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Policy & Politics Conference

September 19-21, 2012

The Renaissance Mayflower Hotel | Washington , D.C.


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Overview

There is no place like Washington, D.C. to learn first-hand how policy is made.  IDFA’s new Policy & Politics Conference will give participants the opportunity to hear directly from the most powerful leaders in Congress about the issues that directly affect dairy, food and agriculture businesses.  It will provide access to the top decisions-makers within the federal agencies responsible for the regulations that cover dairy products and businesses.  And it will provide insight into the strategies -- and politics -- that are shaping the agenda during this election cycle and over the next four years.

Held once every four years, the Policy & Politics Conference is scheduled immediately after the two national conventions when the whole country if focused on the key issues of the 2012 elections.  From who will control the next Congress to farm bill policy proposals, the two-day conference will provide ‘inside the beltway’ access to some of the most influential leaders in the country.

During an election year, you have the power to change the future.  Join us in Washington in September to get the insights and inside information on the issues that matter most to you and your companies.

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Agenda

Day One
Wednesday, September 19

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Registration
2:00 - 6:00 p.m. Hospitality Suite Open
7:00 p.m.

Opening Reception and Dinner
Kick off the Policy & Politics Conference with dinner at one of Washington, D.C.’s landmark locations and enjoy an evening of live entertainment with the "Capitol Steps” -- known for putting the ‘mock’ in democracy. 

Day Two
Thursday, September 20

7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Registration
8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Up For Grabs:  2012 Election Outlook in the U.S. Senate
Will the Senate be controlled by Democrats or Republicans after the 2012 election? A member of the National Republican Senatorial Committee will provide insights on the likelihood of Republicans gaining control of the U.S. Senate in the 2012 elections.
9:45 - 10:45 a.m.

Increased Government Laws or Self-Imposed Industry Regulation: What is the Future of Food Safety?
The U.S. food supply is among the safest and most nutritious in the world.  Yet, even at its safest, the food industry is continually confronted with studies about environmental and other contaminants, the potential for intentional contamination, emerging pathogens and activists with questionable resumes and motivations.  What are the most pressing food safety and food defense issues at our nation's top food safety agencies and what is on the horizon?  Is a single food agency in the cards?

Finally, how can we convince consumers that food technologies like irradiation, lean-finely-textured-beef and BST have a place in filling a future void in a growing global demand for food which could lead to food insecurity? With the resurgence of whooping cough and chicken pox due to the anti-vaccination movement, are there lessons that can be learned from past mistakes?

As science and detection technologies develop the ability to identify contaminants at parts-per-quadrillion and lower, should the government advance a stronger position about the safety of the food supply or should industry be expected to test for anything and everything?  Hear from the top three government agencies on what to expect.
10:45 - 11:15 a.m. Coffee Break
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Farm Bill 2012: Are New Dairy Policy Changes Headed Our Way?
Agriculture policy, including dairy, is a hot topic in Congress as the current farm bill expires on September 30, 2012. Will regional interests once again trump partisan politics? Or will agriculture, like nearly every other policy issue, get caught in the cross fire between Republicans and Democrats; the House and Senate?  Members of congressional agriculture committees will discuss their views on current agriculture policy, on changes we can expect in the future, and on how dairy companies may be impacted.
12:30 - 1:45 p.m.

A Washington Exclusive!  Get first hand insights from one of the leaders in food and agriculture in President Obama’s inner circle.
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Dairy's Changing Role in Nutrition Policy: Looking Forward
The Obama administration and the First Lady’s Let’s Move! Initiative shone a spotlight on combating obesity and encouraging healthy eating.  Current nutrition policy encourages consumers to select products that are lower fat, lower salt and have less added sugars.  Fortunately, today’s dairy foods companies offer a wide variety of dairy products -- from low-fat and fat free milk to portion-controlled indulgent desserts and healthier pizza options.  What affect will new nutrition regulations and guidance that could change food labels, limit marketing and advertising, and impact food formulation have on dairy? Key agency leaders will brief you on the top nutrition priorities for the future.
3:00 - 3:30 p.m. Coffee Break
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

