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Overview

The 2012 Washington Conference—the dairy processing industry’s popular “legislative fly-in”—provides attendees with valuable dairy policy briefings and the opportunity to meet and discuss industry priorities with policymakers in Washington. Executives from IDFA member companies will attend face-to-face meetings with congressional leaders and staff to discuss the 2012 Farm Bill and other key dairy policy issues. This year’s agenda includes an in-depth review of pending legislation by IDFA’s policy experts, meetings with key members of Congress and the 30th Annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party.

IDFA members interested in walking the halls of Capitol Hill and learning firsthand how policy is crafted should plan to attend.

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Agenda

Day One
Wednesday, June 20

9:00 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Registration & Information Desk The Liaison Capitol Hill
Noon - 2:00 p.m.	Lunch & Issues Briefing The Liaison Capitol Hill Hear from IDFA’s policy experts on all of the dairy issues affecting your business.
2:30 - 5:00 p.m.	Congressional Visits Capitol Hill, House and Senate Offices Meet with Members of Congress and congressional staff.
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.	Opening Reception The Liaison Capitol Hill

Day Two
Thursday, June 21

7:00 a.m. - noon	Registration & Information Desk The Liaison Capitol Hill
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.	Roundtable Breakfast The Liaison Capitol Hill Share feedback from your first afternoon of congressional meetings and meet with colleagues to prepare for Day 2 on Capitol Hill.
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.	PAC Steering Committee Meeting The Liaison Capitol Hill PAC Steering Committee members only.
9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.	Congressional Visits Capitol Hill, House and Senate Offices Meet with Members of Congress and congressional staff.
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.	U.S. Senate Ice Cream Social U.S. Capitol Building Invitation only event for PAC contributors ($500 and above).
4:00 - 6:30 p.m.	30th Annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party Upper Senate Park Join colleagues, Members of Congress and staff for the “coolest” event on the Hill.

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Family Fun Program*

Wednesday, June 20
11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Capitol River Cruise
Discover the Most Spectacular Views of Washington from The Potomac River.  See the Kennedy Center, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, the US Capitol, The Watergate, Lincoln Memorial, and Maritime Memorial.  Cruises last for approximately 45 minutes with historical narration.

Visit to Georgetown
Explore the unique history of the charming neighborhood of Georgetown with day of shopping, great restaurants, and rich history.  Designated a National Historic Landmark, Georgetown features the highest concentration of retail options in one square mile. From authentic ethnic eateries to D.C.’s largest selection of sweets, it is the ideal neighborhood to satisfy a wide range of tastes. Spend about 2.5 hours in this exciting neighborhood. Georgetown cupcake, anyone?

Guided tour of Dumbarton House
Located in Georgetown, Dumbarton House is a beautiful federal-style mansion that features collections of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art and European masterpieces.  Once a private home, today Dumbarton House is the headquarters for The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America.  Enjoy learning about the house’s history, which includes hosting Dolley Madison, who was forced to flee the White House after it was torched by the British Army in 1814.  Dumbarton House offers 45 minute docent-led tours of the public rooms and gardens.

Wine Tasting at Bacchus Wine Cellar
After a busy day of sightseeing and shopping, enjoy a complimentary wine tasting at the charming Bacchus Wine Cellar.  A warmly accented boutique nestled in Georgetown, Bacchus offers a wide variety of wine and spirits ranging from artisanal, unknown estates to the most coveted chateaux.  The breadth of their wine collection holds something for every budget and every palate.
OR
Treat Tasting at Thomas Sweet  
A longtime favorite of presidents and politicians, the Thomas Sweet Ice Cream shop is a Georgetown favorite. Thomas Sweet offers ice cream, soft frozen yogurt, chocolate, and even fresh fudge. Everything is homemade in small batches with the freshest ingredients available.

Georgetown Cupcake Sampling
Enjoy a Georgetown Cupcake on the bus ride back to the Liaison Capitol Hill hotel. Georgetown Cupcake was named by DC’s best cupcake by the Washington Post and is known for its around-the-block lines and setting for TLC’s reality show “DC Cupcake.”

