× Mike Allen
Mike Allen
Co-founder and Executive Editor of Axios, Former POLITICO Chief White House Correspondent

Mike Allen is one of Washington’s most influential and well-connected journalists. He is the co-founder and executive editor of Axios, a new media company delivering news and insights on politics, business, media, and tech.

In addition to starting Axios, Allen was a co-founder at POLITICO, the digital media company that upended and revolutionized political and policy journalism in Washington, New York, and Europe. He not only reported on but also drove the day’s conversations in and around the Beltway. His sharp journalistic experience and coveted insider status make him an ideal choice to discuss the latest political happenings. He offers his non-partisan, energetic and up-to-the-minute insider perspective on the political issues of the day, the Trump administration, the Republican Congress, and building a business in an unsteady economy.

    
× Michael Dykes
Michael Dykes
President and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association

Michael Dykes, D.V.M., a long-time government affairs strategist, agricultural policy expert, and veterinarian, became president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association in January 2017. In this role, he represents members that make more than 85 percent of the milk, cultured products, cheese, ice cream and frozen desserts produced and marketed in the United States.

Since joining IDFA, Dykes has been a strong advocate for the importance of global competitiveness to the future of the U.S. dairy industry. He has made preserving trade partnerships with Mexico and improving Canadian market access for U.S. dairy exports in all future trade agreements a priority for IDFA.

Prior to assuming his role at IDFA, Dykes served as vice president of government affairs for Monsanto, where he was responsible for developing and implementing a portfolio of U.S. government relations strategies and programs that included agricultural biotechnology policy. He led Monsanto's office in Washington, D.C., and served as the company's primary point of contact for elected officials, regulatory authorities, U.S. farm organizations, key industry participants, trade associations, international organizations and embassies. He directed the company's efforts in state and local government affairs, in addition to government affairs in Mexico and Canada.

Dykes is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the National Academy of Practitioners. He has served on the Farmhouse Fraternity board for 3+ years. He is also a member of the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee (APAC) and has served on the USDA Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture (AC21).

Dykes grew up on a small dairy and tobacco farm in Kentucky. He earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Auburn University. He also attended the University of Kentucky where he received a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics and a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science.

    
× Ken Schmidt
Ken Schmidt
Brand Visionary and Former Director of Communications Strategy for Harley-Davidson Motor Company

One of the most in-demand speakers and communications consultants in America, Ken Schmidt has lived a life that most can only dream about. He has toured the world on two wheels, met with presidents and royalty, partied with movie and music legends, and appeared numerous times on network news. As the former director of communications for Harley-Davidson Motor Company, he played an active role in one of the most celebrated turnarounds in corporate history – and got paid to ride motorcycles. He is widely known as one of the business world’s most outspoken and provocative thought leaders and has partnered with many of the world’s most successful brands. He is the author of the 2018 book Make Some Noise: The Unconventional Road to Dominance. Today, Schmidt is a frequent speaker to business groups and academic communities throughout the world. He shares stories and insights on the road to building a fanatically vocal customer base, creating a passionately loyal corporate culture, and developing leaders who inspire and motivate.

      
× Mike Steep
Mike Steep
Executive Director, Stanford Engineering Center for Disruptive Technology and Digital Cities
Former SVP of Global Business Operations at PARC Xerox

Drawing on decades of experience driving innovation and leading operations at companies including Apple and Microsoft, Mike Steep shares strategies on how to leverage emerging technology into bottom line business opportunities. Throughout his career, Steep has worked in the presence of industry legends including David Packard, Bill Gates, and Satya Nadella, witnessing first-hand some of the greatest breakthroughs and transformations within organizations and entire industries. Currently the Executive Director of Stanford’s Engineering Center for Disruptive Technology and Digital Cities, Steep is a global speaker and contributing editor to Forbes.

Steep is the former SVP of Global Business Operations at PARC, where he worked with CEO’s and R&D executives from companies including BMW, Google, P&G, L’Oreal, and AirBus to transform technology disruption of their industries into new lines of business. Steep believes we are at the beginning of a new golden age—where emerging technologies define who we are, what we can accomplish, and how we can redefine entire companies and industries. Just as Apple transformed the mobile industry through the introduction of the iPhone, emerging technologies will offer exponential opportunities if we know how to capitalize on them.

      
× Nina Teicholz
Nina Teicholz
Investigative Science Journalist and Author

Nina Teicholz is an investigative science journalist and author. Her international bestseller, The Big Fat Surprise has upended the conventional wisdom on dietary fat–especially saturated fat–and challenged the very core of our nutrition policy.

The Big Fat Surprise was named a 2014 *Best Book* by The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Mother Jones, and Library Journal. Teicholz’s writing has also been published in The BMJ, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, The Independent, The New Yorker, and The Los Angeles Times among others.

In addition, Teicholz is the Executive Director of The Nutrition Coalition, a non-profit group that promotes evidence-based nutrition policy. She has testified before the Canadian Senate and U.S. Department of Agriculture about the need for reform of dietary guidelines.

Teicholz attended Yale and Stanford where she studied biology and majored in American Studies. She has a master’s degree from Oxford University and served as associate director of the Center for Globalization and Sustainable Development at Columbia University.