The Regulatory Revolution: New Ways for Companies to Think about Engagement with Government
Increasing regulatory pressures put on the food and agricultural industries are not going away any time soon. Hear from one of the world's leading comprehensive commodity, food industry and agribusiness research and consulting firms on how policy and regulations are influenced. Learn what research shows about whether active participation in the regulatory arena yields better results than engagement in legislation and courts.
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Dine Around D.C.
Continue your ‘inside-the-beltway’ experience by dining where the power brokers dine.  Explore Washington, D.C.’s top restaurants and get a taste of what the nation's capital has to offer.  A list of restaurants will be available soon, sign up early to get your seat at the table!

Day Three
Friday, September 21

7:00 - 10:00 a.m. Registration
8:00 - 9:15 a.m. State of the Industry: Fluid Milk
From increased pressure to remove flavored milk from schools, to the decline of overall cereal consumption, to increased market penetration from our beverage competitors, the fluid milk industry is at a crossroads. Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP) CEO Vivien Godfrey will present the second annual State of the Industry address, which explores the key trends and emerging insights within the fluid milk industry, and examines their implications for fluid milk processors.  By presenting an overarching view of the economy, food trends, demographic shifts, and the current and future impact these trends will have on fluid milk, the State of the Industry will equip the fluid milk processors with the insights needed to turn the tide.
9:30 - 10:45 a.m. Capitol Hill Staff Panel
Hear from congressional staffers on the latest topics affecting the dairy food and beverage industry.
11:00 a.m. - noon

Straight from the Top!
We’ll wrap up the Policy & Politics Conference with a special guest from the Republican leadership on Capitol Hill, who will share some straight talk on policy and politics.

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Hotel and Local Information

IDFA’s Policy & Politics Conference will be held at The Renaissance Mayflower Hotel in Washington D.C. Referred to by President Harry Truman as Washington’s "Second Best Address," the Mayflower offers a timeless aura combined with an abundance of modern conveniences.  Make reservations on its website or by calling (877) 212-5752 to reserve a room.  When calling, refer to the IDFA’s Policy & Politics Conference to receive the special room rate of $239 per night.

The deadline to reserve a room is August 24, 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. and check-out time is noon.

Address

1127 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 347-3000
Website

Dining

Cafe Promenade
Café Promenade is located in the historic promenade of the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel and offers modern American cuisine.

The Lounge

The Lounge is open every evening and features seasonal and shareable bar appetizers, fresh salads and intriguing sandwiches. It showcases elegant cocktail service with servers warmly greeting guests upon seating.

Hotel Services and Amenities

  • Cash machine/ATM
  • Coffee/tea in-room
  • Concierge desk
  • Fitness and Recreation center
  • High speed internet
  • Laundry on-site
  • Safe deposit boxes, front desk
  • Valet dry-cleaning

Recreation and Area Attractions

Local Attractions:

  • White House 
  • Smithsonian Museums 
  • Capitol Building 
  • Verizon Center 
  • Old Town Alexandria 
  • Holocaust Memorial Museum 
  • Corcoran Art Gallery 
  • Kennedy Center 
  • World War II Memorial

Travel and Transportation

Getting to Washington D.C.

*Average temperatures in Washington D.C. in September are 80°F high/63°F low.

Getting There By Air

Washington, D.C. is served by Reagan National Airport (DCA) and Dulles International Airport (IAD). American, Delta, and United Airlines are official partners for IDFA’s Policy & Politics Conference.

American Airlines
IDFA has partnered with American Airlines to provide our attendees a 5 percent discount for the  Policy & Politics Conference.  The valid travel dates for this discount are September 16 - 23, 2012. Registered attendees can easily access American's fares and apply this discount by going to www.aa.com to book their flight. Place Promotion Code 3792BF in the promotion code box and your discount will be calculated automatically. This special discount is valid for any applicable published fares listed for American Airlines, American Eagle, and American Connection. International originating guests will need to contact the local reservation number and refer to the Promotion Code.

Attendees may also call (800) 433-1790 to book flights, please refer to promotion code 3792BF 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 possible.   Promotion Code: 3792BF

Delta Airlines
Delta is pleased to offer discounted airfares. Use WorldFile/Ticket Designator NM8D7 to purchase 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 on published fares of 2 to 10 percent.  Valid travel dates are September 16-23, 2012. Book 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, to choose flight times and access meeting discounts by inserting ZKZC496527 in the offer code box. Or 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 Renaissance Mayflower Hotel

Driving Directions

From Reagan National Airport (5 miles):
Follow the signs to Washington D.C. (George Washington Parkway). Take the I-395/Route 1 north exit (which is the 14th St. Bridge). Merge to the far left lane and follow the signs for 14th St. Follow 14th St. for approx. 10 blocks and make a left onto K St. Enter into the right service lane on K St. Make a right onto Connecticut, the hotel is on the right.

Estimated Taxi Fare: $18 one -way

From Dulles International Airport
Follow the signs to Interstate 66 east to Washington. Follow I-66 to the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge (US Route 50). Take the E St. exit off of the bridge. Turn left onto 17th St., 17th St. will turn into Connecticut. The hotel will be on the right side of the street on Connecticut.

Estimated Taxi Fare: $65 one-way

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Registration Tips

1. When will the Policy & Politics Conference be held?
IDFA's Policy & Politics Conference will be held Wednesday, September 19 through Friday, September 21, 2012.

2. Why should I attend the Policy & Politics Conference?
IDFA’s Policy & Politics Conference offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from the legislative and regulatory leaders responsible for decisions that affect the dairy industry and dairy manufacturing businesses.  The Conference includes talks by the most powerful leaders in Washington and interactive panel discussions with top influencers.  It will provide an “inside the beltway” perspective on politics and ample time to network with colleagues.

3. Who attends the Policy & Politics Conference?
While political junkies and policy wonks won’t want to miss this conference, all food industry professionals will benefit from the insights and information shared over the two-day event.  Dairy company and suppler executives, foods safety and nutrition professionals, policy directors, international trade directors, marketing professionals and others should attend.

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

5. Which hotel has been reserved? What is the rate?
The Policy & Politics Conference will be held at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. IDFA has a special room rate of $239 per night.

6. Can I make my hotel reservations now?
Yes, you can make your reservation online or by calling the hotel at (877) 212-5752 to reserve your room today. When calling, refer to IDFA's Policy & Politics Conference to receive the special room rate.

7. What is the schedule for the Policy & Politics Conference?
IDFA’s Policy & Politics Conference will begin at 8:30 on Thursday, September 20th and run through noon on Friday, September 21st.  A detailed conference program will be available soon. IDFA organization board meetings also will be held in conjunction with this conference, beginning on Wednesday, September 19th.

8. How do I register for the Policy & Politics 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.

9. What is the registration fee?
The price of the Policy & Politics Conference registration fee is based on membership. If you are a member, the registration fee is $695, and if you are not a member, the fee is $895. If you have questions about membership, send an email to membership@idfa.org.

10. What does my registration fee include?
Your registration fee includes two continental breakfasts, one lunch, one dinner and coffee breaks. You will also receive conference materials with printed PowerPoint presentations from each of the sessions.

11. 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 Policy & Politics Conference.

12. 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 September 12, 2012. All cancellations must be received in writing. Substitutions may be made without penalty.

13. I am a member of the news media, do you have press registration?
Yes. The registration fee for media is $250.

14. Are there any airfare discounts?
Yes. IDFA has partnered with various airlines to offer discounts to attendees. We are pleased to announce discounts with American, Delta, and United Airlines. Visit the travel and transportation section for more information.

15. What is the dress code?
Business casual attire is highly recommended. Average temperatures in Washington D.C. in September are 80°F high/63°F low.

16. My question is not here! Who should I contact?
If you have any further questions about the 2012 Policy & Politics Conference, please contact Patrick Crosson, Meetings Assistant & Registrar at (202) 220-3524 or pcrosson@idfa.org.

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How to Register

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

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