Overview
Co-hosted by the Sweetener Users Association and the International Dairy Foods Association, the International Sweetener Colloquium provides a unique opportunity for key players from all sectors to discuss the most pressing issues facing the global sweetener industry.
Attendees will be given the opportunity to participate in content-rich sessions with presentations from a wide range of speakers, addressing the latest challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Topics will cover everything from government regulation and political outlook to current research findings and market trends.
The Colloquium draws hundreds of professionals and decision-makers from the sweetener industry and from companies that use sweeteners in the products they make. Buyers, processors, refiners, distributors and food companies actively participate in the Colloquium, using it as a springboard to enhance their business and trading-partner networks.
Sponsors:
Agenda
*All Times Eastern Print Agenda
| February 22, 2026 | Event | Speaker | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:30pm |
Golf Tournament
Sponsored By:
|
International Course | |
| 1:00pm - 4:00pm |
Pickleball Tournament
Sponsored By:
|
||
| 6:00pm - 7:30pm |
Welcome Reception
Sponsored By:
|
Eagle's Edge Golf Complex | |
| 9:00pm |
After-Hours Party
Sponsored By:
|
International I | |
| February 23, 2026 | Event | Speaker | Location |
| 8:00am - 9:00am |
Session I – Keynote Breakfast
Sponsored By:
|
National Ballroom Salons C-D | |
|
A key Under Secretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture responsible for administering the sugar program will share his thoughts on the Administration’s efforts to reorganize and streamline the various agencies that make American agriculture great and highlight key successes. This session will provide an opportunity to hear the latest plans to advance U.S. agriculture and food policy. |
|||
| 9:15am - 10:15am |
Session II – International Sugar Market Dynamics
|
International Ballroom Salons II-III | |
|
The international sugar market has moved from a large global deficit to a minor deficit or even slight surplus in the current year. Production and potentially exports rebounded in India and Thailand, while Brazil has favored sugar over ethanol, boosting supplies even as sugar cane production struggled under adverse weather. Despite supply deficits, sugar prices have been weak as the result of weak demand, weight-loss drugs, reformulation and other factors. Get the latest market analysis from our expert speakers. |
|||
| 10:15am - 10:45am |
Networking Break
Sponsored By:
|
International Foyer | |
| 10:45am - 12:00pm |
Session III – North American Sweetener Market Outlook
|
International Ballroom Salons II-III | |
|
The North American sugar market has gone from tight supplies and sky-high prices in 2023 to near record-high stocks, sharply lower prices and waning demand through 2025. Prices have stabilized, but other factors have disrupted the market, including higher USDA loan and storage rates for sugar in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and tariffs, reformulation and GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. At the same time, the corn sweetener market is dealing with record-high U.S. 2025 corn production and waning demand. Market experts will examine the current supply and demand situation for sugar and corn sweeteners and offer price forecasts. |
|||
| 4:00pm - 5:30pm |
SUA Board Meeting (invitation only)
|
ChampionsGate | |
| 6:00pm - 7:00pm |
Networking Reception
Sponsored By:
|
Sunset Terrace | |
| February 24, 2026 | Event | Speaker | Location |
| 8:45am - 9:15am |
Continental Breakfast
Sponsored By:
|
International Foyer | |
| 9:15am - 10:15am |
Session IV – Outlook for the Economy
|
International Ballroom Salons II-III | |
|
Tariffs have upended decades of U.S. trade policy, even as the economy keeps growing. Markets focus on the Fed’s next moves, and even its independence. Join us for this session and we’ll get insights on where the U.S. and word economy may be headed next. |
|||
| 10:15am - 10:45am |
Networking Break
Sponsored By:
|
International Foyer | |
| 10:45am - 11:45am |
Session V – Nutrition Policies & Trends
|
International Ballroom Salons II-III | |
|
The Make America Healthy Again movement looms large over the food policy landscape. Head-spinning policy changes leave food companies wondering what’s next. In this session, our panelists will give you their insights on what the future looks like. |
|||
| 12:00pm - 1:15pm |
Session VI – Keynote Luncheon: Road Map to the 2026 & 2028 Elections
Sponsored By:
|
National Ballroom Salons C-D | |
|