      
× Torsten Hemme
Torsten Hemme
Managing Director
IFCN Dairy Research Center

Dr. Torsten Hemme is the managing director of the IFCN Dairy Research Center in Kiel, Germany. He studied agricultural economics at the University of Göttingen in Germany and Texas A&M University in the USA. His Ph.D. thesis set the basis for the International Farm Comparison Network (IFCN), which annually benchmarks milk production costs and summarizes the findings in its"Dairy Report." He has a long list of publications, presentations at international dairy conferences and experiences in various research/consulting projects.

× Robert Johansson
Robert Johansson
Chief Economist
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Dr. Robert Johansson serves as the Chief Economist at the Department of Agriculture (USDA). He has served in this role since July 2015. As Chief Economist, he is responsible for the Department's agricultural forecasts and projections and for advising the Secretary of Agriculture on economic implications of alternative programs, regulations, and legislative proposals. He is responsible for the Office of the Chief Economist, the World Agricultural Outlook Board, the Office of Risk Assessment and Cost-Benefit analysis, the Climate Change Program Office, the Office of Environmental Markets, the Office of Energy Policy and New Uses, and the Office of Pesticide Management Policy.

Dr. Johansson received B.A. in economics from Northwestern University and then served with the U.S. Peace Corps as an extension agent in several African countries from 1990 to 1995. After returning to his home State of Minnesota, he entered the graduate program in Agricultural Economics at the University of Minnesota at received his M.S. in 1997 and Ph.D. in 2000. His research has spanned a wide range of issues, including biofuels policy, water quality and quantity policies, regulatory economics, food security, and regional modeling of agricultural systems.

× Julie Kanak
Julie Kanak
Managing Director
Diversified Search

Julie Kanak is the Managing Partner of the Chicago office and leads the firm’s Food & Agribusiness effort. She brings over 20 years working with public and private companies across the sector and over a decade in retained search.

Julie conducts senior-level assignments in general management, finance, operations and supply chain, business development and other functional specialties across the agribusiness and food value chain. Her clients range from the Fortune 500 to startups with extensive experience with member-owned/ governed associations, private equity and family businesses and within dairy. As a trusted advisor on all aspects of leadership talent, she consults with Boards and CEOs on transformation, succession planning, retention, development and corporate governance – building strong, productive relationships with both clients and candidates.

Prior to joining DS, Julie spent four years with a leading global search firm and boutique global agribusiness firm complimenting over two decades in banking and corporate finance principally focused on agribusiness, food, and energy.

The bulk of Julie’s global corporate and investment banking career was spent with Credit Agricole CIB, as North American Head of Agribusiness, working closely with global leaders of inputs, dairy, grains and consumer packaged goods. Her career also included more than 10 years as a global banker and senior executive with Australia & New Zealand Banking Group, and State Bank of South Australia in New York and Chicago.

Julie is a native Iowan and avid equestrian.

      
× Marin Bozic
Marin Bozic
Assistant Professor
Department of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota

Marin Bozic is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Economics at the University of Minnesota. Marin’s research program in dairy economics covers dairy policy, risk management, demand for dairy foods and economics of new dairy food processing technologies. Since earning his PhD at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2011, he has published a dozen research articles, and has served as principal investigator on over twenty funded projects.

Dr. Bozic serves in a leadership role in several organizations. He is an Associate Director of Midwest Dairy Foods Research Center, and the facilitator of Minnesota Dairy Growth Alliance. Marin is also a member of the National Program on Dairy Markets and Policy, a team of dairy economists who recently won a national award for their outreach work on the 2014 Farm Bill.

Marin is a nationally popular speaker on dairy topics, with over one hundred invited talks on topics covering dairy policy, outlook, exports, risk management and consumer trends. Despite living in the Upper Midwest for a full decade, his accent still reveals he is originally from Croatia. His audience does not seem to mind.

            
× Frank Yiannas
Frank Yiannas
Vice President – Food Safety
Walmart

As Vice President of Food Safety, Frank Yiannas oversees all food safety, as well as other public health functions, for the world's largest food retailer, Walmart, serving over 240 million customers around the world on a weekly basis. Prior to joining Walmart in 2008, Frank was the Director of Safety & Health for the Walt Disney World Company, where he worked for 19 years.

As a frequent speaker at national and international conferences, Frank is known for his ability to build partnerships and for his innovative approaches to food safety, including being a pioneer in the use of blockchain technology to create a more digital and transparent food system.

In 2008, Frank was given the Collaboration Award by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. He is the 2007 recipient of the NSF International Lifetime Achievement Award for Leadership in Food Safety and the 2015 Industry Professional Food Safety Hero Award by STOP Foodborne Illness. Frank is also a Past President of the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) and a Past Vice-Chair of the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).

He is also an adjunct Professor in the Food Safety Program at Michigan State University and author of the books, Food Safety Culture, Creating a Behavior-based Food Safety Management System, and Food Safety = Behavior, 30 Proven Techniques to Enhance Employee Compliance, by Springer Scientific.

