SHOW PREVIEW

The NMA honors its leaders and educates members at 62nd annual convention.

Processors and suppliers wanting to escape the winter cold will have their chance to warm up when the National Meat Association holds its 62nd annual convention in Monterey, Calif.

The week of networking and education at the Portola Plaza Hotel starts on February 19 with the strategic planning committee, which continues the next day. Much of February 20 will be filled with registration and committee meetings on such topics like government relations, food safety and inspection, and the executive board issues. The PAC social will finish things off for the day.

February 21 will consist of committee work and education. The committees will tackle issues of beef, small stock, membership, education, processed meats, marketing and workplace issues. The roundtables will update members on the latest in industry regulations, scientific and technical breakthroughs, international trade and business in general.

There will also be some relaxation with a tour of Monterey Bay for the spouses of those attending the event. After observing wildlife in the bay and marine mammals, tour members will head to Carmel for lunch and a chance to shop at surrounding boutiques and art galleries.

The evening finishes off with some fun for everyone with the Aquarium Dine-Around and Gourmet Sausagefest at the Monterey Aquarium.

The education continues February 22 with more roundtable discussions. The NMA will also hold its board of directors meeting that day, starting at 9 a.m.

The schedule also loosens up with free time for attendees. For a fee, they can take part in the golf tournament at the popular Poppy Hills Golf Course, ranked 12th most popular in the country by Zagat. If they prefer to stay in work mode, the AMSA/NMA Processing Technology Conference will be open with some of the industry’s leading experts in quality assurance. Called Quality Assurance 101, it will include Introduction to AQ Philosophy, Product Quality Principles, Collection and Use of Data, Preparing for Audits, and more. The day will end with a special gala reception honoring Rosemary Mucklow for her contributions to the industry over the past 46 years.

The processing technology conference ends the afternoon of February 23, with other options including the Issues Over Breakfast and the NMA Annual Meeting. Richard Bond, chairman and CEO of Tyson Foods Inc. will be the keynote speaker. Former U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns will be honored with the E. Floyd Forbes Award. Winners of the Professional of the Year, Supplier of the Year and scholarships will also be named during the meeting.

The busy week ends with a light lunch and a preview of MEATXPO’09 in Las Vegas. A relaxing wine tour through the famed California wine country finishes off the activities.