 p.m.	Break
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.	Session IX - What Does a Sweetener Buyer Need to Know? Having an informed view of government sugar policy and the market outlook is only a part of the answer. What do you also need to know to do a good job as a sweetener buyer? Is it how to balance your own time resources against the varying complexity of different strategies? Is it knowing what your company policies and procedures allow you to do, and what you want to do, and finding a strategy that accommodates both? Old hands as well as new sugar buyers may learn a thing or two in the session, where our experts will draw on their long experience in advising both buyers and sellers on sweetener procurement negotiations. The speakers won't tell you what either you or other buyers or sellers should do or what any buyer or seller is doing or will do. That's for each of you to determine on your own. But the will help all participants to be more informed and to make better individual purchasing and product supply decisions. Moderator: Thomas Earley, Vice President, Agrilytica Panelists: Ann Cromarty, Commodity Procurement Manager, Blommer Chocolate Craig Ruffolo, Principal, McKeany-Flavell
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.	Reception*

Day Four

 

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

7:30 - 8:55 a.m.	Session X - Coffee With Amy Walter: Analyzing Results of the 2012 Elections Part journalist, part historian, and all shrewd political observer, Amy Walter explains the complexities of American politics with lucid precision. As the political director of Atlantic Media Company, the editorial director of National Journal, and a senior political and election analyst for CNN and ABC, he produces sharp analysis on politics, policy, the electorate, media, healthcare, and the range of issues informed by his strong sense of American political and national history. Twice a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, Brownstein appears regularly in the Atlantic and pens a bi-weekly column in National Journal and the Los Angeles Times.  Please join us as one of the best political journalists in the nation walks us through the results of the 2012 elections. Speaker: Amy Walter, National Editor o The Cook Political Report
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.	Session XI - The Regulatory Environment The nation’s obesity crisis has prompted new regulatory attention to how food is marketed and labeled. Add in concerns about school snacks, sodium levels and genetically modified crops, and food manufacturers had better pay attention to regulatory trends. An expert panel looks at what may lie ahead. Moderator: Randy Green, Principal, Watson Green LLC Panelists: Michelle Albee Matto, Consultant, AM Food and Nutrition Gil Keteltas, Esq., Partner, Baker Hostetler Elizabeth Johnson, Consultant, Food Directions DC
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 09, 2013
Anytime

Sunday, February 10, 2013
After 7:30 p.m.

Monday, February 11, 2013
1:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
After 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013
After 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013
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

    Key cards sponsored by:

The 2013 International Sweetener Colloquium will be held at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs, FL.

Rooms are currently sold out at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point and at the Hyatt Place Coconut Point (2.5 miles away). Rooms are available at Embassy Suites Fort Myers – Estero (4.3 miles away). To make reservations click here. You can also make your reservations calling the hotel directly at 1(888)236-2427 and refer to the International Dairy Foods Association block. A shuttle will be provided from all the satellite hotels to the main hotel.

For more information about Hyatt Place Coconut Point, visit the hotel website here. For additional details, contact Maria Velasco at mvelasco@idfa.org.

***NOTE: Only registered International Sweetener Colloquium attendees will receive the special group rate.

Address:
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point
5001 Coconut Road 
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Phone: (888) 421-1442
Website

Hyatt Place Coconut Point
23120 Via Villagio
Estero, FL 33928
(239) 495-1395
www.hyatt.com

Embassy Suites Fort Myers - Estero
10450 Corkscrew Commons Drive
Estero, Florida
USA 33928
Tel: +1-239-949-4222
Fax: +1-239-949-0505
Website

Transportation to/from Overflow Hotels:

To/From Hyatt Place

• Up to 4 passengers per town car: $10 each way
• 5+ passengers in an executive van: $4/person

To/From Embassy Suites

• Up to 4 passengers per town car: $20 each way
• 5+ passengers in an executive van: $6/person

Contact:

Website: www.golptransport.com
E-mail: info@golptrasnport.com
Phone: (239) 948-8002

Dining:

Tanglewood
International cuisine takes center stage, as the Executive Chef consistently delivers “comfortable food with an exciting twist”.  Just as tantalizing as the food is Tanglewood’s setting, with wrought iron railings and verdant gardens overlooking a grand water feature. Tanglewood offers both indoor seating and patio dining where you can relax in the warm Florida sunshine.