Frank is a Registered Microbiologist with the American Academy of Microbiology. He received his BS in Microbiology from the University of Central Florida and his Master of Public Health (MPH) from the University of South Florida.

      
× Sponsors

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Herbein + Company
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Dairy Forum 2019
Dairy Forum 2019
  • Overview
  • Agenda
  • Hotel
  • Golf
  • Sponsorship
  • Speakers
  • Register Now
    • Advance Connect Discover

    IDFA’s Dairy Forum is the premier event for dairy food executives to connect with other industry leaders, advance their knowledge, and to discover new perspectives on issues that are important to our industry.

    This year’s Dairy Forum program will encompass topics that move Dairy Forward and position our industry for growth.  In 2018, IDFA presented attendees with a glimpse at things to come—Shape the Future.  In 2019, the association seeks to lay out the path for success in the dairy foods industry for both companies and executives—Dairy Forward.

    Leading experts and industry leaders will share their insights and perspectives on a wide variety of challenges and opportunities facing the industry today.

    What does the new farm bill mean for dairy policy? What can the industry do to expand into global markets?  What is blockchain and what does it mean for dairy?  How are we preparing for the future workforce?  What’s ahead for trade policy and what can we do to prepare?  What can we do to embrace an evolving retail landscape, embrace innovation, leverage consumer trends and future-proof our operations?

    1. Presentations by leading industry executives
    2. Discussions on key IDFA policy priorities
    3. Technologies that are both disruptive and transformative
    4. A look at the global dairy marketplace
    5. And more!

    Please join us for an important conversation on what we can do to move Dairy Forward!

    Mark your calendars and make your plans to join us January 20-23 in Orlando, Florida.

    We look forward to seeing you there!

    Sponsors
    (VIEW ALL OUR SPONSORS)

    Premier Sponsor


    Lunch Session


    Registration Lounge


    Welcome Reception


    Welcome Reception


    General Session


    Hotel Key Cards


    Mobile App


    Notepads


    Salon Dinner


    Lanyards


    Chairman’s Reception


    Coffee Break


    Coffee Break

    ChemTreat
    Golf Tournament

    Herbein + Company
    Golf Tournament


    Name Badges

     
    Invitation from Heather Soubra, IDFA Chief of Staff  (2 minutes)
     
    Agenda
     
    Sunday, January 20
    8:00 a.m. Herbein + CompanyChemTreat Morning Golf Tournament
    1:00 p.m. Afternoon Golf Tournament
    2:00 – 3:00 p.m. IDFA Board Meeting (invitation only)
    5:00 – 5:45 p.m. Bank of America Merrill Lynch Chairman’s Reception (invitation only)
    6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Chairman’s Lecture – A Path for Excellence in Dairy
    7:00 – 9:00 p.m. RuanEvergreen Packaging Welcome Reception

    Monday, January 21
    8:45 – 9:45 a.m. Michael Dykes President’s Breakfast – Leading Dairy Forward
    Speaker    : Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO, International Dairy Foods Association

    Join Michael Dykes for a discussion about what it will take to lead dairy forward on the farm bill, global trade, nutrition and labeling, food safety and other top priorities.
    9:45 – 10:45 a.m. General Session – Dairy Policy: Advancing Together
    10:45 – 11:00 a.m. Networking Break
    11:00 – 11:45 a.m. Concurrent Sessions
    1. Frank YiannasBlockchain: Tracking the Future
      Speaker: Frank Yiannas, Vice President – Food Safety, Walmart



    2. Global Dairy Perspective: Growing Globally
    11:45 a.m. – Noon Networking Break
    Noon – 1:30 p.m. Vhr. Hansen Mike Steep Lunch Session – Getting Ahead of Disruptive Technologies
    Speaker    : Michael Steep, Executive Director, Stanford Engineering Center for Disruptive Technology and Digital Cities, & Former SVP of Global Business Operations at PARC Xerox

    Drawing on decades of experience driving innovation and leading operations at companies including Apple and Microsoft, Mike Steep will share strategies on how to leverage emerging technology into bottom line business opportunities. He will reveal the specific process companies can use to transform disruptive technology into exponential opportunity.
    1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Nina Teicholz General Session – Upending the Politics of Nutrition
    Speaker: Nina Teicholz, Investigative Science Journalist & Author

    Hear from Nina Teicholz, an investigative science journalist and author, on how we can all promote evidence-based nutrition. Her international bestseller, The Big Fat Surprise, has upended the conventional wisdom on dietary fat—especially saturated fat—and challenged the very core of our nutrition policy. What does The Big Fat Surprise mean for dairy?
    2:30 – 2:45 p.m. Networking Break
    2:45 – 4:00 p.m. Special Session – Women Leading Forward
    3:15 – 4:15 p.m. PAC Steering Committee Meeting (invitation only)
    4:30 – 5:30 p.m. International Trade Committee Meeting (invitation only)
    4:30 – 5:30 p.m. State Association Executive Meeting (invitation only)
    5:30 – 6:30 p.m. PAC Reception (invitation only)
    6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Editors Reception (invitation only)

    Tuesday, January 22
    8:45 – 9:45 a.m. Breakfast Session – Dairy Markets: Where Are We Headed?
    Join a panel of experts who will discuss current dairy trends, as well as their perspectives on where we are headed.

