May 1, 2008

Specialty Foods Education Conference set for mid-May

RICHMOND—From trade shows and packaging to Internet spending and the economic outlook, specialty food retailers, manufacturers and suppliers will get a fast-track update May 12 and 13 at the Specialty Foods Education Conference at the downtown DoubleTree Hotel.

The event will be held on the two days before the Virginia Food and Beverage Expo so attendees can make the most of their stay in Richmond.

The conference will be presented by Virginia’s Specialty Foods Advisory Committee and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

One of the conference highlights will be the trade show panel, moderated by Julia O’Connor, president and founder of Trade Show Training Inc. 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. O’Connor will explain how to get the most out of a trade show investment before and after the event.

In another panel discussion, representatives from can, box, label, packaging supply, and corrugated and printed carton companies will offer cost-saving ideas and answer questions related to packaging alternatives.

For additional information, contact Dave Ottaway at 804-874-1934 or david@ottaways.org.

Contact Marion Horsley, VDACS, at 804-225-3820.