Conference Program & Schedule
(Subject to Change)
Monday, September 16
10:00 – 11:00 A.M. OPENING CEREMONIES
12:15 – 1:00 P.M. THE COMMERCIALIZATION OF CRAFT PRODUCTS AND SPIRITUOUS BEVERAGES: BE THE BEST!
Location: Conference Area
Speaker: Ricardo Cabrera, President, Craft Dummy Distributors
Topic: Learn how to build and manage successful global brands by providing innovative business solutions and exceptional logistic services including how to market the most compelling brands in categories that customers covet. Build strong community relationships to facilitate entrance into the U.S. based on understanding the market’s needs. Learn to always act within the best interest of clients and their needs to emerge and establish themselves as industry leaders.
2:00 – 2:45 PM ECONOMIC CHALLENGES FOR CONSUMERS AND THE CHANGING SHOPPER LANDSCAPE FOR GROCERS
Location: Center Stage
Speaker: John Ross, President and CEO, Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA)
Topic: Shoppers are stressed and likely to become more so during the next 12 months. Inflation in food, housing, and energy are forcing shoppers to trade down at the very time they are hoping to eat better, buy higher quality meals for their family, and improve their overall health. IGA CEO John Ross will look at changes in the global and U.S. economies that are creating this dilemma for average Americans and make suggestions for how retailers and brands can modify their store offerings and marketing to keep pace with changing shopper demands. Ross will also examine recruiting and retention strategies for our own associates in light of the same economic and behavioral trends.
3:00 – 3:45 PM COMPLIANCE FOR FOOD AND BEVERAGE IMPORTERS
Location: Conference Area
Speaker: Deborah Stern, Customs and Trade Attorney / Sandler Travis & Rosenberg P.A.
Topic:Pursuant to the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), the FDA now is requiring U.S. food importers to work with their suppliers to verify that their shipments meet U.S. safety standards known as the Foreign Supplier Verification Program. Also, the new Nutrition Facts Label on dietary fiber and sugar labeling means all labels will have to be redesigned. Failure to meet these new requirements as well as others regarding sanitary transportation, preventive controls, produce safety, labeling and basic registration requirements can expose companies to supply chain disruptions, delays in entry processing, and possibly the exclusion of their products from the U.S. marketplace. Similar developments have been implemented that impose greater controls on supply chain visibility for other products not controlled by the FDA including seafood, dietary supplements, and any products that in whole or in part may have been grown or made with forced labor. In addition, U.S. Customs imposes requirements on all products for determining admissibility, and the duties, fees and taxes owed at the time of importation. This session will focus on best practices for compliance and the steps to take to avoid unnecessary surprises when trying to clear food into the U.S.
Tuesday, September 17
10:15 – 11:00 AM TOP 10 TIPS WHEN IMPORTING INTO THE US
Location: Conference Area
Speaker: Jennifer Diaz, Board Certified International Attorney and President, Diaz Trade Law
Topic: This seminar will provide an overview of the main FDA enforcement actions used. Attendees will learn how to effectively navigate FDA enforcement actions to achieve the best results. This seminar will cover:
- The primary enforcement actions used by the FDA.
- Top 10 Tips When Importing to Ensure Compliance with CBP and FDA
- What to do and NOT do when importing (with real life examples)
- Practical advice regarding HTS classification, customs valuation, country of origin marking, how to exercise reasonable care, and more!
2:00 – 3:00 PM CUMPLIMIENTO DE LA REGLAS DE LA ADMINISTRACIÓN DE ALIMENTOS Y MEDICAMENTOS DE LOS EE.UU. (FDA)
Ubicación: Área de Conferencias
Orador: Facundo Ozan Carranza, Senior Regulatory Advisor, Registrar Corp.
Tema: La Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos de los Estados Unidos (FDA), por sus siglas en inglés) ha finalizado oficialmente las siete reglas principales de la Ley de Modernización de Seguridad Alimentaria (FSMA). Estas normas imponen nuevos requisitos a todos los miembros de la industria alimentaria, desde los fabricantes y procesadores hasta los importadores y los agricultores. Algunas fechas de cumplimiento, tales como el requisito de que los establecimientos de alimentos implementen planes escritos de seguridad alimentaria, comenzaron a ser requeridos desde septiembre de 2016. Participe en el seminario de Registrar Corp. para conocer los nuevos requisitos de la norma FSMA de la FDA, incluyendo los requisitos de los Planes de Seguridad Alimentaria, Requisitos de monitoreo de Proveedores, Planes de Defensa de Alimentos, Programas de Verificación de Proveedores Extranjeros y más.
3:15 – 4:00 PM TRENDS, CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES IN THE IMPORT INDUSTRY
Location: Conference Area
Speaker: Bob Bauer, President, Association of Food Industries (AFI)
Topic: With more than a century of food trade history, AFI is the authority on the food import industry. Established in 1906, AFI continues to keep its membership in step with industry changes, government regulations, food standards, statistical data and critical FDA-approved training. Actively learning, participating in association activities, and taking advantage of AFI’s benefits will keep you at the forefront of food industry developments. AFI proactively monitors regulatory changes affecting the food import trade. AFI also holds an annual convention and meetings filled with vital information and networking opportunities. Foreign Suppliers AFI membership is open to non-U.S. producers, suppliers, and exporters. An AFI Membership ensures you and your company receive information, representation, arbitration, answers, and value.
Wednesday, September 18
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM The Science Behind the Spirits
Location: Conference Area
Speaker: Timothy Daniels, Four Fathers Distillery
Topic: What makes one brand so different from the other when the same raw material, yeast, is used? How can a simple change in location, climate, temperature, pH, aeration, or any of the other several parameters during fermentation and aging change the entire characteristics of your final product? What are the secrets to bringing out those desirable compounds in rum, bourbon, vodka, and other spirits? These are only some of the questions that will be answered when you attend this “spirited” seminar.
