The conference will be back in one form or another in 2005, says Don Wilson, president of the Wilson Group. Wilson underwent open-heart surgery in the fall, and has made a full recovery.

"This presents an opportunity to evaluate where we are and where we want to go," he says of the conference. "In the answer, the No. 1 priority is that continued search for suitable unique vocational tour host."

Wilson said he is looking for vocational tour ideas for 2005 while at the same contemplating some changes to the conference format, including staging it without a vocational tour.

"That would make it simpler," he says "The question is, once you remove that unique aspect of it is it still a valuable undertaking."

In 2003, the conference was held in Savannah, Ga., with a vocational visit to Great Dane Trailers. For more information visit www.dairydistributionconf.com or call 972/937-2442.