Meat scientists from across the country will gather in College Station, Texas, June 18-21, 2017, hosted by Texas A&M University at the AMSA’s 70th Reciprocal Meat Conference (RMC). Focusing on “Where History, Tradition, and Science Meat,” the AMSA 70th RMC will be one event that attendees will not want to miss.

Technical program

The technical program is vital to the success of RMC. The opening keynote presentation will be led by Donnie Smith, former Tyson Foods CEO. Channeling his passion for leadership and his focus on feeding the world, Smith will discuss “Doing What’s Right,” and the positive influence it can have not only on meat science and the meat industry, but also on the lives of people around the world. The keynote will set the stage for discussion in the concurrent sessions exploring food security and meat science, antibiotic resistance, and where the meat industry has been and where it is going.

Tuesday morning will begin with a presentation on “Inside the Minds of Influencers — The Truth about Trust,” by Charlie Arnot, CEO of the Center for Food Integrity. Arnot believes trust may be the most valuable intangible asset, one that opens doors and creates abundant opportunities. In this keynote address, Arnot will explore the challenges of building and maintaining trust and the role that consumer influencers play in this dynamic environment. Following this keynote will be concurrent sessions focusing on meat flavor chemistry, current perspectives in meat science, and a look at consumer-driven R&D.

Wednesday morning will round out the conference with sessions focusing on “omics” and meat quality issues, the culinary art of meat science, FBI food defense, consumer messaging and pork value-added variety meats.

Following the Monday and Tuesday morning sessions there will be afternoon sessions giving attendees the chance to view some of the cutting-edge research taking place in the meat science community. Attendees will also have a chance to hear from some of the leading experts in the industry on a variety of topics including: culinary insights, connecting meat science to the consumer, seafood processing 101, the changing environment of animal welfare, consumer research and preferences, water usage, global export challenges, meat safety, and meat quality.

Networking

The AMSA 70th RMC will kick off with the Welcome Reception at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Attendees will have the opportunity to take a self-guided tour through the permanent exhibit that looks at the life and career of
President George H. W. Bush.

From the first pitch to the last bid, the 2017 RMC Family picnic is one event you will not want to miss! The Texas A&M University host committee has been working hard to bring together some of the finest Texas Barbecue from the Pitmasters: Southside Market & Barbecue; Roegels Barbecue Co.; and Louie Mueller Barbecue, this event is guaranteed to leave you wanting more Texas Barbecue! Wrapping up the social events will be the AMSA RMC Awards banquet which will be hosted at Texas A&M University’s Kyle Field, bringing attendees together to recognize meat science professionals for their outstanding contributions in research, education, extension and industry outreach.

Student Activities

Over the past several years RMC attendance continues to grow, and with that the number of students that attend RMC has surpassed expectations. These students are passionate, engaged, and excited about the meat industry and what the future holds for them and their colleagues. As the student attendee numbers rise, so does their participation in the many events that take place at the annual RMC, including the undergraduate quiz bowl competition, career and networking fair, poster presentation sessions, mentor program, as well as the product development competitions. Countless hours are devoted to planning, training, and preparing for the events that will occur this June, but there is one event that these students cannot plan for in advance, the Iron Chef competition where their culinary knowledge will be put to the test.

The AMSA’s 70th RMC has something unique for each attendee, whether it is networking with your peers, enjoying the traditional social events, or listening to the latest cutting edge research from industry experts, you are sure to find it in College Station this summer. We look forward to seeing you at the 70th RMC in College Station, TX, June 18-21, 2017.   NP

For more information regarding the AMSA 70th RMC please visit: www.meatscience.org/rmc. AMSA fosters community and professional development among individuals who create and apply science to efficiently provide safe and high quality meat defined as red meat (beef, pork and lamb), poultry, fish/seafood and meat from other managed species.