Schedule of Events
Business-to-business meetings, professional networking opportunities, and education covering key industry issues.
All AFFI-CON events, unless otherwise noted, take place at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego. View the hotel map to help you navigate the hotel property. All events will be monitored, and non-members and non-registrants will be asked to leave.
*Please note that some AFFI-CON events are only open to AFFI members.
AFFI-CON Registration, Company Showcases, the AFFI Member Lounge, and Semi-Private Tables are open from Saturday to Monday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Harbor Foyer & Ballroom. All times on the schedule are Pacific Standard Time.
Friday, February 23, 2024
Satellite registration open – Brew 30 (Lobby Level – Seaport Tower Side)
Saturday, February 24, 2024
AFFI-CON Smoothie Bar – Brew 30 (Lobby Level – Seaport Tower Side)
Sponsored by:
About AFFI (Open to Current & Prospective Members) – Promenade
Speakers and Staff:
- Alison Bodor
- Donna Garren
- Sanjay Gummalla
- Adrienne Seiling
- Mary Emma Young
- Brian Peteritas
AFFI and Food Export USA Frozen Food Buyers Mission Orientation – Cortez Hill C
AFFI and Food Export USA Frozen Food Buyers Mission Meetings – Torrey Hills
Food Export, in conjunction with AFFI, will conduct a Frozen Food Buyers Mission at AFFI-CON 2024. This is the perfect opportunity for suppliers of product with at least 50 percent U.S. agricultural origin to meet qualified buyers from around the world. These buyers of frozen food represent retailers, wholesalers, distributors and foodservice.
For more information, please contact Food Export USA Program Assistant Benjamin Cortese at Bcortese@foodexport.org
Lunch & Learn: Frozen’s Economic Trends and Anticipating Business Cycle Changes – Grand Hall A & B
Conflicting trends characterized much of 2023. Some leading indicators were rising; others remained in decline. Interest rates remained perilously high, and people tended to make a certain assumption: “If nothing bad has happened by now…” Join us as we look at the trends for 2024, including a weakening economy, lower inflation, and a shift in consumer spending. We will also take a look at key domestic and global markets for frozen foods. With this presentation, you will have the time to develop tactics and strategies to beat the cycle and prepare for the inevitable business cycle rise ahead. Knowing what to watch for and the probable timing of the reversal to rise will give you confidence as you lay out your plans.
Sponsored by:
AFFI-CON Welcome Reception – Harbor Ballroom
Sunday, February 25, 2024
AFFI-CON Smoothie Bar – Brew 30 (Lobby Level – Seaport Tower Side)
Sponsored by:
The Frozen Food Foundation’s Frozen Berry Market Protection Plan – An Update – Promenade
Speakers:
- Sanjay Gummalla
- Donna Garren
- Frank Yiannas
The frozen berry industry has been challenged with mitigating risks associated with the prevalence of enteric viruses (hepatitis A and norovirus) in frozen berries. Amid an outbreak in 2023 and a spate of product recalls, the industry came together to proactively address supply chain challenges, including growing demand for testing and regulatory uncertainties. AFFI and the Frozen Food Foundation worked with members to deploy the frozen berry market protection plan aimed at augmenting prevention and control efforts, building resilience in the supply chain, and coordinating research to support enteric virus inactivation and validation studies. Contributions from domestic and international processors, importers and other associations demonstrated a common purpose to undertake key projects and activities: a real-time enteric virus risk assessment tool, public outreach to share science-based approaches, research activities to fill the void between science and policy.
Join the AFFI team to hear these updates on the frozen berry market protection plan and regulatory developments impacting the frozen berry industry
AFFI and Food Export USA Frozen Food Buyers Mission Meetings – Torrey Hills
Lunch & Learn: Beyond Dollars: The Invaluable Currency of Food Safety & Consumer Trust – Grand Hall A & B
During this session, Frank Yiannas will illuminate the critical importance of fostering a robust food safety culture within organizations. We’ll explore how cultivating this culture not only safeguards consumers but also directly impacts a company’s reputation and bottom line. CEOs should attend to gain insights into risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, and the tangible benefits of earning and maintaining consumer trust. Yiannas brings a wealth of experience having served as FDA’s Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response from 2018 to 2023, preceded by 30 years in food safety leadership at Walmart and The Walt Disney Co. Yiannas’ experience and expertise will provide valuable lessons for leaders striving to navigate the complexities of the modern food system. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a distinguished professional who has played a pivotal role in shaping food safety policies and practices. Join us for a session that will offer practical strategies for cultivating a robust food safety culture within your organization.
Sponsored by:
Women’s Networking Happy Hour – Brew 30 (Lobby Level – Seaport Tower Side)
Join the women of the frozen food industry to celebrate their contributions and engage in thought-provoking networking.
Sponsored by :
Dueling Pianos Bash (Separate ticketed event) – The Shout! House
Registration Add-On – $50/person (must be 21+)
Join us for a celebration of the frozen food industry at San Diego’s best live music venue. The dueling piano show will consist of two piano players, performing at face to face grand pianos. The performances will be high energy and audience participation is strongly encouraged.
The show is request driven by the audience and the performers play everything from classic rock hits, to modern rap songs and everything in-between – so make sure you have a song request in mind!
This event will be limited to 265 total registrants, so register early. This is a great after dinner event to attend with your business partners.
