2008 PRESS RELEASES

April 15, 2008
SPECIALTY FOODS EDUCATION CONFERENCE SCHEDULED FOR MAY 12 – 13, 2008
Contact: Marion Horsley, 804.225.3820

From trade shows and packaging to Internet spending and the economic outlook, specialty food retailers, manufacturers and suppliers will get a fast-track update thanks to the Specialty Foods Advisory Committee and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  The two groups will present the annual Specialty Foods Education Conference on May 12 – 13, 2008 at the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Richmond, Virginia. 

SFAC President Willis Logan commented, “This annual education event brings together the leaders in our specialty food industry to share, learn and network with top-class presenters and panels.”

One of the conference highlights will be the trade show panel, moderated by Julia O’Connor, President and Founder of Trade Show Training, Inc.  She and panelists from several segments of the specialty food industry will examine what makes a successful trade show from the point of view of both buyers and sellers.  Then O’Connor will explain how to get the most out of your trade show investment before you get to the show and after you arrive back home.

In another panel discussion, representatives from can, box, label, packaging supplies, corrugated and printed carton companies will offer cost-saving ideas and answer questions related to packaging alternatives that could have a positive effect on the bottom line.

The conference will also feature Jeffrey Hester of Collaborative Resources, Inc., who will present “Leaving No Rock Unturned - Questioning Ourselves On How We Can Do Better,” and Raymond Owens, Vice-President and Economist with the Federal Reserve Bank in Richmond who will offer his views on the “Economic Outlook and Your Business.”  The conference will conclude with an examination of the optimum return on investment for Internet spending.

The conference is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, May 12 – 13 just prior to the Virginia Food and Beverage Expo which takes place Wednesday, May 14, so that attendees can make the most of their stay in Richmond.

Registration for the Specialty Food Education Conference is $175 per person, including dinner on May 12.  Additional dinner reservations are $50 each.  Firms with more than two people registered for the conference may take a $10 discount for each person attending.  There is no discount for dinner reservations.   Use the registration form online or send the names of the people attending and their company name along with a check payable to VFaBA, to VFaBA, P.O. Box 781, Goochland VA  23063.  Direct questions about the conference to Dave Ottaway at 804.874.1934 or david@ottaways.org.
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The conference will take place at the newly renovated DoubleTree Hotel, located at 301 West Franklin Street in downtown Richmond, Virginia.  Conference rates for single/double occupancy are $129 plus taxes per night.  The deadline to make reservations is April 21.  Call 804.644.9871 and request the Virginia Food and Beverage rate.