The 2024 elections ushered in full GOP control of the White House and Congress, but will that change in 2026 or 2028? David Wasserman provides the latest assessment of key Senate, House and gubernatorial contests that will shape policymaking in Washington and politics for years to come. How will Democrats survive the wilderness, and what's next for Republicans after Trump? Drawing on his extensive interactions with candidates and strategists on both sides of the aisle, David previews the road ahead and identifies the campaign trends and electoral mood swings that will define the next chapter of American politics. |
|||
| 1:30pm - 2:30pm |
Session VII – Growing Demand Threats
|
International Ballroom Salons II-III | |
|
Are GLP-1 drugs reducing demand in certain food categories? We’ve heard both yes and no on corporate earnings calls. What do the numbers actually say – and what are consumers telling us? Find out more from industry experts in this session. |
|||
| 2:30pm - 3:00pm |
Networking Break
|
International Foyer | |
| 3:00pm - 4:00pm |
Session VIII – U.S. Sugar Program Administration & Policy Challenges
|
International Ballroom Salons II-III | |
|
The One Big Beautiful Bill modified the sugar program to provide some sugar policy reform, but USDA and USTR continue to face many challenges in administering the sugar program to meet the needs of producers, consumers and food companies. Sugar stocks may seem adequate, but prices have stayed stubbornly near “high-tier parity.” How should USDA and USTR administer sugar policy when the old metrics may not mean as much? Learn more in this session! |
|||
| February 25, 2026 | Event | Speaker | Location |
| 7:30am - 8:00am |
Continental Breakfast
|
International Foyer | |
| 8:00am - 9:00am |
Session IX – Trade Policy & Tariffs
|
International Ballroom Salons II-III | |
|
The U.S. entered a new era of tariff-based trade policy in 2025 and now the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is to be reviewed for potential modifications in 2026. Don’t miss this session to hear from experts on where U.S. trade policy currently stands and where it may be headed as well as what it may mean for sugar trade. |
|||
| 9:00am - 10:30am |
Session X – Key Commodity Analysis
|
International Ballroom Salons II-III | |
|
Tariffs have been a dominant theme in commodity markets in the past year. Most affected was the soybean market, with U.S. exports to China dropping dramatically. The edible oils market, focused on soybean oil in the United States and palm oil globally, has the potential to explode based on new E.P.A. requirements for renewable fuels. And the corn market is working through record-high U.S. production in 2025. Meanwhile, cocoa prices have dropped from the nosebleed levels of April 2024 and early 2025 but remain elevated amid supply and demand uncertainty. The dairy industry is chugging along, boosted by surging consumer demand for protein. In this session, market experts will share analysis and outlooks. |
|||
Session I – Keynote Breakfast
A key Under Secretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture responsible for administering the sugar program will share his thoughts on the Administration’s efforts to reorganize and streamline the various agencies that make American agriculture great and highlight key successes. This session will provide an opportunity to hear the latest plans to advance U.S. agriculture and food policy.
Session II – International Sugar Market Dynamics
The international sugar market has moved from a large global deficit to a minor deficit or even slight surplus in the current year. Production and potentially exports rebounded in India and Thailand, while Brazil has favored sugar over ethanol, boosting supplies even as sugar cane production struggled under adverse weather. Despite supply deficits, sugar prices have been weak as the result of weak demand, weight-loss drugs, reformulation and other factors. Get the latest market analysis from our expert speakers.
Session III – North American Sweetener Market Outlook
The North American sugar market has gone from tight supplies and sky-high prices in 2023 to near record-high stocks, sharply lower prices and waning demand through 2025. Prices have stabilized, but other factors have disrupted the market, including higher USDA loan and storage rates for sugar in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and tariffs, reformulation and GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. At the same time, the corn sweetener market is dealing with record-high U.S. 2025 corn production and waning demand. Market experts will examine the current supply and demand situation for sugar and corn sweeteners and offer price forecasts.
Session IV – Outlook for the Economy
Tariffs have upended decades of U.S. trade policy, even as the economy keeps growing. Markets focus on the Fed’s next moves, and even its independence. Join us for this session and we’ll get insights on where the U.S. and word economy may be headed next.
