Overview

Be Here. Be Heard.

During the run-up to the 2010 midterm elections, Congress continues to tackle many important issues that could have lasting effects on the dairy industry. IDFA's Washington Conference gives you an inside look at what Washington is thinking and what you can do to guide the outcomes. Take this opportunity to talk with representatives and key administration personnel about what matters most to the dairy industry and to your own company.

Held in conjunction with the 28th annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party, the conference offers valuable insights into pending legislation and provides networking opportunities with key members of Congress and top federal officials.

The time to speak up is now. Come to Washington and be heard.

The room block at The Madison Hotel is now closed. If you need a hotel room please contact Diana Carmenates at 202-220-3504

Agenda

Day One - Wednesday, June 16

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.	Registration & Information Desk The Madison Hotel
Noon - 2:00 p.m.	Lunch & Issues Briefing The Madison Hotel This luncheon program presents the policy issues -- including school nutrition, climate change, dairy supports and more -- being considered for action by Congress and the Obama administration. Examine the impact these issues are likely to have on dairy businesses. Learn what your voice can do to help shape pending legislation.
2:30 - 4:00 p.m.	Congressional Visits Capitol Hill, House and Senate Offices Participate in personal meetings with members of Congress to discuss issues vital to the dairy industry.
4:00 - 6:30 p.m.	28th Annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party Upper Senate Park Join fellow members of IDFA for the "coolest" event in Washington: the annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party. Open to members of Congress, families, industry leaders, the media, special guests and the general public, it's a good opportunity to meet with policy makers in an informal setting, showcase some of the latest and greatest flavors and celebrate our nation's favorite treat.
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.	Summer BBQ at the Home of Connie and Tip Tipton Capitol Hill Connie and Tip Tipton welcome you, your family and fellow conference attendees for a fun and delicious summer barbeque at their townhouse, just down the street from the United States Capitol Building. Come hungry and ready to enjoy a relaxing evening on Capitol Hill.

Day Two - Thursday, June 17

7:00 a.m. - noon	Registration & Information Desk The Madison Hotel
8:00 - 9:30 a.m.	Washington Insiders Breakfast The Madison Hotel U.S. Representative Frank Lucas (R-OK), ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee, and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), a member of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, will share their perspectives on current policy discussions and pending legislation affecting the dairy industry. Lucas, who is serving his ninth term in Congress, is a fifth-generation member of an Oklahoma farm family who understands the concerns of agricultural businesses. Klobuchar, the first woman elected to represent Minnesota in the U. S. Senate, has consistently worked to improve the competitive position of the U.S. dairy market. Their committees provide oversight of USDA, its agencies and programs, giving Lucas and Klobuchar access to the most current thinking on Capitol Hill and what it means to your business. In addition, Ann Wright, deputy under secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will speak about the status of the Dairy Industry Advisory Committee. She'll also discuss USDA's involvement in interagency efforts to support the "Let's Move!" initiative led by First Lady Michelle Obama.
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.	PAC Steering Committee Meeting The Madison Hotel For PAC Steering Committee members only
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.	Congressional Visits Capitol Hill, House and Senate Offices Participate in personal meetings with key members of Congress to discuss issues vital to the dairy industry.
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.	Senate Ice Cream Social U.S. Capitol Building Invitation-only event for PAC contributors ($500 and above).
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.	Closing Reception & Pizza Tasting House Agriculture Committee Room, 1300 Longworth House Office Building Help close out Washington Conference '10 with a reception for members of Congress and key staff members. We'll be taste-testing a re-formulated, healthy version of one of America's favorite foods, as well as sampling cheeses and toasting another great conference.

 

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Family Fun Program

The Family Fun Program has sold out.

Are you attending IDFA's Washington Conference this June? Remember to pack the family!

Washington is a perfect place to bring the kids for a fun and - shhhh, don't tell them - educational visit. While you're attending briefings on critical federal policy changes and meeting with members of Congress about pending legislation, we've got some great activities planned for your family.

On June 16, three events will open their eyes to the wonders of our nation's Capital City.

Starting at 2:00 p.m., A Historian's Tour of the U.S. Capitol will provide an "insider's" look at one of the most beautiful and interesting buildings in the world. Steve Livengood, chief guide of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society, will take our group on a VIP tour of the Capitol building, including the recently opened Capitol Visitor's Center. A former member of Congress will be there, too, and you never know who else might be spottedaround those busy halls!

After the Capitol tour, the group will walk across the street to take part in every child's fondest dream - free ice cream treats - at the 28th Annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party! Music, children's activities and plenty of places to run make this an ideal event for everyone.

Then the entire family can top off the day with a delicious Summer BBQ at the Capitol Hill home of Connie and Tip Tipton. You won't want to keep the kids out too late though, because the next morning the fun continues bright and early.

On June 17, we'll leave at 8:30 a.m. and travel south for an all-day tour of George Washington's estate at Mount Vernon, Virginia. Set on a hill overlooking the Potomac River, Mount Vernon is one of the most scenic locations in the Washington D.C. area. The landscape has been carefully preserved so that you can sit on the George and Martha back porch and see the same view they enjoyed 250 years ago. The Mount Vernon tour includes outbuildings, formal gardens and a state-of-the-art interactive visitor's center. You'll even get to see George Washington's false teeth! In addition. we'll take a special "National Treasure" tour, where we'll see locations where the hit movie "National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets" was filmed. Lunch will be provided.

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Hotel and Travel Information

Hotel Information

The 2010 Washington Conference will be held at The Madison Hotel in Washington, DC.

The room block at The Madison Hotel is now closed. If you need a hotel room please contact Diana Carmenates at 202-220-3504

 

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

Address
1177 15th Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20005
Tel: (202) 862-1600
Fax: (202) 785-1255

Services and Amenities

• High Speed Internet Access
• 24 Hour Business Center
• Star Service Hotline
• Twice Daily Maid Service
• 24-hour fitness center, sauna and steam room

Dining

Palette Restaurant & Bar
Enter a sophisticated setting where restaurant meets art gallery. The modern design provides a subtle backdrop for seasonally changing art exhibits, but the main focus here is on the bold, inventive menu, enhanced by a fine wine list and creative cocktails. Whether gearing up for your day with Breakfast at Loews, cozying up for light fare and drinks or sitting down to a four-course feast, you'll enjoy a warm and vibrant dining experience at Palette.

Hours
Breakfast: 6:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Monday - Friday
7:00 a.m. - noon Saturday and Sunday
Lounge: Daily 4 p.m.

Postcript
Enjoy an evening where the conversation is easy and the cocktails classic. Choose from the vast collection of fine Scotches and American Bourbons.

Hours
Light Menu: 11:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Monday - Friday
Bar: 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Monday - Friday

Local Attractions

• Museums
• Smithsonian Castle
• Washington Monument
• Arena Stage
• Maine Avenue
• The White House
• Georgetown University
• Arlington Cemetery
• Old Town Alexandria

Getting to Washington, DC

Getting There By Air
Washington, DC is served by the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. We are pleased to announce that American, Continental, Delta, United Airlines, and JetBlue are our official carriers for the IDFA's Washington Conference.

American Airlines
AA offers a 5 percent 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 9750AB as the aa.com promotion code or please call the American Airlines Meeting Services Desk at (800) 433-1790.

Continental Airlines
Continental Airlines offers discounts off published fares of 2 to 15 percent or Zone Fares. Book your reservations online at www.continental.com for maximum savings and receive an additional 3 percent 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 Airlines:
Delta is pleased to offer discounted airfares. Use WorldFile/Ticket Designator NY295 to purchase your tickets and discounts from 2 to 7 percent will be applied. Please call (800) 532-4777 for reservations.

United Airlines
United Airlines offers 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.

JetBlue Airways
JetBlue Airways offers a 5 percent discount on the lowest available fare by simply booking online! To make a reservation, visit www.jetblue.com/promo and use DCCONFERENCE as the promotion code.
If you have any questions just contact our dedicated Meetings Desk at 1 (888) JET-BLUE (538-2583), option 4 or jetblueconventions@jetblue.com.

Getting to The Madison Hotel

From Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (4.5 miles)

Head north toward Aviation Cir/Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Access Rd / Continue straight onto Aviation Cir/Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Access Road / Take the ramp onto George Washington Memorial Pkwy / Take the exit onto 1-395 N toward Washington Entering District of Columbia / Take the exit on the left onto 14th St. SW/US-1 toward Downtown / Continue onto 14th St. NW / At the traffic circle, exit onto M St NW / Turn left at 15th St NW / proceed to hotel.

Approximate Cab Fare: $16

From Washington Dulles International Airport (27.8 miles)

Head east on Saarinen Cir / Continue onto Dullas Airport Access and Toll Rd / Take the exit onto VA-267 E (partial toll road) / Take the exit toward I-495 N (toll road) / Keep left at the fork to continue toward I-495 N and merge onto I-495 N (partial toll road) / Take exit 43 to merge onto George Washington Memorial Pkwy toward Washington / Exit onto Key Bridge/N Lynn St/US-29 N toward Washington / Continue to follow Key Bridge/US-29 N Entering District of Columbia / Turn right to merge onto Whitehurst Fwy NW / Continue onto Washington Cir NW / Continue onto K St NW / Turn left at 15th St NW / proceed to hotel.

Approximate Cab Fare: $65

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

Head east on Elm Rd / Continue onto I-195 W / Take exit 2B for MD-295 S/Balt/Wash Pkwy toward Washington / Merge onto MD-295 S / Take the MD-410 exit toward Hyattsville/New Carrollton / Turn right at MD-410 W/Riverdale Rd / Continue to follow MD-410 W / Turn left at Baltimore Ave/US-1 S / Continue to follow US-1 S / At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto Rhode Island Ave Entering District of Columbia / Turn left at 11th St NW / Turn right at M St NW / At the traffic circle, take the 5th exit and stay on M St NW / Turn left at 15th St NW / proceed to hotel.

Approximate Cab Fare: $80

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How to Register

Registration for this event is closed.

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