Registration is now open for the 2013 International Sweetener Colloquium, February 12-15, at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs, Fla. Hosted by IDFA and the Sweetener Users Association, the event will cover the sweetener industry's latest challenges and opportunities with presentations from a wide range of speakers.  

Michael Scuse, under secretary for farm and foreign agricultural services at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has been invited to provide a reprise of the keynote address he delivered at last year's colloquium. Scuse is responsible for domestic and trade policies that affect the sweetener industry. Ron Brownstein, a renowned journalist, historian and political observer, will discuss the results of the 2012 election and their potential impact on business.

"Each year this meeting provides a critical forum for all participants in the sweetener industry, and we're certain that trend will continue, especially given the current uncertain status of the new Farm Bill," said Clay Hough, IDFA senior group vice president.

Here are a few of the sessions from the 2013 agenda:

  • World and U.S. Sugar Outlook
  • Energy and Ethanol Overview
  • The Trans-Pacific Partnership – Opportunities for Sugar Trade Liberalization
  • Future of Food Safety: Increased Laws or Self-Imposed Industry Regulation?
  • The Sugar Program in the Real World
  • The Regulatory Environment

Sessions on sustainability and ingredients are also in the works. Visit International Sweetener Colloquium for more details on the agenda, as well as the golf tournament, travel and hotel reservations and registration. A comprehensive list of sponsorship opportunities is available here.

Register now at the early-bird rate to receive a substantial discount. Additional discounts are available for multiple registrations from the same company and for members of the media, university professors and government officials. The early-bird period will end December 10.

For details, contact John Kelly, IDFA manager of international affairs, at jkelly@idfa.org.