Media Registration Now Open for USMEF Spring Conference, May 20-22 in Oklahoma City
Media registration is now open for the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Spring Conference, May 20-22 at the Omni Hotel in Oklahoma City, Okla. Please use the link below to find conference registration and lodging information. The registration fee is waived for working media, so please contact Joe Schuele (or 303-547-0030) or John Herath (574-440-9345) to obtain the media passcode to use at checkout. REGISTER HEREWednesday's opening general session will feature Ricardo Zúñiga, founding partner of Dinámica Americas and an expert on one of the most rapidly growing regions for U.S. red meat exports – Central America. Fueled by rising incomes, booming tourism, improving infrastructure and duty-free access through the CAFTA-DR trade agreement, red meat demand is soaring in the region. But each nation in Central America has its own unique attributes and challenges, and several are engaged in bilateral trade negotiations with the United States. This session will offer an economic and diplomatic overview of the region and examine issues exporters should be mindful of as their business in Central America expands. The opening general session will also include welcome remarks from Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur and a global trade update from USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. Despite economic and political headwinds, U.S. red meat demand remains exceptionally strong. But on the beef side, it has been difficult to fully capitalize on what should be a prime opportunity due to political scrutiny over affordability, shifting trade rules and lack of access to key markets such as China. During Thursday’s general session, Dr. Derrell Peel and Dr. Nevil Speer will break down the current landscape for U.S. beef and pork, as well as examine the forces shaping consumer demand and how these trends compare with USMEF’s insights from global markets. USMEF’s international team will also be on hand to discuss market conditions in key regions and detail the creative strategies utilized to boost demand and strengthen partnership engagement. In addition to the general sessions, the Beef, Pork, Exporter and Feedgrain/Oilseed breakouts will offer detailed discussions on topics pertinent to each sector. While there is no deadline for media registration, pre-registration is appreciated for media room planning purposes. Also please note that the hotel room block closes on April 27. For questions, please email Joe Schuele or John Herath. |