Cheese Industry Conference Features Expanded Array of Educational Seminars in 2019

MADISON, WI – The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) and Center for Dairy Research (CDR) today announced partnerships with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, and the U.S. Dairy Export Council, to deliver more educational programming than ever before at the 2019 Cheese Industry Conference, April 17-18 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

2019 CIC seminar topics focus on five main topics, including business development and workforce retention, global cheese sales, food safety, quality cheesemaking, and new industry technology and design practices.  Complete details and registration information are available now at CheeseConference.org.

“In partnership with our industry’s brightest minds and most impactful organizations, the 2019 Cheese Industry Conference will offer seminars of interest for everyone from the marketer to the maintenance technician, and from the artisan cheesemaker to the quality assurance manager,” said John Umhoefer, WCMA Executive Director.

On Wednesday, April 17, the conference begins with a keynote address delivered by Chris McChesney, co-author of the best-selling book, “The 4 Disciplines of Execution,” and General Manager of FranklinCovey, a global consultancy for strategic business execution.  McChesney will focus on tools for employee retention and motivation.

Following the keynote, CIC offers three concurrent seminars: Dry Dairy Foods Safety Panel and Best Practices, offered by the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy; Quality Swiss Cheese Production, offered by CDR; and Essential Principles of Cheesemaking, also offered by CDR.  On the afternoon of April 17, CIC features its largest-ever tabletop exhibition hall, with 297 booths showcasing the industry’s most trusted supplier partners.

On Thursday, April 18, CIC features eleven seminars, including Opportunities for Global Cheese Sales, offered by the U.S. Dairy Export Council; a look at the Latest Research in Pathogen Control, from the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy; and presentations on Intentional Adulteration and Quality Tools for Artisans, offered by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.  CDR will offer a diverse array of sessions on Thursday morning: Quality Improvements for 640-pound Cheddar Block Production; New Applications of Membrane Technology in Cheesemaking; and Best Practices in Plant Design and Sanitation.  WCMA and CDR will also co-present on Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain and the Industrial Internet.

On Thursday afternoon, CIC attendees will enjoy their choice of interactive workshops, with CDR presenting private “Ask the Cheese Expert” sessions for a limited number of participants and WCMA offering a Cheese and Butter grading clinic for all.

“We’re packing more educational opportunities than ever before into the 2019 Cheese Industry Conference’s two-day schedule, and in the process, offering greater value to attendees,” said Umhoefer.

For a limited time, save even more with 2019 CIC early bird registration.  The deadline to register and enjoy the conference’s best rates is Thursday, January 31.  Register today – and learn more about the seminar, exhibit, and networking opportunities at the conference – at CheeseConference.org.