Schedule 2025

Business-to-business meetings, professional networking opportunities, and education covering key industry issues.

All AFFI-CON events, unless otherwise noted, take place at the Hyatt Regency Dallas. 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.

AFFI-CON Registration, Company Showcases, Chill Out Zone, and Semi-Private Tables are open from Saturday to Monday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Reunion Foyer & Reunion Ballroom. Negotiation Nooks are open from Saturday – Tuesday from 7 a.m.to 3 p.m. All times on the schedule are Central Standard Time.

Friday, February 21, 2025

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

COOL Women Kick-Off Session

This is the first meeting of the COOL (Creating Opportunities for Outstanding Leaders) Women program, a dynamic leadership development program designed exclusively for women in the frozen food industry.

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Buyer Education Essentials

This session will equip you with key insights into the frozen food industry. We’ll cover historical shifts, current market challenges, and emerging trends. Learn to identify potential hazards, navigate supply chain disruptions, and make informed purchasing decisions with confidence. Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your buying strategy and stay ahead in a dynamic market.

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Company Showcase Move In

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Event Registration

3:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Frozen Forward: CEO Insights on Industry Trends and Strategies – (AFFI Members Only)

Exclusive for AFFI CEO members, Leo Feler, Numerator Chief Economist, will provide attendees with an in-depth discussion on trends and insights specifically impacting the frozen food industry. This unique opportunity will provide valuable perspectives on market dynamics, consumer behavior, and future growth potential in this sector. Don’t miss out on the chance to gain expert knowledge directly from industry leaders!

Alison Bodor

President and CEO, AFFI

Leo Feler

Chief Economist, Numerator

Saturday, February 22, 2025

7:00 am – 5:00 pm

Event Registration

Sponsored by:

7:00 am – 5:00 pm

Business Meetings

This time slot is designated for organizing business meetings. Registered attendees can view the complete registration list and schedule appointments in advance to optimize their experience at AFFI-CON. Officially registered AFFI-CON delegates wear badges. AFFI strictly enforces that delegates decline invitations for meetings with individuals or companies not registered for the convention.

7:00 am – 3:00 pm

Chill Out Zone

This café-style common area serves as a central meeting point for attendees to get energized and engage in organic business discussions. Featuring a range of refreshments and tasty snacks, it’s the ideal space to recharge and connect with peers. Join us in this dynamic setting where productivity meets relaxation, fostering valuable connections and facilitating fruitful conversations throughout the event.

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Compliance Quality Quest: Decoding FSMA and Traceability

Embark on the “Quality Quest” and unlock the secrets to mastering FSMA, traceability, and GFSI compliance. This session is crafted for QA professionals dedicated to excelling in food safety and quality standards.

Dr. Donna Garren

EVP of Science & Policy, AFFI

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Lunch and Learn: Economic Overview

Join us for lunch and an insightful session examining the current state of the economy and its impact on the food industry. Gain valuable perspectives on market trends, consumer behavior, and economic forecasts to inform strategic decision-making and navigate challenges and opportunities.

Leo Feler

Chief Economist, Numerator

Sponsored by:

1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

AFFI Food Safety Working Group Meeting (Members Only)

Don’t miss this session focused on AFFI’s top food safety priorities. Get a detailed look at our efforts to address foodborne pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes and enteric viruses, as well as evolving chemical food safety regulations. Learn about AFFI’s strategies for the implementation of best practices, public policy engagement, and our work with regulators to improve food safety and public health.

Why Attend:

  • Stay ahead of policy changes under the Trump administration impacting the frozen food industry.
  • Discover actionable strategies for managing Listeria and enteric viruses.
  • Engage with industry leaders to explore critical food safety solutions and innovative capabilities that address today’s most pressing challenges in the frozen food industry.

This session is a must-attend for anyone committed to food safety and public health. Join us to be part of the conversation!

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Welcome Icebreaker: A Showcase of the Latest Flavors in Frozen

Get ready to break the ice and set the stage for an unforgettable conference experience! Dive into a world of innovative flavors and cutting-edge creations while networking with industry professionals. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to visit the exhibit floor, where logistics providers and other key suppliers and services await. Discover the resources and connections that will enhance your business journey in the frozen food industry.

Live Band & Acoustic Entertainment Provided By:

Sunday, February 23, 2025

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Event Registration

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Business Meetings

This time slot is designated for business meetings. Registered attendees can view the complete registration list and schedule appointments in advance to optimize their experience at AFFI-CON. Officially registered AFFI-CON delegates wear badges. AFFI strictly enforces that delegates decline invitations for meetings with individuals or companies not registered for the convention.

