The headline speakers for the 2015 International Sweetener Colloquium in Orlando, Fla., will provide a dynamic look at the policies, politics and public perceptions that are driving today’s sweetener industry. Hosted by IDFA and the Sweetener Users Association, the International Sweetener Colloquium will be held February 8-11 at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, with a variety of sessions that will address the challenges and opportunities facing the sweetener industry.
Featured 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. With responsibility for both the federal sugar program and trade policies, Scuse is a key decision-maker with great impact on the sweetener industry.
Todd Hale, an expert in consumer and shopper insights, will bring 30 years of experience with The Nielsen Company and access to new data to kick-off the second day with a talk on “Tracking Trends That Matter.” He’ll review the state of the consumer and retail environment, sweetener segment sales trends, category sales trends where sweeteners are a key ingredient and global snacking.
Later that day, Chris Cillizza, a political reporter and analyst for the Washington Post, will entertain and enlighten the audience during his luncheon session, “Exploring the White House and Campaign Politics.” He’ll review the Obama Administration and offer surprising conclusions about the future path of national politics.
Other sessions included on the 2015 agenda:
- U.S. and World Sugar Outlook
- Added Sugars: The Nutrition Facts Panel and Beyond
- What Lies Ahead for Ingredients?
- GMO Labeling
- Perspectives on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) Agreements
- Sugar Policy Landscape in North America
- FSMA is Heavy and COOL Isn’t Cool
Exhibits and Sponsorships Available
For more than thirty 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 collaboration, and offer a great environment for promoting services and products to key players in the sweetener industry.
“IDFA has designed a variety of sponsorship and exhibit opportunities that will reach hundreds of attendees and help you to build visibility, expand your reach and enhance your reputation within the industry,” said Elizabeth Cookson, IDFA senior director of meetings and educational services.
In addition to exhibits, IDFA has added a Tabletop Exhibit Area that will be co-located with the Continental breakfasts and coffee breaks to ensure non-stop traffic. Download the Sponsorship Prospectus to review all of the sponsorship and exhibit opportunities. For more information, contact Cookson at ecookson@idfa.org.
Visit the International Sweetener Colloquium microsite for details on the golf tournament, travel and hotel reservations, and registration. Registration discounts are available for multiple registrations from the same company and for members of the media, university professors and government officials.
For details about the agenda, contact Beth Hughes, IDFA director of international affairs, at bhughes@idfa.org.