Session V – Nutrition Policies & Trends
The Make America Healthy Again movement looms large over the food policy landscape. Head-spinning policy changes leave food companies wondering what’s next. In this session, our panelists will give you their insights on what the future looks like.
Session VI – Keynote Luncheon: Road Map to the 2026 & 2028 Elections
The 2024 elections ushered in full GOP control of the White House and Congress, but will that change in 2026 or 2028? David Wasserman provides the latest assessment of key Senate, House and gubernatorial contests that will shape policymaking in Washington and politics for years to come. How will Democrats survive the wilderness, and what's next for Republicans after Trump? Drawing on his extensive interactions with candidates and strategists on both sides of the aisle, David previews the road ahead and identifies the campaign trends and electoral mood swings that will define the next chapter of American politics.
David Wasserman
David Wasserman is the Senior Editor & Election Analyst for the nonpartisan newsletter, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, and a contributor to NBC News. Founded in 1984, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter provides analyses of U.S. presidential, Senate, House, and gubernatorial races. The New York Times called The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter “a newsletter that both parties regard as authoritative.”
In an era of polling uncertainty, Wasserman is the rare analyst who has accurately forecast the last three presidential elections. In 2016, Wasserman drew wide praise for his accurate pre-election analysis, including his uncanny September piece entitled, “How Trump Could Win the White House While Losing the Popular Vote.” In 2020, Wasserman's forecast of Biden's win was correct in 49 of 50 states, missing only North Carolina. And in 2024, Wasserman correctly assessed that erosion in Democratic support among young and nonwhite voters made Trump the slight favorite to retake the White House.
Wasserman analyzes the current political environment in lively and entertaining presentations that he can tailor to his audiences’ specific interests or locales. His data-driven forecasting looks at both national and local trends (if requested, he can even do a district-by-district outlook), the relationship between consumer brand loyalty and voting, and what the future holds for American elections. He is exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau.
Highly Praised Expertise. Legendary forecaster Nate Silver has written: “Wasserman’s knowledge of the nooks and crannies of political geography can make him seem like a local,” and the Los Angeles Times called Wasserman “whip smart” and a “scrupulously nonpartisan” analyst whose “numbers nerd-dom was foretold at a young age.” Chuck Todd, former host of NBC's Meet the Press, has called David "pretty much the only person you need to follow on Election Night."
Political Intelligence. Wasserman has served as an analyst for the NBC News Election Night Decision Desk since 2008 and has also appeared on Fox News, CNN, and NPR. His commentary has been cited in numerous publications including the Wall Street Journal, the Economist, POLITICO, and the Washington Post. In 2018, his groundbreaking interactive collaboration with FiveThirtyEight, the "Atlas of Redistricting," took top prize for News Data App of the Year.
An enthusiast for data and maps, Wasserman serves as a contributing writer to the Almanac of American Politics. A frequent speaker and guest lecturer, he has shared insights into the latest political trends with audiences at Harvard's Institute of Politics, the Dole Institute of Politics, and the University of Chicago Institute of Politics – where he was named a resident Pritzker Fellow in 2019. In 2024, David was named an Andrew Carnegie Fellow by the Carnegie Corporation of New York.
Prior to joining the The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter in 2007, Wasserman served for three years as House editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball, a widely respected political analysis newsletter and website founded by renowned University of Virginia professor Larry Sabato. A native of New Jersey, Wasserman is a graduate of the University of Virginia, where he was awarded the 2006 Emmerich-Wright Outstanding Thesis prize.
Session VII – Growing Demand Threats
Are GLP-1 drugs reducing demand in certain food categories? We’ve heard both yes and no on corporate earnings calls. What do the numbers actually say – and what are consumers telling us? Find out more from industry experts in this session.
Session VIII – U.S. Sugar Program Administration & Policy Challenges
The One Big Beautiful Bill modified the sugar program to provide some sugar policy reform, but USDA and USTR continue to face many challenges in administering the sugar program to meet the needs of producers, consumers and food companies. Sugar stocks may seem adequate, but prices have stayed stubbornly near “high-tier parity.” How should USDA and USTR administer sugar policy when the old metrics may not mean as much? Learn more in this session!
