Purchasing/ingredient suppliers conference

The conference, held in conjunction with AFIA’s Spring
Forum, is a valuable educational and networking opportunity for buyers and
sellers in the animal feed, integrated production and pet food
industries.

Expert speakers will cover a variety of subjects vital to
operating businesses in today’s economy and fiscal environment. Topics to be
covered include energy costs, feed safety, global protein demand, environmental
issues, and regulations regarding bovine spongiform encephalopathy. The list of
featured speakers includes Dr. Bernadette Dunham, director of the Food and Drug
Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine; Orion Samuelson, the long-time
farm broadcaster at WGN Radio; Gerald May of Procter and Gamble; Tom Cook of the
National Renderers Association; and Trent Loos of “Loos Tales” and other media
ventures.

The conference theme, “Celebrating the Past, Embracing the
Future,” reflects AFIA’s 100th anniversary commemoration which will begin with a
Celebration Luncheon on March 11. The golf tournament, which has become a
tradition among attendees, will wrap up events on March 13.

Hotel
reservations should be made directly with the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort at
(800) 320-8115 or www.Sandestin.com/21W9EZ.aspx
prior to Feb. 7, 2009. Mention group code 21W9EZ for the special room
rate of $165 for a Village room or $185 for a Village one-bedroom
suite.

If you are interested in sponsorships for the conference or the
golf tournament, contact Sarah Novak, AFIA’s director of membership and
services, at snovak@afia.org.

For additional program
details and online registration, visit www.afia.org or contact AFIA meeting planner
Veronica Pedrotty at vpedrotty@afia.org or (703)
558-3563.