The election of President Obama has indeed brought change to Washington, D.C. and the country, but just what that will mean for the dairy industry remains to be seen. What we do know is that your attendance at IDFA's Washington Conference, June 17-18, will be more crucial than ever before. At Washington Conference, IDFA will provide an insider's overview of the key issues and offer opportunities for you to share your views with congressional leaders and key federal officials.

"We have so many new elected legislators in Congress and newly appointed officials in the administration for members to get to know," said Jerry Slominski, IDFA senior vice president of legislative affairs and economic policy. "With all of these new faces, now is certainly not the time to sit on the sidelines."

Mark your calendar now for Washington Conference and the 27th Annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party, which will be held at the close of the conference. Registration will open later this month, and the fee is $195.

The conference will be held at the Hotel Monaco, a luxury hotel located within walking distance of the National Mall.

For more information, contact Ashley Ruch, IDFA manager of political programs, at aruch@idfa.org.