2005 Dairy Forum

Dairy Field, Nov 2004

IDFA's premier annual meeting gathers players from all facets of the industry.

Dairy Forum, the International Dairy Foods Association's (IDFA) prominent annual meeting scheduled for January 9 to 12 at the Disney Yacht & Beach Club in Orlando, Fla., will bring together producers, processors and suppliers to discuss and debate significant issues facing the dairy industry.

Launching the forum on Sunday, January 9, is a keynote address by Tom Donohue, president and chief executive officer of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. Since assuming his position in 1997, Donohue has revitalized the organization and expanded the chamber's clout in Washington and around the world. According to Industry Week Magazine, the chamber under Donohue is "more aggressive, energetic and lively than at any time in its history."

At Monday's awards breakfast, several industry awards will be presented, followed by a keynote address by Connie Tipton, IDFA's president and chief executive officer. Dairy Field editor James Dudlicek will present DPs 2004 Processor of the Year Award to Denverbased Leprino Foods Co. (see this month's cover story).

Monday's sessions include a business environment outlook, at which a noted food and beverage industry analyst will discuss the current and future business environment; a CEO business panel; congressional general session and several organizational meetings.

At Tuesday morning's general session, attendees will hear from congressional staffers working daily on legislative issues that impact the dairy industry. Panelists will share their insights on policy and politics as a new Congress begins with new members and new priorities. It's a chance to hear from those toiling in the trenches to shape policy on issues like dairy compacts, import tariffs, extending the MILC program and reforming the Federal Order system. A reception will end the day.

Coffee with Tom Gallagher, chief executive officer of Dairy Management Inc., and Kurt Graetzer, chief executive officer of the Milk Processor Education Program, kicks off Wednesday's agenda, followed by a session on Healthy Weight with Dairy. The forum concludes that morning with a general session reviewing the top issues facing the dairy industry today.

For full agenda and registration information, visit www.idfa.org.