    Panelists:
    Marin BozicMarin Bozic, Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota
     
    Robert JohanssonRobert Johansson, Chief Economist, Office of the Chief Economist (OCE), Office of the Deputy Secretary (ODS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
     
    9:45 – 10:00 a.m. Networking Break
    10:00 – 10:45 a.m. Concurrent Sessions
    1. Julie KanakThe Future Dairy Workforce
      Moderator: Julie Kanak, Managing Director, Diversified Search

      The U.S. dairy industry, along with other sectors of agriculture, is challenged by workforce issues. Competition for talent has never been greater, while automation and innovation continue to disrupt the entire supply chain. This session will examine what the future dairy workforce will look like and provide tactics on how to attract the best talent to your operation.

    2. Think Outside the Jug
    10:45 – 11:00 a.m. Networking Break
    11:00 – 11:45 a.m. Concurrent Sessions
    1. Forward Thinking: Managing Tomorrow’s Crisis



    2. Torsten HemmePath Toward 2030: The Globalization of Dairy
      Speaker      : Torsten Hemme, IFCN Dairy Research Center, at University Kiel

      The dairy industry is in a continued globalization process and affected by various trends and drivers. Torsten Hemme will explain how globally milk production, prices, trade and demand has developed over the past 20 years. Moreover he will share research results on how the dairy world might look in the year 2030.

    11:45 a.m. – Noon Networking Break
    Noon – 1:30 p.m. Ken Schmidt Lunch Session – Open the Throttle and Dominate Your Marketplace
    Speaker    : Ken Schmidt, Brand Visionary and Former Director of Communications Strategy at Harley-Davidson Motor Company

    Ken Schmidt will share his fascinating story of how businesses of any size and scope can—by focusing on understanding and harnessing the most basic drivers of human behavior—improve their competitiveness and avoid margin-killing commoditization in even the most difficult marketing environments. The road to building a fanatically vocal customer base, creating a passionately loyal corporate culture, and developing leaders who inspire and motivate starts here.
    1:30 – 2:15 p.m.  General Session – C-Suite Talks From the Top
    2:15 – 2:30 p.m. Networking Break
    2:30 – 3:15 p.m. Premier Conference Partner Session
    3:30 – 4:15 p.m. Premier Conference Partner Session
    3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Joint Economic Policy Committee Meeting (invitation only)
    3:30 – 5:30 p.m. ProFood Tech Meeting (invitation only)
    5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Closing Reception

    Wednesday, January 23
    8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Mike Allen Breakfast Session – Voters Have Spoken: What Did Washington Hear?
    Speaker: Mike Allen, Co-founder and Executive Editor of Axios, Former POLITICO Chief White House Correspondent

    Mike Allen, one of Washington’s most influential and well-connected journalists, will share his insights and perspectives on the current political outlook and what the outcomes of the midterm elections mean for Washington. He is the co-founder and executive editor of Axios, a new company delivering news and insights on politics, business, media, and tech.
    9:30 – 10:30 a.m. McKinsey & Company Closing Session – Resilience and Growth: Perspectives from McKinsey & Company
    Registration
     

    Registration fees for Dairy Forum are based on your company's IDFA membership status. For more information about membership, please email membership@idfa.org.

      Early
    Ends Oct 12th     		Regular
    After Oct 12th
    Member Processor / Gold Business Partner $1,595 $1,695
    Producer / Farmer
    Dairy producers and farmers directly engaged in the production of farm milk. This rate will also include employees of non-processing co-ops that are not eligible for membership.     		$1,595 $1,695
    Business Partner $1,895 $1,995
    Non-Member $2,495 $2,595
    Government
    Government employees who work directly for a local state, federal government agency or legislative body. Government contractors are not eligible for this rate.     		$375 $375
    News Media $375 $375
    University
    Faculty members are welcome to register at the discounted rate. Students must present proof of enrollment along with the registration form.     		$375 $375
    Morning Golf Tournament / Afternoon Golf Tournament $255 $255
    Companion / Spouse
    Includes access to Chairman’s Lecture and evening receptions.     		$175 $175

    The fastest and easiest way to register is online. If a paper form is required to submit a check payment, please download the registration form.

    FAQs

    Q: Registration substitutions
    Registration is non-transferable from one company to another; however, substitutions within companies are welcome at any time. Please email registrar@idfa.org if you would like to make a registration substitution.

    Q: Registration Cancellation Policy
    Registration cancellations received in writing will be accepted prior to December 21, 2018 for a full refund, minus a $75 processing fee. Cancellations received after December 21, 2018, will be eligible for a 50 percent refund, less the processing fee. Your Dairy Forum registration fee is non-refundable after January 4, 2019. Substitutions may be made without penalty. All cancellations and substitutions must be received in writing at registrar@idfa.org.

    Q: Golf Tournament Cancellation Policy
    All golf tournament cancellations will receive a full refund before December 21, 2018. No tournament refunds will be issued after December 21, 2018. All cancellations must be received in writing at registrar@idfa.org.