Sponsored by:
Monday, February 26, 2024
AFFI-CON Smoothie Bar – Brew 30 (Lobby Level – Seaport Tower Side)
Sponsored by:
AFFI and Food Export USA Frozen Food Buyers Mission Meetings – Torrey Hills
AFFI Annual Meeting & Keynote Speaker (Lunch Served) – Grand Hall A & B
AFFI’s Annual Membership Meeting will include a vote on 2024 Officers and Board of Directors, Finance Report, an update on AFFI’s 2024 strategic priorities and opportunities for AFFI members to engage.
Following the Annual Membership Meeting, attendees will hear from Robert J. O’Neill, former Seal Team Six Leader. He will discuss Operation Neptune Spear, the mission that resulted in Osama bin Laden’s death on May 1, 2011. O’Neill will also share what he learned during his more than 400 combat missions across four theaters of war. Through his moving and emotional stories drawn from lessons learned during some of the country’s most headline-stealing conflicts, O’Neill will show us how the best of the military’s best approach strategic planning when mission failure is not an option. Join one of the legends of our nation’s military as he shares his views on the ingredients to a successful mission: the right people, preparedness, decision making under pressure, and, above all, a commitment to never quit.
Through the Generations Mixer – Brew 30 (Lobby Level – Seaport Tower side)
NEW Event – Prizes will be given for:
- Most AFFI-CONs Attended
- Best Nostalgic Swag from a past AFFI-CON
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
AFFI-CON Council Meeting – Promenade
Help Desk & Semi-Private Meeting Space Open – Harbor Foyer & Ballroom
Friday, February 23, 2024
Pre-conference workshop day – additional registration fee required
Morning
9:00 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST
Importer Regulatory Compliance and Fundamental Food Safety Training – Balboa B & C
Afternoon
3:30 – 5:30 p.m. PST
Satellite registration open – Seaview Foyer (Level 2)
Saturday, February 24, 2024
Morning
7 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST
Registration, Company Showcases, AFFI Member Lounge & The Hub Open – Harbor Foyer & Ballroom
7 a.m. – 8 a.m. PST
Advocacy Leadership Breakfast – Promenade
8 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. PST
AFFI and Food Export USA Frozen Food Buyers Mission Orientation – Cortez Hill
8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. PST
AFFI and Food Export USA Frozen Food Buyers Mission Meetings – Cortez Hill
Afternoon
Noon – 1 p.m. PST
Lunch & Learn: Frozen’s Economic Trends – Grand Hall A & B
Food and Agricultural Economist, Distinguished Professor and Head of the Agricultural Economics Department at Purdue University
Evening
5 – 6:30 p.m. PST
AFFI-CON Welcome Reception – Harbor Ballroom
Sunday, February 25, 2024
Morning
7 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST
Registration, Company Showcases, AFFI Member Lounge & The Hub Open – Harbor Foyer & Ballroom
7 a.m. – 8 a.m. PST
About AFFI: Learn about the organization behind AFFI-CON – Promenade
7 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST
AFFI and Food Export USA Frozen Food Buyers Mission Meetings – Cortez Hill
Afternoon
Noon – 1pm PST
Lunch & Learn: Food Safety Culture – Grand Hall A & B
210 Analytics
Evening
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. PST
Women’s Networking Happy Hour – Promenade
9 p.m. – Midnight PST
Dueling Pianos Bash (Separate ticketed event) – The Shout! House
Monday, February 26, 2024
Morning
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST
Registration, Company Showcases, AFFI Member Lounge & The Hub Open – Harbor Foyer & Ballroom
9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. PST
AFFI and Food Export USA Frozen Food Buyers Mission Meetings – Cortez Hill
Afternoon
Noon – 1:00 p.m. PST
AFFI Annual Meeting & Keynote Speaker (Lunch Served) – Grand Hall A & B
Former U.S. Navy SEAL Team 6 member Robert O'Neill will discuss Operation Neptune Spear, the mission that resulted in Osama bin Laden's death on May 1, 2011. O’Neill will also share what he learned during his more than 400 combat missions across four theaters of war. Through his moving and emotional stories drawn from lessons learned during some of the country’s most headline-stealing conflicts, O’Neill shows his audience how the best of the military’s best approach strategic planning when mission failure is not an option. Audiences come to appreciate the people who are asked to do the hardest jobs – the warriors, husbands, and family men who they know exist but have never met, who are focused solely on making their missions successful. Join one of the legends of our nation’s military as he shares his views on the ingredients to a successful mission: the right people, preparedness, decision making under pressure, and, above all, a commitment to never quit.
Evening
5 – 6 p.m. PST
Through the Generations Mixer – Promenade
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Morning
7 a.m. – 8 a.m. PST
AFFI-CON Council Meeting – Promenade
8 a.m. – 10 a.m. PST
Help Desk & Semi-Private Meeting Space Open – Harbor Foyer & Ballroom
Afternoon
3 – 4:30 p.m. PST
AFFI-CON Council Meeting (AFFI Members Only) – Promenade AB
This schedule is subject to change.
International Buying Missions
Food Export, in conjunction with AFFI, will conduct a Frozen Food Buyers Mission at AFFI-CON 2024. This is the perfect opportunity for suppliers of product with at least 50 percent U.S. agricultural origin to meet qualified buyers from around the world. These buyers of frozen food represent retailers, wholesalers, distributors and foodservice.
For more information, please contact Food Export USA Program Assistant Benjamin Cortese at Bcortese@foodexport.org