Hours: Open daily for breakfast from 6:30 - 11:00 a.m; serves lunch from 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and dinner from 5:30 - 10:00 p.m.

Tarpon Bay
Enjoy exceptional views of Estero Bay from this casual restaurant. Jutting out over the water, Tarpon Bay has a beach cottage vibe, with colorful lanterns swaying softly over each table. The festiveness of the atmosphere finds its way into the food, as the chef infuses the freshest seafood with innovative combinations of herbs and spices for a truly memorable meal.

Hours: Open daily for dinner from 5:30 - 10:00 p.m.
Reservations: Reservations are recommended; call (239) 390-4295 or to make a reservation on Open Table.

Corkscrew
Playful, poolside fun is made to order at Corkscrew. Offering a full service bar and grill, fill up on mouth watering fare including burgers, salads and wraps, or simply cool down by the pool with a frozen drink under the giant mist machines.

Hours: Serves lunch and beverages from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily.

Braxton’s
The main attraction of this golf course restaurant is the outdoor terrace providing panoramic views overlooking the 18th green. Whether you are coming in from the links or just meeting with friends for a casual lunch, you’ll appreciate the array of freshly prepared salads and sandwiches and full bar featuring premium liquors.

Hours: Serves lunch daily from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Kofe Nut
Find all your daily essentials — snacks, sundries and Starbucks — at this eclectic coffee shop. Kofe Nut offers a variety of items to meet your needs throughout the day. Grab breakfast to go before your morning tee time or cool down after a day at the beach with a creamy milkshake or fresh homemade Royal Scoop ice cream.

Hours: Open daily from 6:00 a.m. - 10:00p.m.

Amenities:
Raptor Bay Golf Club
Stillwater Spa
5,000 square foot Adventure Pool
Hydra Grid tennis courts
Camp Coconut kids resort
Concierge service
Kayak Tours
Boat Tours
Jogging trails
24-hour business center

Area Attractions:

Big Hickory Island Beach
Everglades Wonder Gardens
Everglades National Park
Babcock Wilderness Adventures
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
Coconut Mall
Miromar Outlets
Ft. Myers Historical Museum
Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
Lionel Train Museum
The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
The Florida Repertory Theatre
Germain Arenda
Seminole Gulf Railway’s Murder Mystery Dinner Train

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Travel and Transportation

Getting to Bonita Springs (Fort Myers, FL)

*Average temperatures in Bonita Springs during February are 77F high and 56F low.

Getting There by Air:
Fort Myers is served by the Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). We are pleased to announce discounts with American, Delta and United Airlines for the 2013 International Sweetener Colloquium. The following promotions are available:

American Airlines
IDFA has partnered with American Airlines to provide our attendees a 5 percent discount for the 2013 International Sweetener Colloquium in Bonita Springs, Florida. The valid travel dates for this discount are February 7 - 16, 2013. You can easily access American's fares and apply this discount by going to www.aa.com to book your flight. Place Promotion Code 8823BX 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 (800) 433-1790 to book your flights, please refer to promotion code 8823BX 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 IDFA for extended partner value.

Promotion Code: 8823BX

Delta Airlines
Delta is pleased to offer discounted airfares. Reservations and ticketing are available via www.delta.com. When booking online, select Meeting Event Code and enter NMF2T in the box provided on the Search Flight page.  Reservations may also be made by calling our Delta Meeting Network Reservations at 800-328-1111, Monday – Friday 7 a.m.-7p.m. CDT. Provide Meeting Event Code NMF2T. Please note that a direct ticketing fee will apply for booking by phone.