    Q: Attire
    Attire is business casual although we encourage attendees to dress comfortable for evening receptions which may be held outdoors. The average temperatures in Orlando, Florida in January are 72°F high and 52°F low.

    Q: Affiliate Events
    Affiliate events are defined as non-IDFA sponsored events that take place before, during or after Dairy Forum. These include, but are not limited to, business meetings, receptions, dinners, group activities, and other social functions. If you are interested in reserving space at the conference hotel for an affiliate meeting or event, please contact mlembke@idfa.org. Space is limited and requests will be considered on a first-come, first served basis.

    Questions: If you have questions or need assistance with the registration process, please contact IDFA at (202) 737-3557 or registrar@idfa.org.

    Hotel
     

    Dairy Forum will be held at The Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes in Orlando, Florida. You may make your hotel reservations online or directly with the hotel by calling (800) 266-9432. When calling, refer to IDFA’s Dairy Forum to receive the special room rate of $279 per night plus applicable taxes. The deadline to secure a room is December 28, 2018. We have reserved a large block of rooms, but once all the rooms have been booked, we cannot guarantee that additional space will be available.

    The Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes
    4012 Central Florida Parkway
    Orlando, FL 32837 United States
    (407) 206-2400
    Hotel Website
    http://www.idfa.org/df/hotel


    Hotel Discounts
    A ten percent discount will be extended on all sport and recreational options on-site, to include: The Ritz-Carlton Spa treatments, The Ritz-Carlton Golf Course, Fly Fishing, Eco Tours, Canoeing and Kayaking, Grande Lakes Guide Tours and Walks, Mountain Biking and The Ritz Kids program. Discounts will be offered to registered hotel guests with Dairy Forum name badges, based on availability.



    Both golf tournaments will be held on Sunday, January 20th.

    8:00 a.m. Morning Golf Tournament
    shotgun start (shamble)
    1:00 p.m. Afternoon Golf Tournament
    shotgun start (scramble)


    What is the difference between scramble and shamble golf tournaments?
    In a scramble, each golfer in the foursome (or threesome) takes a shot from the tee. From that point, the team decides who has the best drive, and all players advance forward to that spot to take their second shots. This process continues, with the best shot being taken each time, until a member of the team is able to hole out. The team’s score for that particular hole is recorded as the number of team “strokes” it took to get the ball in the cup.

    A shamble is slightly different in that only the best drive (or tee shot) is used for each team member’s second shot. From that point, normal stroke play ensues as each player plays his or her own ball, and each golfer is responsible for holing out in the fewest number of shots. Thus, a scramble continuously uses the best shot from the group, while a shamble uses only the best drive.

    Why Sponsor
    As we focus on advancing the dairy industry, make a stronger connection with your customers and prospects by delivering your company’s message directly to conference attendees. As a sponsor you will be able to:

    CONNECT WITH INDUSTRY DECISION MAKERS. Dairy Forum is the premier conference for leaders in the dairy industry. With nearly 1,000 executives and decision makers, Dairy Forum is the place to be heard and seen.
    SHOWCASE YOUR ORGANIZATION’S EXPERTISE. Dairy Forum promotes a productive and interactive atmosphere where dairy leaders come to seek new ideas, discuss important industry issues and collaborate on finding solutions.
    DEMONSTRATE YOUR LEADERSHIP. Sponsorship is one of the best ways to brand your organization as a thought-leader and to highlight your commitment to advancing the dairy industry.
    Interested?
    CONTACT: Melissa Lembke | (202) 220-3512 | mlembke@idfa.org
    Sponsors
    (VIEW ALL OUR SPONSORS)
    Sponsorship Opportunities       (DOWNLOAD THE SPONSORSHIP PROSPECTUS)

    PREMIER SPONSORSHIP – $45,000

    The Premier Conference Partner receives the most visibility and more benefits than any other Dairy Forum sponsorship. Our Conference Partners also enjoy exclusive opportunities for strategic business connections and access to industry leadership.

    PREMIER SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE:
    1. Two complimentary registrations to attend Dairy Forum
    2. Opportunity for company representative to introduce a session
    3. Company brand exposure leading up to, during and post-event through IDFA’s marketing channels
    4. Two invitations to the private Chairman’s VIP Reception
    5. Option to host a session on Monday or Tuesday afternoon
    6. Private meeting room at the conference hotel
    7. Company name and logo placed on event signage
    8. Recognition in conference materials and on conference website
    9. Live recognition throughout Dairy Forum
    10. Listing in IDFA’s email newsletter to over 15,000 industry contacts
    11. Option to provide promotional materials to attendees
    CHAIRMAN’S LECTURE – $27,500

    Get maximum bang for your buck by sponsoring the best-attended session at Dairy Forum. The Chairman’s Lecture is Dairy Forum’s popular kickoff event and always features a highly respected and well-known guest speaker. Past speakers have included former U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk, former congressman Charlie Stenholm (D-Texas), former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, General Michael Hayden, PepsiCo’s Mehmood Khan, lobbyist and former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, and Karen Hughes, former Counselor to President George W. Bush.

