The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) 2012 Frozen Food Convention in San Diego, Calif., has matched the convention’s all-time attendance record set two years ago.
More than 1,400 members of the frozen food industry gathered at the Manchester Grand Hyatt earlier this week. AFFI-CON delegates gathered to attend educational sessions, network at social events and conduct business meetings.
“Our record attendance along with the sold-out meeting and exhibit space clearly demonstrate the value members of the frozen food industry derive from attending the AFFI Frozen Food Convention,” said AFFI President and CEO Kraig R. Naasz.
“Only AFFI-CON gives representatives from every sector of the frozen food industry the opportunity to conduct business, connect with colleagues and learn the latest about critical industry topics and trends, all of which makes AFFI-CON the premier frozen food industry event,” said Naasz.
David Feherty, former professional golfer and current golf analyst for CBS and The Golf Channel, entertained delegates as the featured speaker at the AFFI annual meeting and keynote breakfast.
Delegates attending AFFI-led educational sessions gained insights on a range of key industry topics from a roster of distinguished presenters.
The education session, “Consumer Perceptions and the Price of Food: Perspectives and Outlook for the Frozen Food Industry,” featured a presentation on just-completed survey data highlighting current consumer preferences, trends, opinions and policymaker views of key food issues. Tish Van Dyke of Edelman, one of the world’s foremost public affairs agencies, discussed the results of Edelman’s latest “Field-to-Fork” survey and what the results mean for the frozen food industry. At the same session, Warren Thayer, editor of Frozen & Dairy Buyer magazine, discussed critical factors impacting food prices and examined recent retail sales trends in several key frozen food categories.
At the education session, “Wipeout! A Crash Course in Crisis Communications,” principals J. Vander Stoep and Bruce Cordingly of Sound Counsel Crisis Communications provided guidance regarding how to prepare for and respond to a corporate crisis. Specializing in crisis readiness and crisis management, Sound Counsel has partnered with AFFI to help frozen food companies assess vulnerabilities and develop customized crisis communication plans through AFFI’s one-of-a kind Crisis Communications Preparedness Program.
AFFI-CON attendees also supported the Frozen Food Foundation’s public education and scientific research efforts by participating in the 5K Fun Run & Walk presented by Green Giant® on Feb. 19 and the sold-out Foundation Golf Classic presented by The Pictsweet Co. at Torrey Pines on Feb. 21.
The 2013 AFFI Frozen Food Convention will be held Feb. 23-27, 2013, at the Hilton Anaheim in Anaheim, Calif.
The American Frozen Food Institute is the national trade association promoting and representing the interests of all segments of the frozen food industry. AFFI works to foster industry development and growth, and advocates before legislative and regulatory entities on the industry’s behalf.