Session IX – Trade Policy & Tariffs
The U.S. entered a new era of tariff-based trade policy in 2025 and now the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is to be reviewed for potential modifications in 2026. Don’t miss this session to hear from experts on where U.S. trade policy currently stands and where it may be headed as well as what it may mean for sugar trade.
Session X – Key Commodity Analysis
Tariffs have been a dominant theme in commodity markets in the past year. Most affected was the soybean market, with U.S. exports to China dropping dramatically. The edible oils market, focused on soybean oil in the United States and palm oil globally, has the potential to explode based on new E.P.A. requirements for renewable fuels. And the corn market is working through record-high U.S. production in 2025. Meanwhile, cocoa prices have dropped from the nosebleed levels of April 2024 and early 2025 but remain elevated amid supply and demand uncertainty. The dairy industry is chugging along, boosted by surging consumer demand for protein. In this session, market experts will share analysis and outlooks.
Speakers
David Wasserman
Senior Editor and Election Analyst, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter & NBC Contributor
David Wasserman
David Wasserman is the Senior Editor & Election Analyst for the nonpartisan newsletter, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, and a contributor to NBC News. Founded in 1984, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter provides analyses of U.S. presidential, Senate, House, and gubernatorial races. The New York Times called The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter “a newsletter that both parties regard as authoritative.”
In an era of polling uncertainty, Wasserman is the rare analyst who has accurately forecast the last three presidential elections. In 2016, Wasserman drew wide praise for his accurate pre-election analysis, including his uncanny September piece entitled, “How Trump Could Win the White House While Losing the Popular Vote.” In 2020, Wasserman's forecast of Biden's win was correct in 49 of 50 states, missing only North Carolina. And in 2024, Wasserman correctly assessed that erosion in Democratic support among young and nonwhite voters made Trump the slight favorite to retake the White House.
Wasserman analyzes the current political environment in lively and entertaining presentations that he can tailor to his audiences’ specific interests or locales. His data-driven forecasting looks at both national and local trends (if requested, he can even do a district-by-district outlook), the relationship between consumer brand loyalty and voting, and what the future holds for American elections. He is exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau.
Highly Praised Expertise. Legendary forecaster Nate Silver has written: “Wasserman’s knowledge of the nooks and crannies of political geography can make him seem like a local,” and the Los Angeles Times called Wasserman “whip smart” and a “scrupulously nonpartisan” analyst whose “numbers nerd-dom was foretold at a young age.” Chuck Todd, former host of NBC's Meet the Press, has called David "pretty much the only person you need to follow on Election Night."
Political Intelligence. Wasserman has served as an analyst for the NBC News Election Night Decision Desk since 2008 and has also appeared on Fox News, CNN, and NPR. His commentary has been cited in numerous publications including the Wall Street Journal, the Economist, POLITICO, and the Washington Post. In 2018, his groundbreaking interactive collaboration with FiveThirtyEight, the "Atlas of Redistricting," took top prize for News Data App of the Year.
An enthusiast for data and maps, Wasserman serves as a contributing writer to the Almanac of American Politics. A frequent speaker and guest lecturer, he has shared insights into the latest political trends with audiences at Harvard's Institute of Politics, the Dole Institute of Politics, and the University of Chicago Institute of Politics – where he was named a resident Pritzker Fellow in 2019. In 2024, David was named an Andrew Carnegie Fellow by the Carnegie Corporation of New York.
Prior to joining the The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter in 2007, Wasserman served for three years as House editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball, a widely respected political analysis newsletter and website founded by renowned University of Virginia professor Larry Sabato. A native of New Jersey, Wasserman is a graduate of the University of Virginia, where he was awarded the 2006 Emmerich-Wright Outstanding Thesis prize.
Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
Address: 1500 Masters Boulevard, ChampionsGate, Florida 33896
The International Sweetener Colloquium will be held at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate in Champions Gate, Florida (the greater Orlando area). A discounted room rate of $339 per night plus a daily resort fee of $20 and applicable taxes will be available to International Sweetener Colloquium attendees. The deadline to secure a room is January 29, 2026 or until the room block sells out. We have reserved a large block of rooms, but once the room block is full, we cannot guarantee that additional space will be available.
