Interactive Event Calendar
Dairy Sustainability Symposium
May 25-26, 2011
The James Hotel | Chicago, IL
QUICK LINKS:
Overview
Is your dairy business looking for ways to reduce energy and CIP costs and carbon emissions? Curious about the Innovation Center for Dairy's Sustainability activities? If so, you don't want to miss the Dairy Sustainability Symposium.
The Symposium is designed to help you understand sustainability and target ways to decrease your carbon footprint while you increase your efficiency. It will provide the latest and greatest sustainability information in the dairy industry. Come hear the experts and see the evidence.
Who should attend?
Any member of the dairy industry or related business who is looking for new ways to reduce your company's carbon footprint and increase cost-savings is welcome to participate.
Agenda
Day One
Wednesday, May 25
| 7:30 - 8:00 a.m. | Registration and Continental Breakfast | ||||
| 8:00 - 8:10 a.m. | Welcome and Introduction | ||||
| 8:10 - 9:45 a.m. | Sustainability Update Three industry experts kick off our sessions with an overview of sustainability efforts in the dairy industry: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Science Ying Wang of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy outlines the environmental research currently underway in our industry. She’ll share key findings about the greenhouse gas LCA for fluid milk and provide updates on the comprehensive LCA for fluid milk and cheese. Corporate Social and Sustainability Reporting Sandra Vijn of the Innovation Center at U.S. Dairy talks about the growing popularity of corporate social reporting and sustainability reporting as ways to measure, report and respond to questions from consumers and retailers. Learn about the current state of reporting, competitive and consortium activity and the dairy industry’s progress in this increasingly important field. U.S. Dairy Sustainability Commitment Gail Barnes of Dairy Management Inc. discusses current projects that benefit the processing, packaging, transport and distribution segments of the dairy value chain, including energy efficiency best practices and case studies.
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| 9:45 - 10:15 a.m. | Break | ||||
| 11:00 - 11:30 a.m. | Benchmarking and Energy/Water Saving Tool (BEST) Dairy Tool Looking for ways to improve your energy and water use? Adrian Brush, of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, can tell you how. He introduces the tool his team developed to improve the energy efficiency of dairy processes and benchmarks energy and water use.
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| 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Networking Lunch | ||||
| 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. | Clean in Place (CIP) Track: Costs and Improvement The average dairy manufacturer spends anywhere from $500,000 to $1,000,000 a year consuming water, waste water, chemicals, steam and electricity. This session features three speakers who can help you identify effective ways to keep your CIP in check. Vigilistics’ Craig Nelson studies CIP at facilities before and after corrective action is taken. He shares what the key contributing factors are for water and waste water overuse, chemical overdose and energy waste. He’ll outline best practices for common wash costs as well as other helpful hints. Sani-Matic System's Amber Blyth presents Electro-Chemical Activation (ECA) as a “green” replacement for traditional chemicals used in dairy industry cleaning processes. Ecolab’s Peter Fernholz has a holistic approach to a sustainable CIP, one that doesn’t sacrifice critical metrics including, quality, safety, efficiency and equipment. His coordinated plan brings all facets of a CIP and total plant program together with technologies and practices for today and into the future.
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| 2:00 - 2:30 p.m. | Break | ||||
| 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. |
Energy Track: Efficient Energy Systems = $avings Cal Wohlert of Solution Dynamics discusses his company's efforts to optimize a variety of processes and support utility systems such as refrigeration, compressed air, chilled water and glycol and steam systems.
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| 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Becoming an ENERGY STAR In January 2010, IDFA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) agreed to work together to improve energy use in the dairy industry. Learn about the ENERGY STAR program as it relates to the dairy industry and find out where we were, where we are and where we’re heading. Exec Consultings’ Don Hertkorn engages a top-notch panel in a lively discussion about the challenges and successes of working with the ENERGY STAR program.
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Day Two
Thursday, May 26
| 7:30 - 8:00 a.m. | Continental Breakfast | ||
| 8:00 - 8:05 a.m. | Welcome | ||
| 8:05 - 9:50 a.m. | Getting Practical about Sustainability A number of efforts are underway to improve our carbon, water and waste footprints and to polish our images as responsible global citizens. While those efforts are beneficial, they are sometimes lofty and ethereal. Not here. We get down to brass tacks and take a hard look at lessons learned as well as improvements that everyone should pursue.
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| 9:50 - 10:20 a.m. | Break | ||
| 10:20 - 11:20 a.m. | New Technologies Exciting innovations are afoot! Are you looking forward? CMO Preston Roper is here to explain how his company, CoGenra Solar, is reducing the costs of electricity and heat with a new distributed solar cogeneration system. It combines photovoltaic and hot water collection to deliver low-cost electricity and heat generation for commercial, industrial and institutional clients. The first installation is in place in a winery, will your dairy be next? And Charles Etienne Houssa, from the Swiss chemical company, Omya, demonstrates how incorporating calcium carbonate into plastic products can be a cost-effective way to replace petroleum-based polymers and reduce the carbon footprint of packaging. He’ll show how calcium carbonate can increase the sustainability of plastic packaging, including: HDPE bottles, PP caps, closures and tubs and poly-coated cartons. Be among the first on your block to learn how these new technologies can work for you!
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| 11:20 - 11:50 a.m. |
Aurora Organic Revisited Two years ago Aurora Organic Dairy shared its sustainability efforts at our inaugural IDFA Dairy Sustainability Symposium. Since then, Aurora has continued their program and added water and solid waste to their study. Aurora’s Sonja Tuitele will give us an update on their progress including their third year of data and details from their first Corporate Sustainability Report, which will be published next year.
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| Noon | Adjourn |
Hotel and Travel Information
The 2011 Dairy Sustainability Symposium will be held at the James Hotel in Chicago, Illinois. The James is a brand of ideally situated, residentially styled boutique hotels. Representing the very best of what Chicago downtown hotels have to offer, it delivers an artful blend of hand-crafted design, seamlessly intuitive service and personalized comfort. Located on Ontario Street, right off the Magnificent Mile, this Mag Mile hotel is just minutes away from Chicago's world renowned shopping, dining and nightlife destinations, as well as its celebrated cultural institutions like Navy Pier and The John Hancock Center. Alone among downtown Chicago boutique hotels, The James Chicago blurs the line between business and leisure travel. The James Chicago provides a stylish and engaging alternative for the creatively minded, culturally oriented contemporary guest. Check-in time is 2:00 p.m. and check-out time is 2:00 p.m.
The deadline to reserve a room in our block has passed. If you still need a room, please contact Diana Carmentates at 202-220-3504 or dcarmenates@idfa.org for reservations.
Address
55 East Ontario Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Tel: (312) 337-1000
Fax: (312) 337-7217
http://www.jameshotels.com
Services and Amenities
- 24 hour concierge
- 24 hour room service
- 24 hour business Networking Lounge with video conferencing
- Warm towel with lemongrass oil to welcome you at check-in
- Complimentary mezzanine office/workspace.
- Twice daily housekeeping with turndown
- Laundry & dry cleaning
- Shoe shine service
- Pets welcome
- Remote printing through a wireless network
- Valet parking
- Nightly homemade turndown treat
- Paul Frank adult and child city bikes
- Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
- 24/7 business networking lounge with computers, printers, fax machine and video conferencing.
- Complimentary private office space.
Dining
David Burke's Primehouse
In his interpretation of the classical American steakhouse, esteemed chef and renowned innovator David Burke continues to redefine modern American cuisine and push the envelope of culinary creativity. The restaurant features meats hand-picked from Creekstone Farms in Kentucky that are dry-aged on the premises in a Himalayan salt-tiled aging room.
Hours
Breakfast:
Monday - Sunday: 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Lunch:
Monday - Friday: 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Brunch:
Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Dinner:
Sunday - Thursday: 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
The Bar
Conveniently neighboring The James, JBar lounge is a perfect destination whether you're starting your night off or ending it. Anchoring the south end of Rush Street's nightlife, JBar offers innovative signature cocktails in an intimate environment. Inviting enclaves and video-as-art installations distinguish the stylishly modern ambience.
Hours
Wednesday - Friday: 6:00 pm. - 2:00 a.m.
Saturday: 8:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m.
Local Attractions
- Magnificent Mile
- Navy Pier
- U.S. Cellular Field (White Sox Home)
- Soldier's Field
- Wrigley Field (Cubs Home)
- United Center

Getting to Chicago
Getting There by Air
Chicago is served by O'Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway Airport. We are pleased to announce discounts with American, Delta, and United Airlines as our partners for the Sustainability Symposium. The following discounts are available:
IDFA has partnered with American Airlines to provide our attendees a 5 percent discount off ANY published airfare on www.aa.com for the 2011 Dairy Sustainability Sympoisum in Chicago, Illinois. The valid travel dates for this discount are May 25 - 26, 2011. You can easily access American's fares and apply this discount by going to www.aa.com to book your flight. Place Promotion Code 7161AZ 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: 7161AZ
Delta Airlines is pleased to offer discounted airfares. Use WorldFile/Ticket Designator NM6BB to purchase your tickets online and discounts from 2 - 7 percent will be applied. Please call (800) 328-1111 for reservations.