United
United Airlines offers discounts off published fares of 2 to 10 percent.  Valid travel dates are February 7-16, 2013. 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 discount by inserting ZNVD930444 in the offer code box. Or you may call your travel professional or United Meetings at (800) 426-1122 ($25 service fee). Refer to Z Code ZNVD and Agreement Code 930444.

Getting to the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point

From Southwest Florida International Airport (Fort Myers)
Follow Terminal Access Road (East) to the intersection of Ben Hill Griffin Parkway / Treeline Avenue Extension. Turn left onto Ben Hill Griffin Parkway, and follow to Corkscrew Road (approx. 7 miles). At Corkscrew Road, turn right and follow to South Tamiami Trail (US 41) (approx 3-1 / 2 miles). Turn left onto S. Tamiami Trail and follow for approximately 2 miles to Coconut Road. Turn right at Coconut Road, Hyatt Regency is at the end.

Approximate Cab fare: $40 - 45 (one way)

Parking Fees:
Valet is available for $20.00 per day.
Complimentary self-parking

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Golf Tournament

The golf tournament is open to all attendees, spouses, family members, and guests accompanying registrants of the 2013 International Sweetener Colloquium.

The golf tournament is a social program and is not intended for individuals who wish to fully participate in the sessions.

Name badges must be worn for admission to all functions.

*A "guest" is a spouse, significant other, friend or an adult child (18 or older). A co-worker or an associate within the industry may not use the guest registration category. Spouse/Guests are complimentary with a paid attendee.

Golf Tournament at the Raptor Bay Golf Club
Sunday, February 10, 2012
Noon shotgun start   Price: $195 per person

 

True stewards of the land, Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa carefully crafted each hole at the Raptor Bay Golf Club to blend with the environment, leaving a beautiful course with natural surroundings. Under the guidance of Audubon International, they have developed an ecological design that preserved the most valuable habitats on site and restored nearly 25 acres of wetlands. With no residential sites on the property, the natural surroundings encourage the appearance of protected wild creatures including the American Bald Eagle, Great Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets and Whooping Crane.

Includes:

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

Registration Tips

1. When is the 2013 International Sweetener Colloquium being held?
The International Sweetener Colloquium will be held Sunday, February 10, through Wednesday, February 13, 2013.

2. Why should I attend the 2013 International Sweetener Colloquium?
The International Sweetener Colloquium is an annual event that provides a unique opportunity to hear key players from key sectors discuss the pressing issues that affect your business. 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 Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Bonita Springs, FL. There is a special room rate of $249 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 (888) 421-1442 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 is 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 $1045 each, registrant four pays $950, and registrants 5 and greater pay $900. An early bird discount is currently in effect until December 10, 2012. After December 10, 2012 the registration rates will change to $1095 for the first three registrants, $995 for registrant four, and $945 for registrants 5 and greater. 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. 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 3, 2013. All cancellations must be received in writing. Substitutions may be made without penalty. All golf tournament cancellations must be made before January 11, 2013. 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?
Yes IDFA has partnered with four different airlines to offer discounts to attendees. We are pleased to announce discounts with American Airlines, Delta and United. Visit the hotel and travel section for more information.

16. What is the dress code?
Business casual attire is highly recommended. Average temperatures in Bonita Springs during February are 77F high and 56F 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 10th. 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 2013 International Sweetener Colloquium, please contact Maria Velasco, meetings assistant at (202) 220-3557 or registrar@idfa.org.

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How to Register

• Register Online
• Download a Registration Form
  1. Email the form to registrar@idfa.org
  2. Fax the form to (202) 331-7820
  3. Mail the form and check to IDFA, 1250 H St, NW, Ste. 900, Washington, DC 20005

For more information, contact IDFA's meetings assistant and registrar at registrar@idfa.org.

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