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The 2015 meeting, which will be held Dec. 9-11 in New Orleans, La., is no exception. However, this year attendees will enjoy some “bonus time.” Instead of the sessions wrapping up after a day and a half, they will continue until 4 p.m. on Friday! In addition, the Exhibit Hall will remain open until 2 p.m. on Friday, providing an opportunity the visit the booths that feature all things rice. Also, for the first time, lunch will be available in the Exhibit Hall on Thursday.
To kick off the 2015 Conference, attendees can enjoy mingling with old friends, and perhaps making some new ones, in the Exhibit Hall at the Grand Opening Reception on Wednesday evening. After an evening of fellowship, the meeting opens early Thursday morning with an impressive lineup of sessions, beginning with the New Products and Technology Breakfast Showcase at 7:30 a.m.
One of the highlights includes husband and wife keynote speakers Mary Matalin and James Carville – political strategists and best-selling authors. According to the USA Rice Federation, “The couple will offer fiery discussion and insight into the current political landscape and share their concerns, hopes, and predictions for the upcoming election cycle.”
Other topics on the program for Thursday are a Farm Management Learning Session, an Offsite Learning Session with The Russell Marine Group and Eurofins, a Global Rice Outlook and an El Nino & 2016 Rice Weather Outlook.
State rice outlooks and research reports will be presented both Thursday (LA, MS and TX) and Friday (CA, MO and AR).
Friday morning will feature A Conversation with Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D. (LA 05) and an Economic Outlook from Dr. David Kohl, Professor Emeritus, Virginia Tech. At noon, everyone is invited to the Annual USA Rice Awards Luncheon that always includes (you guessed it!) a delicious rice dish.
And don’t forget to drop by the Exhibit Hall after lunch before taking in the afternoon General Session. Popular speaker Jim Wiesemeyer, with Informa Economics, will provide a Washington Update, followed by a lively panel discussion with food and rice experts, including Mike Lee, founder and CEO of Studio Industries.
Yes, the 2015 USA Rice Outlook Conference plans to deliver more bang for your buck this year, so don’t delay. Register now!