Dairy industry suppliers and processors attended the International Dairy Show Advisory Committee meeting during Dairy Forum last month to discuss plans for the 2013 International Dairy Show in Chicago. Representatives from more than 20 exhibiting companies learned about continued enhancements for the 2013 show and heard IDFA's exciting new ideas for promoting this and future shows.

Increased and enhanced on-floor activities is an area of emphasis this year, including:

  • IDFA opening reception and happy hours in Pavilions,
  • Closing reception and awards presentation,
  • Expanded iDairy Show theater and programming with larger set and more seats,
  • More on-floor meeting space, and
  • More networking areas with lounges and MilkPEP's Refuel cyber café.

"The International Dairy Show is now co-located with FPSA’s PROCESS EXPO. It's expected to attract over 800 total exhibitors who will display the newest technologies in equipment, packaging, ingredients and services for processors of dairy, food and beverages," said Neil Moran, IDFA senior vice president, finance, administration and trade show. "More than 15,000 total attendees will have the opportunity to view both trade show floors – more than 300,000 square feet of exhibits, offering everything that dairy companies need to run more efficiently, create new products and improve profitability."

Registration and exhibit sales for the 2013 International Dairy Show are now open. It will be held November 3-6, 2013, at McCormick Place in Chicago.

(Standing L to R) Mike Reidy of Leprino Foods Company and Mike Nosewicz of The
Kroger Co. attended the Advisory Committee meeting last month in Orlando.

Call for Papers, Speakers

IDFA invites industry professionals and interested academics to submit recommendations for speakers and educational presentations at show. Abstracts of 150 words or less must be submitted online by February 28. Topics should align with important industry issues, including innovative product development and packaging, food safety and traceability, distribution and transportation, nutrition, consumer trends, marketing, retail, business management and sustainability. 

For details, visit www.dairyshow.com or contact Robin Cornelison, IDFA trade show director, at rcornelison@idfa.org or (202) 220-3542.