    CHAIRMAN’S LECTURE SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE:
    1. Two invitations to the private Chairman’s VIP Reception
    2. Two prime seats at the Chairman’s Lecture
    3. Company name and logo placed on event signage
    4. Recognition in conference materials and on conference website
    5. Live recognition throughout Dairy Forum
    6. Listing in IDFA’s email newsletter to over 15,000 industry contacts
    7. Option to provide promotional materials to session attendees
    OPENING RECEPTION (EXCLUSIVE) – $27,500

    Make a great and lasting impression on everyone by being one of the first sponsors to welcome attendees to Dairy Forum at the Opening Reception. Be a key part of generating the excitement and enthusiasm as industry colleagues and friends reconvene and reconnect. The energy is palpable as attendees mingle with old friends and begin to make new contacts, all in anticipation of the fun and work that lies ahead.

    OPENING RECEPTION (EXCLUSIVE SPONSORSHIP) BENEFITS INCLUDE:
    1. One complimentary registration to attend Dairy Forum
    2. Company name and logo placed on event signage
    3. Recognition in conference materials and on conference website
    4. Live recognition throughout Dairy Forum
    5. Listing in IDFA’s email newsletter to over 15,000 industry contacts
    OPENING RECEPTION (SHARED) – $16,000

    Share the spotlight at the Opening Reception with another sponsor and get the same exposure for almost half the price!

    OPENING RECEPTION (SHARED SPONSORSHIP) BENEFITS INCLUDE:
    1. Company names and logos placed on event signage
    2. Recognition in conference materials and on conference website
    3. Live recognition throughout Dairy Forum
    4. Listing in IDFA’s email newsletter to over 15,000 industry contacts
    LUNCH SESSION – $25,000

    Gain maximum exposure by sponsoring a Luncheon at Dairy Forum. Always well attended, the meal functions feature guest speakers and are a great opportunity to gain added visibility among dairy executives enjoying conversations with industry colleagues.

    LUNCH SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE:
    1. One complimentary registration to attend Dairy Forum
    2. Two prime seats at Luncheon
    3. Company name and logo placed on event signage
    4. Recognition in conference materials and on conference website
    5. Live recognition throughout Dairy Forum
    6. Listing in IDFA’s email newsletter to over 15,000 industry contacts
    7. Option to provide promotional materials to Luncheon attendees
    REGISTRATION LOUNGE – $17,500

    The Registration Lounge is in a strategic location that guarantees your company name will be one of the first things every attendee sees as they arrive at Dairy Forum. The prominent placement of the lounge also ensures that attendees will spend time there throughout the conference, having impromptu business meetings and gathering for social interaction and networking. If you’re looking for visibility, the Registration Lounge is a good choice for your sponsorship dollars.

    REGISTRATION LOUNGE SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE:
    1. A lounge in the registration area with company branding
    2. Company name and logo placed on event signage
    3. Recognition in conference materials and on conference website
    4. Live recognition throughout Dairy Forum
    5. Listing in IDFA’s email newsletter to over 15,000 industry contacts
    BREAKFAST SESSION – $10,000

    Start the morning off right with a Breakfast sponsorship at Dairy Forum. Breakfast sessions feature guest speakers and are a great opportunity to get your message out to industry leaders before they start their day of education and networking.

    BREAKFAST SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE:
    1. Two prime seats at Breakfast
    2. Company name and logo placed on event signage
    3. Recognition in conference materials and on conference website
    4. Live recognition throughout Dairy Forum
    5. Listing in IDFA’s email newsletter to over 15,000 industry contacts
    6. Option to provide promotional materials to session Breakfast attendees
    CLOSING RECEPTION – $10,000

    The end of a conference, when attendees are happy about reconnecting with peers and feeling good about new business prospects, is the perfect time to add one last good impression. Sponsoring the Closing Reception gives your company a featured presence at Dairy Forum. Your logo becomes one of the final images attendees will remember as they look back on a productive conference. The wisdom of the ages invented the phrase “save the best for last” for a reason!

    CLOSING RECEPTION SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE:
    1. Company name and logo placed on event signage
    2. Recognition in conference materials and on conference website
    3. Live recognition throughout Dairy Forum
    4. Listing in IDFA’s email newsletter to over 15,000 industry contacts
    GENERAL SESSION – $10,000

    Sponsorship of a general session at Dairy Forum allows you to deliver your company’s message directly to conference attendees from the stage. With this high-visibility sponsorship opportunity, take full advantage of personal message on the main stage, along with other great benefits.

    GENERAL SESSION SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE:
    1. Opportunity for company representative to introduce the session
    2. Company name and logo placed on event signage
    3. Recognition in conference materials and on conference website
    4. Live recognition throughout Dairy Forum
    5. Listing in IDFA’s email newsletter to over 15,000 industry contacts
    6. Option to provide promotional materials to session attendees
    WI-FI – $10,000

    Wi-Fi is every conference attendee’s connection to the outside world, which means they’ll be accessing Wi-Fi frequently throughout the event. Why not be there to greet them when they do? Your logo and a link to your company website will appear on the page every time they log onto the hotel’s Wi-Fi system. Connection made.