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Chill Out Zone

This café-style common area serves as a central meeting point for attendees to get energized and engage in organic business discussions. Featuring a range of refreshments and tasty snacks, it’s the ideal space to recharge and connect with peers. Join us in this dynamic setting where productivity meets relaxation, fostering valuable connections and facilitating fruitful conversations throughout the event.

8:00 AM - 8:45 PM

Listeria Quality Quest: Piloting the Future of Frozen Manufacturing (OPEN TO ALL)

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Listeria Quality Quest: Piloting the Future of Frozen Manufacturing

Join us for an exclusive session where QA professionals from AFFI member companies will discover AFFI’s pioneering efforts in Listeria control and regulatory excellence in frozen foods. Learn about our innovative pilot program targeting ready-to-eat (RTE) foods to inhibit Listeria growth, setting new benchmarks in detection and quantitation of Listeria spp. Gain insights into transformative techniques and technologies shaping Listeria management and future food safety standards. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead in Listeria management and regulatory compliance, and lead innovation in the frozen food industry.

Dr. Donna Garren

EVP of Science & Policy, AFFI

Dr. Sanjay Gummalla

Senior Vice President of Scientific Affairs, AFFI

Sponsored by:

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Lunch and Learn: Warming Up Consumer Frozen Consumption

Stay ahead of the evolving frozen foods landscape with a complete view of the market. This session will examine in-home and away-from-home consumer purchases and consumption trends throughout the day so you can uncover opportunities that align to consumer needs.

Sally Lyons Wyatt

Global EVP & Chief Advisor, Consumer Goods & Foodservice Insights, Circana

David Portalatin

Senior VP & Food Industry Advisor, Circana

Sponsored by :

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Women’s Networking Happy Hour

Recongize Woman of the Year winner

9:00 PM - Midnight

Dueling Pianos Bash (Separate ticketed event) – Louie Louie’s Piano Bar

Registration Add-On – $50/person (must be 21+)

Join us for a celebration of the frozen food industry at Louie Louie’s Piano Bar. Enjoy an unforgettable dueling piano show featuring two talented pianists performing at face-to-face grand pianos. The high-energy performances include audience requests driving the show—so come prepared with your favorite song! Be sure to register early as space is limited. This after-dinner event is a fantastic opportunity to relax and network with your business partners in a fun and engaging atmosphere.

Sponsored by:

Monday, February 24, 2025

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Event Registration

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Business Meetings

This time slot is designated for business meetings. Registered attendees can view the complete registration list and schedule appointments in advance to optimize their experience at AFFI-CON. Officially registered AFFI-CON delegates wear badges. AFFI strictly enforces that delegates decline invitations for meetings with individuals or companies not registered for the convention.

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Chill Out Zone

This café-style common area serves as a central meeting point for attendees to get energized and engage in organic business discussions. Featuring a range of refreshments and tasty snacks, it’s the ideal space to recharge and connect with peers. Join us in this dynamic setting where productivity meets relaxation, fostering valuable connections and facilitating fruitful conversations throughout the event.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Frozen Forward: AFFI Member Exclusive Meeting on Enteric Virus Control and EViews Real-time Risk Management

Delve into the critical issue of enteric virus control, where our experts will provide insights into effective measures and best practices for mitigating risks associated with these pathogens. Learn about the latest advancements and protocols designed to protect the safety and integrity of frozen berries from farm to retail.

Discover the EViews real-time risk management tool, a revolutionary solution that offers comprehensive visibility and control throughout the berry supply chain. See how EViews enhances risk assessment and management from production through distribution, providing actionable data to ensure continuous safety and quality.

Dr. Donna Garren

EVP of Science & Policy, AFFI

Dr. Sanjay Gummalla

Senior Vice President of Scientific Affairs, AFFI

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Lunch and Learn: AFFI Annual Membership Meeting and Keynote

AFFI’s Annual Membership Meeting will include a vote on 2025 Officers and Board of Directors, Finance Report, an update on AFFI’s 2025 strategic priorities and opportunities for AFFI members to engage. Following the Annual Membership Meeting, join us for an insightful session with Mark, a veteran of the Oil and Gas industry with over 25 years of experience. As a market research company founder and host of the world’s largest Oil and Gas podcast network, Mark reaches over 3 million listeners worldwide. He will share his deep industry knowledge and unique perspectives on current trends, challenges, and opportunities, illustrating the impact of global conversations and industry dynamics. Don’t miss this chance to learn from a leading expert and influential media voice in the sector.

Mark LaCour

Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Oil and Gas Global Network (OGGN)

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Closing Reception: Through the Generations Mixer

Join us for the Closing Reception to wrap up an inspiring and productive event. This informal gathering offers a perfect opportunity to network with fellow attendees, reflect on the insights gained, and celebrate the highlights of the convention.

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Company Showcase Move Out

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

AFFI-CON Council Meeting

7:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Event Registration

This schedule is subject to change.

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