Since 2016 is an election year, we’ll likely be hearing plenty about change, challenge and opportunity. But IDFA isn’t letting the presidential contenders and political pundits have all the fun.

Join dairy leaders in Phoenix for Dairy Forum, January 24-27, where topics capturing the big changes, challenges and opportunities in our industry will take center stage. Where is dairy positioned for growth? How can consumer demographics and differences drive innovation? What will new trade agreements mean for dairy and when will the changes occur? IDFA will have a complete agenda of sessions and speakers lined up, so stay tuned.

Here’s one highlight: We’ve invited a public policy and communications powerhouse to be the keynote speaker for the Chairman’s Lecture on Sunday. Karen Hughes, the former Counselor to President George W. Bush and now communications strategist and counselor to companies, associations and governments around the globe, will deliver a dynamic overview of the political landscape for the year ahead.

Hughes is the worldwide vice chair of Burson-Marsteller, a global public relations and communications firm. With more than 30 years of public policy, communications and political experience, Hughes helped to win a presidential campaign and has served at the highest levels of government.

She was Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs where she led the State Department’s effort to communicate America’s values abroad. As Counselor to President Bush, she was a strategic advisor on policy and communications and managed the White House Offices of Communications, Media Affairs, Speechwriting and Press Secretary.

More program details will be available soon, but registration is now open, and the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix is accepting reservations.

For more information, contact Maria Velasco, IDFA coordinator of meetings and registrar, at mvelasco@idfa.org.