Media Contact
Peggy Armstrong
(202) 220-3508
IDFA's Dairy Forum 2009 to Highlight Economic Issues Around the Corner, Around the Globe
Registration Now Open for Premier Processor-Producer Program
(Washington, D.C. — October 27, 2008) With unprecedented activity in our financial markets, skyrocketing production costs and increasing global demand for dairy products, what is waiting around the corner for the dairy industry? The economy and related issues are front and center on the agenda for the International Dairy Foods Association's Dairy Forum 2009, scheduled for January 11-14 at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort in Orlando, Fla.
Considered the premier meeting for leaders in the dairy industry, Dairy Forum 2009 will bring together producers, processors, suppliers and policy makers to tackle key issues in the dairy industry. This year's theme, "Around the Corner, Around the World," will focus on a variety of topics, such as exploding input costs, protecting the food supply, traceability and sustainability, as well as marketing to schools and federal regulation issues.
In the first general session, Bruce Scherr, CEO of Informa Economics, will discuss the industry’s economic future and the factors that will have a direct influence on local, national and global dairy markets. Two additional general sessions will feature dairy leaders from national and global companies who will explain how they are navigating the rough economic waters and the changing dairy environment.
Mark Shields, one of the nation's most respected political analysts, is also slated to speak. Named the "wittiest political journalist in America" by The Wall Street Journal, Shields is well known for his incisive and humorous exploration of today's critical issues. His career as a political columnist and pundit spans the terms of eight presidents, making his byline one of the most informed and trusted in journalism. For nearly two decades, he has been one half of the political analysis team on PBS's The News Hour with Jim Lehrer. He also is moderator of CNN's Capital Gang.
During Monday's breakfast, IDFA President and CEO Connie Tipton will deliver the keynote address on what is waiting around the corner for the dairy industry. The high-powered program will continue with a panel of dairy leaders sharing the CEO perspective on how operating in a global economy presents new challenges and opportunities for the U.S. dairy industry.
Other Monday highlights include the Awards Luncheon, which will celebrate some of the most accomplished leaders of the dairy industry. The awards to be presented are IDFA's Soaring Eagle Award, the National Cheese Institute's Laureate Award, the Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year Award, the Dairy Foods Processor of the Year Award and the Dairy Plant of the Year Award from Dairy Field Reports.
In addition to informing participants about top issues, Dairy Forum is designed to provide valuable networking opportunities. During the event's many receptions, attendees can get reacquainted with colleagues and friends while enjoying the many activities at Walt Disney World®. Dairy Forum's annual golf and tennis tournaments also provide attendees with excellent opportunities for networking.
Elanco, Portola Packaging, Inc. and Tetra Pak, Inc. are the premier sponsors of the event.
Register online today for this valuable meeting or contact Kellie Bland, IDFA meetings registrar, at kbland@idfa.org or 202-220-3557. Visit www.idfa.org for a complete schedule of events.
# # #
The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation's dairy manufacturing and marketing industries and their suppliers, with a membership of 530 companies representing a $100-billion a year industry. IDFA is composed of three constituent organizations: the Milk Industry Foundation (MIF), the National Cheese Institute (NCI), and the International Ice Cream Association (IICA). IDFA's 220 dairy processing members run more than 600 plant operations, and range from large multi-national organizations to single-plant companies. Together they represent more than 85% of the milk, cultured products, cheese and frozen desserts produced and marketed in the United States. IDFA can be found online at www.idfa.org