Registration is now open for IDFA's 2012 Washington Conference, the industry’s popular legislative fly-in, scheduled for June 20-21, in Washington, D.C.

"We strongly encourage all members to take advantage of the rare opportunities for access and networking that Washington Conference offers," said Connie Tipton, IDFA president and CEO. “There is no more effective proponent for your business than you.”

This year's conference will be held at The Liaison Capitol Hill, which is conveniently located on Capitol Hill and close to many major Washington attractions. The conference program feature many popular activities from the past, including a briefing by IDFA’s top policy experts on pending legislation that will affect dairy processors. With the Farm Bill debate in full force this year, the emphasis will be on getting to the Hill for face-to-face meetings with members of Congress, as well as meeting with administration officials.

The conference also will include a Family Fun Program, which in the past has included visits to monuments, museums and other historic sites in and around the nation's capital. Details and registration information will be available soon.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of IDFA's annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party, which will close the two-day fly-in. Last year more than 10,000 members of Congress, Hill staffers, Washington insiders and IDFA members attended what's known as "the coolest event on the Hill."

IDFA encourages members to register today, take advantage of the special room rate for the Liaison Capitol Hill and begin making plans to attend.

Members with questions about the conference agenda may contact Ashley Burch, IDFA assistant director of political programs, at aburch@idfa.org or (202) 220-3534. For information about registration or hotel reservations, contact Patrick Crosson, IDFA meetings registrar, at pcrosson@idfa.org or (202) 220-3536.