    WI-FI SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE:
    1. Company logo and website will appear on Wi-Fi connection page
    2. Company name and logo placed on event signage
    3. Recognition in conference materials and on conference website
    4. Live recognition throughout Dairy Forum
    5. Listing in IDFA’s email newsletter to over 15,000 industry contact
    HOTEL KEY CARDS – $9,000

    All attendees at Dairy Forum who stay at the conference hotel will see your company’s logo printed prominently on their hotel room key cards. Your name will be the first thing they see as they head out in the morning and the last thing they see as they turn in for the night.

    HOTEL KEY CARD SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE:
    1. Company logo on every hotel key card, distributed to guests upon check-in
    2. Company name and logo placed on event signage
    3. Recognition in conference materials and on conference website
    4. Live recognition throughout Dairy Forum
    5. Listing in IDFA’s email newsletter to over 15,000 industry contacts
    CONFERENCE MOBILE APP – $9,000

    The Dairy Forum App offers unique, detailed content through an easily downloadable application to attendees’ personal mobile devices. The app provides a great opportunity to highlight your brand before, during and after the conference. Attendees will be accessing the app often to see conference schedules, the current attendee list, session information and speaker bios, and to receive event notifications and social media updates. The app also enhances attendee networking and allows private conversations. This sponsor is featured prominently as users navigate the app.

    CONFERENCE MOBILE APP SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE:
    1. Banner ad on the bottom of every page in the app that can be linked to a customized landing page or website
    2. Pre-event email featuring the app to all Dairy Forum registrants
    3. Company name and logo placed on event signage
    4. Recognition in conference materials and on conference website
    5. Live recognition throughout Dairy Forum
    6. Listing in IDFA’s email newsletter to over 15,000 industry contacts
    CONFERENCE NOTEPADS – $9,000

    One of the most well-used and highly appreciated handouts at any conference is a simple notepad. Always handy for jotting down new ideas, critical follow-up reminders and contact information for new customers, the notepad is a basic tool of the conference trade. When your company logo and phone number or website are printed on the cover of those notepads, people will “take note.”

    CONFERENCE NOTEPAD SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE:
    1. Notepads distributed at registration to all Dairy Forum attendees
    2. Company name and logo printed on notepads
    3. Company name and logo placed on event signage
    4. Recognition in conference materials and on conference website
    5. Live recognition throughout Dairy Forum
    6. Listing in IDFA’s email newsletter to over 15,000 industry contacts
    SALON DINNER – $8,000

    Our salon dinners are a special evening of good food and great conversation with high-level executives and top thought leaders. IDFA will host salon dinners throughout Dairy Forum to meet and preview our top speakers in an intimate and exclusive setting. Salon dinners are by invitation only.

    SALON DINNER SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE:
    1. Three invitations to the salon dinner
    2. Live recognition at the salon dinner
    3. Recognition in conference materials and on conference website
    4. Listing in IDFA’s email newsletter to over 15,000 industry contacts
    5. Option to provide promotional materials to dinner attendees
    REGISTRATION LANYARDS – $7,000

    Every attendee at Dairy Forum is required to display a name badge to enter sessions and conference events. Those name badges hang from lanyards that can be emblazoned with a company logo right alongside the IDFA logo. Imagine the visual impact of 1,000 of your industry colleagues sporting your company name throughout the entire conference.

    REGISTRATION LANYARD SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE:
    1. Company logo printed on registration lanyard (co-branded with IDFA)
    2. Company name and logo placed on event signage
    3. Recognition in conference materials and on conference website
    4. Live recognition throughout Dairy Forum
    5. Listing in IDFA’s email newsletter to over 15,000 industry contacts
    CHAIRMAN’S VIP RECEPTION – $6,000

    The Chairman’s VIP Reception, hosted immediately prior to the Chairman’s Lecture, includes special, invited guests, making it an unequalled opportunity to network with some of the most influential decision makers of the dairy industry.

    CHAIRMAN’S VIP RECEPTION SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE:
    1. Two invitations to the private Chairman’s VIP Reception
    2. Company name and logo placed on event signage
    3. Recognition in conference materials and on conference website
    4. Live recognition throughout Dairy Forum
    5. Listing in IDFA’s email newsletter to over 15,000 industry contacts
    COFFEE BREAK – $6,000

    Treat Dairy Forum attendees to a coffee break to jump-start the day and rejuvenate them between sessions. There’s nothing quite like a complimentary beverage to make people take note of your generosity and spark an interest in your company.

    COFFEE BREAK SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE:
    1. Company name and logo placed on event signage
    2. Recognition in conference material and on conference website
    3. Live recognition throughout Dairy Forum
    4. Listing in IDFA’s email newsletter to over 15,000 industry contacts
    5. Option to provide product donation
    GOLF TOURNAMENT – $6,000

    Golf tournaments are extremely popular among corporate executives, and dairy professionals are no exception. So popular in fact, that we’re hosting two of them on the same day! Participation in Dairy Forum golf tournaments is always high as golfers use this time in the sun to relax and do some informal business. This golf package will give your organization some great exposure to thirsty golfers and golfers looking to win big.