United Airlines offers a 5 to 10 percent discount 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.
Getting to the James Hotel
Driving Directions
From O'Hare Airport (17.7 miles)
Head southeast on Access Road / Continue onto I-190 E / Take the exit onto I-90 E / Take exit 50B toward Ohio St E / Merge onto Kennedy Expy / Continue onto W Ohio St / Turn left at N Rush Street / Take the 1st left onto E Ontario St / Hotel will be on the left.
From Midway Airport (12.4 Miles)
Head north toward W 56th St / Turn left at S Kilpatrick Ave / Take the 2nd left onto W 55th St / Take the 1st right onto S Cicero Ave / Merge onto I-55 N/Stevenson Expy via the ramp to Chicago / Take exit 292A to merge onto I-90 W/I-94 W toward W Ryan Expy/Wisconsin / Take exit 50B toward Ohio St E / Merge onto Kennedy Expy / Continue onto W Ohio St / Turn left at N Rush St / Take the 1st left onto E Ontario St / Hotel will be on the left.
Alternate Transportation
Super Shuttle
Fee:
$23 from Midway Airport
$28 from O'Hare International Airport
Taxi
Estimated Fare: $35 - 40 (one way) from both Midway and O'Hare International Airport
Registration Tips
1. When will the 2010 Dairy Sustainability Symposium be held?
IDFA's Dairy Sustainability Symposium will be held Wednesday, May 25 through Thursday, May 26, 2011.
2. Why should I attend the Dairy Sustainability Symposium?
The 2011 Dairy Sustainability Symposium sessions are designed to bring you up to date on the most current issues and solutions the industry has to offer. Attendees will hear highlights of successful efforts and review initiatives currently underway in other food industries.
3. Who attends the Dairy Sustainability Symposium?
Whether you're a newly appointed sustainability "expert" or a concerned steward looking for new ways to reduce your company's carbon footprint and increase your cost-savings, this is the place to be.
4. Will there be exhibits?
Yes, there are table-top exhibits. Table top exhibits cost $500. This price does not include the cost of registration. If you would like to exhibit at the Dairy Sustainability Symposium please complete the exhibit reservation form.
5. Which hotel has been reserved? What is the rate?
The Dairy Sustainability Symposium will be held at the James Hotel in Chicago, Illinois. IDFA has a special room rate of $175 per night.
6. Can I make my hotel reservations now?
Yes, you can make your reservation directly on the hotel website using the group code CIDF0928 or call the hotel at (312) 337-1000 to reserve your room today. When calling, refer to IDFA's Dairy Sustainability Symposium to receive the special room rate.
7. What is the schedule for the Dairy Sustainability Symposium?
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 Dairy Sustainability Symposium?
The Dairy Sustainability Symposium offers attendees access to divergent opinions, new technology and the latest research. If you would like to suggest a topic for the Symposium, please email Jessica Lee, IDFA meetings and educational services coordinator, at jlee@idfa.org.
9. How do I register for the Dairy Sustainability Symposium?
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, 1250 H St, NW, Suite 900, Washington, D.C. 20005.
10. What is the registration fee?
The Dairy Sustainability Symposium registration fee is based on membership. If you are a member the price is $795, and if you are not a member the price is $995. If you have any questions about membership please email membership@idfa.org.
11. What does my registration fee include?
Your registration fee includes two continental breakfasts, lunch both days, and coffee breaks. You will also receive conference materials with printed PowerPoint presentations from each of the sessions.
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 Dairy Sustainability Symposium.
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 May 18, 2011. All cancellations must be received in writing. Substitutions may be made without penalty.
14. I am a member of the news media, do you have press registration?
Please contact Jessica Lee, IDFA coordinator of meetings and educational services, at 202-220-3532 or jlee@idfa.org for special consideration.
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, Delta 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. My question is not here! Who should I contact?
If you have any further questions about The 2011 Dairy Sustainability Symposium, please contact MacKenzie Costello, meetings assistant & registrar at 202-220-3557 or mcostello@idfa.org
How to Register
- Register Online
- Download a 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 Mackenzie Costello, IDFA meetings registrar, at registrar@idfa.org.



