Organizers of the 2019 Cheese Industry Conference — The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) and Center for Dairy Research (CDR), both based in Madison, Wis. — announced partnerships with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy and the U.S. Dairy Export Council to deliver more educational programming than ever before. This year’s conference is slated for April 17-18 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison.
This year’s seminars will focus on five main topics, including business development and workforce retention, global cheese sales, food safety, quality cheesemaking and new industry technology and design practices, the show’s organizers said. Complete details and registration information are available now at CheeseConference.org.
“In partnership with our industry’s brightest minds and most impactful organizations, the 2019 Cheese Industry Conference will offer seminars of interest for everyone from the marketer to the maintenance technician, and from the artisan cheesemaker to the quality assurance manager,” said John Umhoefer, WCMA’s executive director.
On April 17, the conference will begin with a keynote address delivered by Chris McChesney, co-author of the best-selling book titled The 4 Disciplines of Execution and general manager of FranklinCovey, a global consultancy for strategic business execution. McChesney will focus on tools for employee retention and motivation, WCMA and CDR said.
Following the keynote, the conference will offer three concurrent seminars: “Dry Dairy Foods Safety Panel and Best Practices,” offered by the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy; “Quality Swiss Cheese Production,” offered by CDR; and “Essential Principles of Cheesemaking,” also offered by CDR. On the afternoon of April 17, the conference will feature its largest-ever tabletop exhibition hall, with 297 booths showcasing the industry’s most trusted supplier partners.
On April 18, the Cheese Industry Conference will feature 11 seminars, including “Opportunities for Global Cheese Sales,” offered by the U.S. Dairy Export Council; “The Latest Research in Pathogen Control,” from the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy; and “Intentional Adulteration and Quality Tools for Artisans,” offered by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. CDR will offer a diverse array of sessions that morning: “Quality Improvements for 640-pound Cheddar Block Production,” “New Applications of Membrane Technology in Cheesemaking” and “Best Practices in Plant Design and Sanitation.” WCMA and CDR said they will also co-present on artificial intelligence, blockchain and the industrial internet.
On the afternoon of April 18, conference attendees will enjoy their choice of interactive workshops, with CDR presenting private “Ask the Cheese Expert” sessions for a limited number of participants and WCMA offering a cheese and butter grading clinic for all.
“We’re packing more educational opportunities than ever before into the 2019 Cheese Industry Conference’s two-day schedule, and in the process, offering greater value to attendees,” Umhoefer said.
Attendees may save money with 2019 CIC early bird registration. The deadline to register and enjoy the conference’s best rates is Jan. 31. To register or learn more about the seminar, exhibit and networking opportunities at the conference, visit CheeseConference.org.