Thursday, June 21
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

National Zoo Self-Guided Tour
It’s all happening at the zoo. Part of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Zoo is a great place to see some of the 2,000 individual animals of 400 different species that live there.  These animals teach us about diversity of animals and how to better protect their habitats.  Visit giant pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, on loan from China Wildlife Conservation Association and learn more about these very rare animals that have come to symbolize endangered species and conservation efforts.  It takes several hours to see all of the animals and exhibits. To make your walk around the Zoo more enjoyable, wear comfortable shoes and clothing and bring lots of sun screen. The 2.5 hour visit to the Zoo includes time for lunch.

Botanic Gardens Self-Guided Tour
From jungle to desert to primeval paradise, the indoor gardens and galleries of the U.S. Botanic Garden’s Conservatory offers the perfect foil to a harried Washington schedule. The resplendent diversity of form, color, fruit, and fragrance reminds us that plants make our lives possible and enjoyable. Steeped in history, rich with tradition, the Botanic Garden is one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America.  Learn more about the importance of plants to the well-being of humankind and to earth’s fragile ecosystems during a 45 minute self-guided tour.

Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party
4:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Join IDFA colleagues, members of Congress, Congressional staff and local residents for the “coolest” event on Capitol Hill.

*Minimum registration numbers will be required.

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Hotel and Travel Information

The 2012 Washington Conference will be held at The Liaison Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Boasting a prime location on Capitol Hill, The Liaison is the closest hotel to the U.S. Capitol. The Smithsonian, the National Mall, Union Station, and dozens of the country’s most visited museums and monuments are within walking distance. The Capitol Hill hotel is both a powerful connection to the nation’s capital and a comfortable escape as well.

If you still require a room, please contact Diana Carmenates, IDFA vice president of meetings and educational services, at dcarmenates@idfa.org or (202) 220-3504.

Check-in time is 3:00 p.m. and check-out time is 12:00 noon.

Address
415 New Jersey Avenue NW
Washington DC 20001
Tel: (202) 638-1616
Website

Services and Amenities

• Seasonal rooftop pool and sundeck
• Business Center
• Concierge
• Complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access in lounge
• Dataport (computer, fax, modem hook-up)
• Energy-efficient custom temperature controls
• Fitness Center
• Gilchrist and Soames Sprout Out Collection environmentally friendly bath amenities
• In-room safe
• 37-inch flat-screen TVs

Dining

Art and Soul

Named one of the Best New Restaurants in DC by the Restaurant Association Metro Washington, Art and Soul offers indoor and outdoor patio seating. A design extension of the lobby and bar areas, the contemporary restaurant features iconic artwork by American artist Randy Slack, as well as built-in conversation areas, subtle lighting, 16-foot rolling glass walls, and stainless steel curtains, creating an atmosphere of stylish urban sophistication.

Hours:
Breakfast: 6:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. (Monday-Friday) and 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. (Saturday & Sunday)
Brunch: 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (Sunday)
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (Monday-Saturday)
Dinner: 5:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. (Monday-Thursday), 5:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. (Friday & Saturday), and 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (Sunday)

ArtBar

A natural extension of the chic, modern comfort of Art and Soul, ArtBar features light fare from Chef Art Smith, specialty cocktails and a large collection of wines. The conversation-sparking space is centered around an illuminated pillar and circular teal faux-ostrich-skin bench. Style and taste come together nicely at ArtBar, for Capitol Hill happy hours or spirited debate late into the evening.

Hours:
Daily: 12:00 p.m. - Midnight             

 

Local Attractions

• Capitol Hill
• National Mall
• Union Station
• Trolley Tours
• The Smithsonian Museums
• Washington Monument
• The White House

Getting to Washington D.C.

Getting There by Air

Washington, DC is served by the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. We are pleased to announce that American, Delta, and United Airlines are our official partners for the IDFA Washington Conference.

American Airlines
IDFA has partnered with American Airlines to provide our attendees a 5 percent discount for the 2012 Washington Conference in Washington, D.C.. The valid travel dates for this discount are June 17 - 24, 2012. You can easily access American's fares and apply this discount by going to www.aa.com to book your flight. Place Promotion Code 9562BT 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 9562BT 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: 9562BT

Delta Airlines
Delta is pleased to offer discounted airfares. Use WorldFile/Ticket Designator NM8D7 to purchase your tickets online 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 June 17 - 24, 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 Liaison Capitol Hill

From Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (4.5 miles):
From the airport, take the George Washington Memorial Parkway North toward Washington/Take the 14th Street Bridge exit (ramp is to your right)/Follow signs to Interstate 395 North/Once you are on I-395, look for the signs for US Senate - D Street NW/You will need to merge to the right over several lanes of traffic/The exit will take you into a tunnel. Remain in the right lane (D Street, NW) and proceed through one short tunnel merging to the right lane through a second longer tunnel. Take the D Street NW-US Capitol exit/Turn right onto D Street NW. At the second light, turn left onto New Jersey Avenue, NW/Liaison Capitol Hill is located in the first block, on the right, at 415 New Jersey Avenue, NW.
Approximate Cab Fare: $15
Airport Shuttle: $10 - 15 per person

From Washington Dulles International Airport (27.8 miles):
From the Dulles IAD airport, follow signs to Interstate 66 East/Cross the Roosevelt Bridge into Washington/Take Constitution Avenue East toward the US Capitol/Turn left onto Louisiana Avenue, NW/Proceed on Louisiana Ave. for three short blocks; turn left onto New Jersey Avenue, NW/Hotel is on your right, at 415 New Jersey Avenue, NW.
Approximate Cab Fare: $50
FT Airport Shuttle: $22 for one person, $10 for every additional person

From Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (32.3 miles):

From BWI airport, follow signs for I-95 West/Take the Baltimore/Washington Parkway / MD-295 South exit towards Washington, exit #2B/Merge on MD-295 South/Take the New York Avenue (US-50 West) exit towards Washington/Continue on New York Avenue NW/Turn left onto North Capitol Street, NW/When you see the US Capitol Dome ahead, you're getting close/Turn right onto Louisiana Avenue and then right again quickly onto D Street, NW/Go one block, then turn right onto New Jersey Avenue, NW/    Liaison Capitol Hill is located in the first block, on the right, at 415 New Jersey Avenue, NW.
Approximate Cab Fare: $60-75
Airport Shuttle: $30

 

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Registration Tips

1. When will the 2012 Washington Conference be held?
IDFA's Washington Conference will be held Wednesday, June 20 through Thursday, June 21, 2012.

2. Why should I attend the Washington Conference?
Washington Conference is the dairy processing industry’s “fly-in” and provides attendees with valuable dairy policy briefings and the opportunity to meet and discuss industry priorities with policymakers in Washington. The agenda each year includes a review of pending legislation, invaluable networking opportunities with key members of Congress and the always popular Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party.

3. Who attends the Washington Conference?
IDFA members interested in walking the halls of Capitol Hill and learning firsthand how policy is crafted should plan to attend.

4. Which hotel has been reserved? What is the rate?
The Washington Conference will be held at The Liaison Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. IDFA has a special room rate of $275 per night.

5. Can I make my hotel reservations now?
Yes, you can make your reservation directly on the hotel website or call the hotel at (202) 638-1616 reserve your room today. When calling, refer to IDFA's Washington Conference to receive the special room rate.

6. What is the schedule for the Washington Conference?
The agenda, including a program and activities schedule, is available online. Please note that the program schedule is subject to change.

7. How do I register for the Washington Conference?
The fastest and easiest way to register is online (coming soon).
You may also email your registration to registrar@idfa.org, fax it to 202-331-7820 or mail it to IDFA Registrar, 1250 H St, NW, Suite 900, Washington, D.C. 20005.

8. What is the registration fee?
The registration fee for the 2012 Washington Conference is $195 for members.  Participation in the Family Fun program is an additional $75.

9. What does my registration fee include?
Your registration fee includes lunch on Day One, the Opening Reception, breakfast on Day Two and the Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party.

10. 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 Washington Conference.

11. 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 June 13, 2012. All cancellations must be received in writing. Substitutions may be made without penalty.

12. I am a member of the news media, do you have press registration?
Please contact Ashley Burch, IDFA Assistant Director of Political Programs, at aburch@idfa.org for special consideration.

13. 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, Delta and United Airlines. Visit the hotel and travel section for more information.

14. What is the dress code?
Business casual attire is highly recommended. Average temperatures in Washington D.C. during June are 84F high and 66F low.

15. My question is not here! Who should I contact?
If you have any further questions about the 2012 Washington Conference, please contact Ashley Burch, Assistant Director of Political Programs at 202-220-3534 or aburch@idfa.org.

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How to Register

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

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

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