Hotel Reservation Policy: You must register for the International Sweetener Colloquium to be eligible for the conference discounted room rates. All registrants will receive a registration confirmation email that will include instructions on how to confirm your hotel reservation. Only one reservation is permitted per registrant. If a hotel guest is not registered for the International Sweetener Colloquium, we reserve the right to cancel the guest room reservation without notice.
Hotel Cancellation Policy: Hotel reservations can be canceled up to seventy-two (72) hours prior to arrival without fees. If complete cancellation of an individual reservation takes place within seventy-two (72) hours of the scheduled arrival a cancellation fee equal to one (1) night room and tax will be charged by the hotel.
Golf
Sunday, February 22 | 12:30 PM Shotgun Start
Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate | International Course
This 72-par course, designed by Greg Norman, is a coastal links style course with generous fairways, littered with hundreds of pot bunkers and water features on every hole. The International Course was recently ranked no. 9 in the top overall courses ranked by GOLF Advisor, and is home to sprawling greens and wind-swept dunes, featuring 18 of the most dramatic and challenging holes in the state.
Registration: $295 per person
Registration Includes: Greens fees, boxed lunch, cart fees, practice balls, beverages, and service fees. Appropriate golf attire and shoes are required (metal spikes are not allowed).
We will do our best to accommodate any foursome requests. If you would like to request a person(s) in your foursome, please list their name and company during registration.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Golf Tournament Sponsored by:
Golf Beverage Cart Sponsored by:
Pickleball (New this year!)
Pickleball Is Coming to the 2026 International Sweetener Colloquium!
Grab your paddles and join us on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 22nd, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. for the first annual International Sweetener Colloquium Tournament at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. All pickleball enthusiasts and novices are welcome. Register in groups of two or on your own to have an opportunity to play pickleball and connect with other conference attendees before the conference officially kicks-off later that evening. Newcomers and aficionados alike are welcome.
The afternoon will include short clinics led by club pros for beginners and those who want to hone their skills, followed by a round-robin tournament and playoff with the top eight players, as well as an awards ceremony. The top two players at the end of the tournament will win an inscribed award plaque!
Registration Fees
Individual: $75
Registration Includes: Equipment, towels and light refreshments. Appropriate attire and shoes are required.
Thank you to our sponsor!
Pickleball Tournament Sponsored by:
**University: Faculty members and full-time students are welcome to register at this rate. A university email is required at registration to receive this rate.
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 January 23, 2026 for a full refund, minus a $75 processing fee. Cancellations received after January 23, 2026, will be eligible for a 50 percent refund, less the processing fee. Your registration fee is non-refundable after February 16, 2026. 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 prior to January 23, 2026. Your golf tournament registration fee is non-refundable after January 23, 2026. Substitutions may be made without penalty. All cancellations and substitutions must be received in writing at registrar@idfa.org.
Q: Pickleball Tournament Cancellation Policy
All pickleball tournament cancellations will receive a full refund prior to January 23, 2026. Your pickleball tournament registration fee is non-refundable after January 23, 2026. Substitutions may be made without penalty. All cancellations and substitutions must be received in writing at registrar@idfa.org.
Q: News Media
Credentialed members of the news media are welcome to register at a special rate by contacting mherrick@idfa.org. News media must present credentials to qualify.
Questions: If you have questions or need assistance with the registration process, please contact IDFA at (202) 737-4332 or registrar@idfa.org.
Sponsors
For more than forty years, the International Sweetener Colloquium has been a popular place for industry professionals to meet, network and conduct business. The flexible meeting format and location encourage formal and informal discussions and fosters relationships, while a host of informative presentations highlight important trends and issues affecting the sweetener industry.
For those interested in sponsorship, the Colloquium is the place to be seen and heard. Sponsorship is one of the best ways to brand your organization as a thought-leader and to highlight your commitment to advancing the sweetener industry. The Colloquium offers various levels of sponsorship opportunities. Please contact lgold@idfa.org for more information.
Sponsors: