Overview

Hear key players from the sweetener, biofuels and ingredients sectors discuss the pressing issues of the day, and network with other industry professionals. The 2010 International Sweetener Colloquium will be held at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami, FL. Surrounded by green fairways and shimmering water, Doral Golf Resort & Spa recently underwent over $10 million worth of renovations and is now managed by Marriott.

Home to five championship 18-hole golf courses including the acclaimed Blue Monster, the Doral offers a European-style spa, dining in five restaurants run by nationally recognized chefs and over 650 tropical acres of pools and recreation activities. Colloquium attendees will have the option of playing in tournaments on either the famed Blue Monster or the resort’s Gold Course. Call the Doral Golf Resort & Spa at (305) 592-2000 to reserve your room today. Please refer to the International Sweetener Colloquium and receive the special room rate of $279. For more information on the resort, please visit www.doralresort.com.

The Doral Golf Resort & Spa is currently sold out.  If you still need a room, please contact the InterContinental West Hotel at 305-468-1400 for reservations. Be sure to refer to IDFA's International Sweetener Colloquium to receive the special room rate of $179 per night. The deadline to make hotel reservations at the InterContinental West is February 12, 2010.

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Agenda

Sunday, February 21, 2010

8:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.	Registration
9:30 - 11:00 a.m.	SUA Board Meeting
Noon	Golf Tournaments*$ (Tee times begin at 12pm) Play will take place on the Blue Monster and Gold Courses Sponsored by:
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.	Opening Reception Sponsored by:

Monday, February 22, 2010

7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.	Registration
7:30 - 8:30 a.m.	Breakfast and Keynote Address Keynote: The Honorable James Miller, Under Secretary, Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Miller has both farm programs and agricultural trade policy under his purview at USDA. What is the Administration's view concerning the operation of the federal sugar program going forward? How will U.S. agricultural trade policy intersect and impact the domestic sweetener sector? Under Secretary Miller will address these and other topics in a keynote speech sure to interest all Colloquium attendees.
8:30 - 9:45 a.m.	Session II—The 2010 Outlook for US & World Sugar Markets They say the best cure for high prices is high prices. With values unusually firm through 2009 in both the US and world sugar markets, will that old saw be proven true as 2010 gets underway, or will new market dynamics be at work? Experts on the world sugar and ethanol situation and the US sugar market will answer that riddle in our traditional kick-off session on the supply-demand outlook. Moderator: Thomas Earley, Vice President, Promar International Panelists: Jonathan Williams, Director, C. Czarnikow Sugar Ltd. Paul Meyers, Vice President, The Connell Company
9:45 - 10:15 a.m.	Break
10:15 - 11:15 am	Session III—Trade Policy in the Obama Administration Pending Free Trade Agreements, the Doha Round and increased enforcement of existing agreements, what can we expect from the Obama Administration going forward? How will our standing in the global marketplace and business opportunities be affected? Our panel will address these issues and others in this session. Moderator: Ken Roberts, Director, International Business Relations, Kraft Foods, Inc. Panelists: Don Phillips, Trade Advisor, American Sugar Alliance Brian Grunenfelder, Assistant Deputy Administrator, U.S. Department of Agriculture Jon Huenemann, Principal Coordinator, Trade Policy, WTO and Market Access, Miller & Chevalier Prudence Gordon, First Secretary, Trade and Agriculture, Embassy of Australia
11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.	Session IV—Carbon Footprint in the Sweetener Sector Do you know what your carbon footprint is? The concept of a company’s or farm’s carbon footprint has gained significant currency as part of the general discussion on sustainability and as a retailer requirement of suppliers. A panel of experts will shed some sustainable light on how this complex topic relates to the sweetener sector. Moderator: Perry Cerminara, Manager, Sweetener and Energy Procurement, The Hershey Company Panelists: Clay Detlefsen, Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Counsel, International Dairy Foods Association Lee Keshishian, Co Founder, Clean Currents Brian O'Malley, President, Domino Foods, Inc.
2:00 - 5:00 p.m.	Tennis Tournament*$ Sponsored by:
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.	Happy Hour with Nick Kominus, Editor, The Dyergram * Relax, have a drink and listen to Nick regale you with takes of the fascinating personalities that have played a role in the development of sugar policy over the past fifty years. Sponsored by:

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.	Registration
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.	Session V—Corn Sweeteners in 2010: Renaissance or Retrenchment? As the new year gets underway, will corn sweeteners be resurgent as the low-cost alternative to sugar in the US and Mexico, or will they be caught between the rock of high corn costs and the hard place of sugar prices that have fallen back to more normal levels? And how will an economic rebound affect the starch and ethanol dimensions of their business? Come hear astute observers of the industry put it all in perspective. Moderator: Thomas Earley, Vice President, Promar International Panelists: Audrae Erickson, President, Corn Refiners Association Stephen Haley, Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
10:00 - 10:30 a.m.	Break
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.	Session VI—The Sale of U.S. Sugar The June 2008 announcement of the sale of US Sugar to the state of Florida galvanized the industry. Our panel of experts will give a status report on this historic transaction and what effect it has had on the domestic sugar market. Moderator: Clay Hough, Senior Group Vice President and General Counsel, International Dairy Foods Association Panelists: Andrew Schmitz, Professor, University of Florida Mali Chamness, Mayor, Clewiston, Florida Eric Draper, Executive Director, Audubon Flordia
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.	Golf & Tennis Awards Luncheon
1:00 - 2:15 p.m.	Session VII—Ingredients Sweeteners aren’t the only ingredient of interest to industrial sweetener users. Hear what a panel of experts has to say about current and future supply outlooks for a number of other critical commodities including dairy, cocoa, peanuts, corn, wheat and soybeans. Moderator: Keith Krause, Director, Purchasing, McKee Foods Panelists: Mary Ledman, Principal, Keough Ledman Associates, Inc. George Lovatt, President, Lovatt and Rushing Steve Freed, Vice President of Research, ADM Investor Services Steve Wateridge, Commodity Analyst, Tropix Capital
2:15 - 3:30 p.m.	Session VIII-U.S.-Mexico Ingredients The market is open and trade is flowing between the two countries and the two governments are sharing data, but some are interested in a more managed trade environment. This panel of experts will discuss the current and future outlook for consumption, production and trade flows. As this "integrated" sugar market continues to evolve, our speakers wil share the latest views on this dynamic part of the available supply equation. Moderator: Frank Jenkins, President, Jenkins Sugar Group Panelists: Carlos Gonzales, General Manager, Imperial Sugar Company Ron Lord, Chief, Sugar & Dairy Branch, U.S. Department of Agriculture Jose Luis Paz, Head of Trade and NAFTA, Mexican Embassy
3:30 - 4:00 p.m.	Break
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.	Session IX—Biofuels The Renewable Fuels Standard calls for increased ethanol use, but all is not well with renewable fuel industries. Does U.S. ethanol cause Amazon deforestation? EPA thinks so but Congress disagrees. We’ll look at what lies ahead for ethanol, biodiesel and other biofuels...with a focus on how policy choices may affect the biofuels picture for corn, sugar and biomass. Moderator: Barbara Fesco, Farm Service Agency U.S. Department of Agriculture Panelists: Craig Cox, Senior Vice President,Agriculture and Natural Resources, Environmental Working Group Hosein Shapouri, Office of Energy Policy and New Uses, U.S. Department of Agriculture Barbara Fecso, Farm Service Agency, USDA Joel Velasco, Chief Representative, North America, UNICA-Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.	Reception* Sponsored by:

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

7:30 - 8:30 a.m.	Session X—Coffee with...Jerry Hagstrom* What is happening on food policy in our nation's capital? How does agriculture play into Congresses’ busy domestic agenda? Jerry Hagstrom will address these and other issues at the Sweetener Colloquium’s annual Washington perspective session. Speaker: Jerry Hagstrom,Political and Agricultural Analyst, National Journal's Congress Daily   Sponsored by:
8:30 - 10:00 a.m.	Session XI—U.S. Domestic and International Sugar Policy: How It’s Working Today Sugar policy is now under new management, as the Obama Administration has put new officials in place. Has the policy itself changed? If so, what are the market implications? Where will sugar-for-ethanol fit in? What lies ahead for import quotas? Our expert panel will delve into these and other questions that affect your bottom line. Moderator: Randy Green, President, Sweetener Users Association Panelists: Jack Roney, Director of Economics, American Sugar Alliance Dan Colacicco, Director of Dairy and Sweeteners, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S Department of Agriculture Pedro Figueroa, Director, Sugar-USA, ED&F Man Sugar Sandra Marsden, President, Canadian Sugar Institute Pat Henneberry, Senior Vice President, Imperial Sugar Co.
10:00 a.m.	Adjournment

*Sponsorship opportunities available
$Separate fee required

 

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Hotel Information

The 2010 International Sweetener Colloquium will be held at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami, FL. Surrounded by green fairways and shimmering water, Doral Golf Resort & Spa, A Marriott Resort, is an oasis in the South Florida sun. Guest rooms and suites situated in intimate lodges near the main clubhouse, around the resort's 650 beautiful tropical acres, and in the serene surroundings of The Spa at Doral reflect the colors, beauty, and relaxed ambiance of South Florida's natural landscape.

The nationally acclaimed resort chefs apply their culinary artistry at a variety of restaurants and lounges, for intimate in-room dining. And for a memento of a wonderful resort stay, their nine distinctive resort shops offer a tempting range of delights from resort wear and sports equipment to culinary treats, spa products and souvenirs.

With 45 years of tradition, expertise and experience, Doral Golf Resort & Spa offers you championship golf, spectacular cuisine, top-notch accommodations, extensive conference facilities, a superb tropical climate, and a dedicated professional staff.

 

Address

4400 N.W. 87th Avenue
Miami, FL 33178
(305) 592-2000
(305) 594-4682 (fax)
http://www.doralresort.com/

 

The Doral Golf Resort & Spa is currently sold out.  If you still need a room, please contact the InterContinental West Hotel at 305-468-1400 for reservations. Be sure to refer to IDFA's International Sweetener Colloquium to receive the special room rate of $179 per night. The deadline to make hotel reservations at the InterContinental West is February 12, 2010.

Dining

Windows On the Green
Culinary artistry and impeccable style create distinctive continental cuisine in elegant surroundings, with panoramic views of the golf course offering a magnificent backdrop for enjoying award-winning steaks and seafood. Their signature impeccable service, lavish lunch buffets and authentic sushi bar are known far and wide.

Hours:
Lunch: Monday - Friday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Saturday & Sunday, closed
Dinner: Daily, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Location: Upper Lobby Level, Main Clubhouse, near Front Desk.

Bungalou's Bar & Grill
A combination of Florida sunshine and Caribbean atmosphere will lure you to this poolside retreat again and again. Natural lighting, outdoor seating and fresh, light menu selections make Bungalou's a great place to meet friends or grab a quick bite. Sit back, order an icy thirst-quencher and watch as the sun sinks into the horizon!

Open Daily, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Location: In the Blue Lagoon area, near Zero Entry pool.

Cascades Bar
All-natural fresh juices, smoothies and power drinks are served up with flair in the delightfully relaxed, serene surroundings of The Spa at Doral. It's the perfect combination of healthy and delicious-so go ahead and relax with a sigh poolside at The Spa and enjoy!

Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Spa Outdoor Pool

Champions Sports Bar & Grill
Warm and inviting with a clubby appeal, the sports bar and grill offers premium refreshment and good times. Order your favorite beverage and hearty sandwiches, and then catch sports action on one of the large-screen televisions. Champions is a favorite spot to stop by for a drink before dinner or relax and recharge after a day of meetings.

Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. - 1 a.m.
Location: Lower Lobby Level, Main Clubhouse, across from Terrazza Restaurant & Cafe. Telephone: Extension 6626

Java Zone
What better way to start your day than dropping by for a freshly brewed cup of Starbucks® blend coffee? They also offer a variety of sandwiches, pastries and ice cream ideal for a quick bite or lunch to go. Computer workstations are available for guest use here, too.

Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Location: Lobby Level, adjacent to Terrazza restaurant.

Terrazza Restaurant and Café
Freshly brewed coffee, homemade pastries and a great selection of breakfast favorites await in the casual surroundings and relaxed atmosphere at Terrazza Restaurant and Café. Terrazza also has a convenient take-out counter with deli-style sandwiches, light fare and beverages packaged to take with you.

Breakfast: Monday-Friday, 6 a.m. - 11 a.m. Saturday & Sunday 6 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Lower Lobby Level, Main Clubhouse, near Champions Sports Bar & Grill.

Recreation

• Five championship golf courses, including the famed Blue Monster
• Golf driving range
• Clinics and lessons at the Jim McLean Golf School
• Blue Lagoon pool with multiple pools and 125-foot waterslide
• Lap pool
• Kiddie pool
• Adults-only pool
• Fitness Center/weight room
• Tennis Center
• Camp Doral, with activities for children ages 5 - 12
• The Spa at Doral
• Sauna and Jacuzzis
• Fitness/jogging trail

Area Attractions

• Miami Dolphins
• Miami Heat
• Bayside Marketplace
• Coconut Grove (25 Min driving time)
• Coral Gables (15 to 20 Min driving time)
• Doral City (up to 15 Min driving time)
• Downtown Miami (20 to 25 Min driving time)
• Everglades Alligator Farm
• Key Biscayne (35 to 40 Min driving time)
• South Beach (30 to 35 Min driving time)
• Metro Zoo
• Miami Children's Museum
• Miami Museum of Science & Space Transit Planetarium
• Miami Seaquarium
• Monkey Jungle
• Parrot Jungle
• Coconut Grove Playhouse
• Miami Art Museum
• Miami City Ballet
• Viscaya Museum and Gardens

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Travel and Transportation

By Air

Miami is served by the Miami International Airport (MIA). We are pleased to announce discounts with American, Continental, Delta/Northwest, JetBlue and United Airlines for the 2010 International Sweetener Colloquium. The following promotions are available

American Airlines offers a 5% discount off published fares. The discount applies to all applicable fares that are available for your date and time of travel. To make a reservation, visit www.aa.com and use the authorization number 3220AF as the aa.com promotion code or please call the American Airlines Meeting Services Desk at 800-433-1790

Continental Airlines offers discounts off published fares of 2% to 15% or Zone Fares. Book your reservations online at www.continental.com for maximum savings and receive an additional 3% discount off the published fares. Click on www.continental.com and choose your flight times and access your meeting discounts by inserting ZG1KAW5HQS in the Offer Code box. Or you may call your travel professional or Continental MeetingWorks at 800-468-7022 Refer to Z Code ZG1K and Agreement Code: AW5HQS

Delta and Northwest Airlines are pleased to offer discounted airfares. Use WorldFile/Ticket Designator NY295 to purchase your tickets online and discounts from 2% - 7% will be applied. Individuals should go to www.nwa.com, and travel agents should go to www.worldagentdirect.com . Northwest will provide reservations and ticketing assistance at 1-800-328-1111.

JetBlue Airways offers a 5% discount on the lowest available fare by simply booking online! To make a reservation, visit www.jetblue.com/promo and use SWEETENER as the promotion code.

If you have any questions just contact our dedicated Meetings Desk at 1-888-JETBLUE (538-2583), option 4 or jetblueconventions@jetblue.com.

United Airlines offers a 5 to 10 percent off published fares. To make a reservation please visit www.united.com and use the meeting ID 586MT as the united.com promotional code. Or call the Meetings Plus reservation service at 800-521-4041

Transportation from Miami International Airport

Taxi

Taxi from Miami International Airport to The Doral Golf Resort and Spa: Approximately $30 one way

Taxi are also conveniently available upon request to the Bell Captain staff. You may also reserve taxi transportation ahead of time by calling: Doral Taxi (305) 594-3333

Driving Directions

1. Head west on Miami Int'l Airport
2. Turn left at NW 20th St.
3. Turn right at Perimeter Rd.
4. Turn left at NW 15th St.
5. Turn right at NW 45th Ave.
6. Take the ramp onto FL-836 W
7. Take the NW 12th St./NW 87th Ave. exit
8. Turn left at NW 12th St.
9. Turn right at NW 87th Ave.
10. Make a U-turn at NW 53rd St.

Destination will be on the right

*Approximately 15 minutes of travel time

Parking

Self-parking $12.00 per day
Valet Parking $23.50 per day

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Optional Activities

Optional Activities are open to all attendees, spouses, family members, and guests* accompanying registrants of the 2010 International Sweetener Colloquium.

Badges may be picked up with the registered attendee's registration badge. 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.

Tournaments

Blue Monster Golf Tournament

Sunday, February 21, 2010
Tee times begin at 12:00 noon

Originally designed by noted architect Dick Wilson, the Blue Monster has been modified and updated over the past 20 years to meet the demands of the PGA TOUR by two-time Doral champion and Hall-of-Famer Raymond Floyd and world-Renowned golf instructor Jim McLean. Most recently the greens and bunkers were modernized under the watchful eye of the PGA Tour for the WGC-CA Championship, whose inaugural event at Doral Golf & Spa was played in 2007.
Price: $360 per person

Includes:

• Green fees
• Boxed lunch
• Cart fees
• Practice Balls
• Service Fees
• Forecaddy Fees

Registration for the Blue Monster Tournament ends December 18, 2010

Gold Course Golf Tournament

Sunday, February 21, 2010
Tee times begin at 12:00 noon

The Gold Course provides an opportunity for golfers of all abilities to play to their skill level. PGA Tour legend Raymond Floyd recently redesigned this course to follow a traditional Florida layout, incorporating gently contoured greens, strategic bunkering and water surrounding 16 holes. The course features narrow, tree-lined fairways and finishes with a dramatic par-4 island green on the 18th hole. This course hosted the 1999 PGA Qualifying School finals.
Price: $210 per person

Includes:

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

Tennis Tournament

Monday, February 22, 2010
2:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Doral Golf Resort & Spa is also a championship tennis facility. The staff of tennis professionals are ready to instruct and play at your convenience on 7 courts (4 Har Tru and 3 hard courts).

Round Robin play will determine the top seed. Water and sodas will be provided throughout the competition. Appropriate tennis attire and shoes are required; no track shoes, cross-trainers or running shoes will be permitted.

Price: $75 per person

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the 2010 International Sweetener Colloquium being held?
IDFA's International Sweetener Colloquium will be held Sunday, February 21, through Wednesday, February 24, 2010.

2. Why should I attend the International Sweetener Colloquium 2010?
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 and tennis tournaments.

3. Who attends the International Sweetener Colloquium?
The International Sweetener Colloquium is one of the industry's largest annual events, which is attended by approximately 350 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 Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami, Florida. IDFA has a special room rate of $ 279 per night.

6. Can I make my hotel reservations now?
Yes, you can make your reservation directly on the hotel website or call the resort at (305) 592-2000 to reserve your room today. When calling, refer to IDFA's 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 Katie Sparrow, IDFA Manager of International Affairs, at ksparrow@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?
IDFA is running a multiple registration discount. The first three registrants pay $945, registrant four pays $850, and registrants 5 and greater pay $800. An early bird discount is currently in effect until December 7, 2009. After December 7, 2009 the registration rates will change to $995 for the first three registrants, $895 for registrant four, and $845 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?
You 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 15, 2010. All cancellations must be received in writing. Substitutions may be made without penalty. All golf and tennis tournament cancellations must be made before February 8, 2010. No optional activity 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 five different airlines to offer discounts to attendees. We are pleased to announce discounts with American, Continental, Delta, JetBlue, and United Airlines. Visit the hotel and travel section for more information.

16. What is the dress code?
Business casual attire is highly recommended.

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 21st and a tennis tournament on Monday February 21st. Please visit the Optional Activities section for more information.

18. My question is not here! Who should I contact?
If you have any further questions about The 2010 International Sweetener Colloquium, please contact Kellie Bland, Meetings Assistant & Registrar at 202-220-3557 or kbland@idfa.org

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How to Register

Registration is Now Open. Choose a method below to sign up!

• 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 Kellie Bland, IDFA meetings registrar, at registrar@idfa.org.

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