    GOLF TOURNAMENT SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE:
    1. Sponsorship of a golf tournament beverage cart
    2. Sponsorship of the longest drive or closest-to-the-pin contest
    3. Company name and logo placed on event signage
    4. Recognition in conference materials and on conference website
    5. Live recognition throughout Dairy Forum
    6. Listing in IDFA’s email newsletter to over 15,000 industry contacts
    7. Option to provide golf balls, towels, tees or other items to players
    ONSITE PRINTED PROGRAM – $6,000

    The on-site printed program is distributed to every attendee at Dairy Forum. The printed program is a primary reference tool for everyone at the conference. Want to know where the next session is happening, or the background of a speaker or presenter? The printed program has the answers. Having your company name and logo front and center virtually guarantees that every attendee will think of your company many times throughout the course of the event.

    ON-SITE PRINTED PROGRAM SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE:
    1. Sponsor logo on front page of the on-site program
    2. One full-page ad in the on-site program
    3. Company name and logo placed on event signage
    4. Recognition in conference materials and on conference website
    5. Live recognition throughout Dairy Forum
    6. Listing in IDFA’s email newsletter to over 15,000 industry contacts
    WOMEN IN DAIRY SESSION & RECEPTION – $5,000

    Sponsor this high-powered session and reception which will leverage the expertise and influence of women who have emerged as leaders in the dairy industry. The event will bring established leaders and young professionals together to expand the presence and influence of women in dairy.

    WOMEN IN DAIRY SESSION & RECEPTION BENEFITS INCLUDE:
    1. Opportunity for company representative to introduce the session
    2. Recognition in conference materials and on conference website
    3. Listing in IDFA’s email newsletter to over 15,000 industry contacts
    4. Option to provide promotional materials to session attendees
    NAME BADGES – $3,000

    Every attendee at Dairy Forum is required to display a name badge to enter sessions and conference events. Those name badges hang can be emblazoned with a company logo. Imagine the visual impact of 1,000 of your industry colleagues sporting your company name throughout the entire conference.

    NAME BADGE SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE:
    1. Company logo printed on name badges (co-branded with IDFA)
    2. Company name and logo placed on event signage
    3. Recognition in conference materials and on conference website
    4. Live recognition throughout Dairy Forum
    5. Listing in IDFA’s email newsletter to over 15,000 industry contacts
    MEETING ROOM (FULL CONFERENCE) – $2,500; MEETING ROOM (ONE DAY) – $1,000

    Planning to hold a meeting during Dairy Forum or need a private space to conduct business? Expand your capacity for dedicated face-to-face discussions by reserving a private meeting room for your company to use at the conference hotel. Space is limited! Day and room size are subject to availability.

    MEETING ROOM SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE:
    1. Use of a private meeting room in the conference hotel: Full conference (Sunday 9 a.m. – Wednesday 12 p.m.) or Single Day
    2. Companies are responsible for organizing audio visual and food and beverage requests directly with the hotel.
    Speakers will be announced below as they are confirmed.


    Keynotes
    Mike Allen
    Mike Allen
    Co-founder and Executive Editor of Axios, Former POLITICO Chief White House Correspondent

    Mike Allen is one of Washington’s most influential and well-connected journalists. He is the...    MORE
    Michael Dykes
    Michael Dykes
    President and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association

    Michael Dykes, D.V.M., a long-time government affairs strategist, agricultural policy expert, and veterinarian, became...    MORE
    Ken Schmidt
    Ken Schmidt
    Brand Visionary and Former Director of Communications Strategy for Harley-Davidson Motor Company

    One of the most in-demand speakers and communications consultants in America, Ken ...    MORE
    Mike Steep
    Mike Steep
    Executive Director, Stanford Engineering Center for Disruptive Technology and Digital Cities
    Former SVP of Global Business Operations at PARC Xerox

    Drawing on decades...    MORE
    Nina Teicholz
    Nina Teicholz
    Investigative Science Journalist and Author

    Nina Teicholz is an investigative science journalist and author. Her international bestseller, The Big Fat Surprise has upended...    MORE
    Speakers
    Marin Bozic
    Marin Bozic
    Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota

    Marin Bozic is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Economics at the University of ...    MORE
    Torsten Hemme
    Torsten Hemme
    Managing Director, IFCN Dairy Research Center

    Dr. Torsten Hemme is the managing director of the IFCN Dairy Research Center in Kiel, Germany. He studied agricultural economics...    MORE
    Robert Johansson
    Robert Johansson
    Chief Economist, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

    Dr. Robert Johansson serves as the Chief Economist at the Department of Agriculture (USDA). He has served in this role since July 2015...    MORE
    Julie Kanak
    Julie Kanak
    Managing Director, Diversified Search

    Julie Kanak is the Managing Partner of the Chicago office and leads the firm’s Food & Agribusiness effort. She brings over 20 years working with public and private...    MORE
    Frank Yiannas
    Frank Yiannas
    Vice President – Food Safety, Walmart

    As Vice President of Food Safety, Frank Yiannas oversees all food safety, as well as other public health functions, for...    MORE
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