The Refrigerated Foods Association (RFA) will be holding their Virtual Fall Symposium on September 21-22, 2021. The event will run from 1:00-4:00 pm ET each day. Registration is by company, so any number of individuals from each registered business can attend the event for one low fee. 26 RFA members have supported the event as sponsors.
Kicking off the event on September 21 is RFA’s Technical Director Martin Mitchell, discussing “What Is Ahead in 2022: The New Enviroment”. Marty will cover scientific and regulatory issues affecting the Refrigerated Foods Association members, including pathogens, new approaches to food safety and the latest guidance from the FDA and USDA.
Following Marty’s presentation, Mark Broomell of Providence Engineering will present “Food Safety-Focused Building Design.” Mark will address proper building design and planning, including an overview of flow, building components and design synergy.
Tuesday’s final presentation will be delivered by Mark Cornthwaite, IFF; Mariana Macovei, Ingredion Canada; and Pranita Solanki, Savoury of Caldic Canada. This team will give their “Overview of Plant-Based Proteins” discussion, covering types of alternative proteins, allergy concerns and food safety risks, applications, functional considerations, trends, sustainability and carbon footprint. They will provide some concrete examples of how to use these plant-based proteins in prepared, ready-to-eat food products.
Wednesday’s presentations will be just as timely and engaging. The day will begin with a presentation on Succession Planning entitled “Exploring the Alternatives of Ownership Transition – Understanding the Paths, Including Employee Ownership” by Hillary Hughes of Prairie Capital Advisors and Tim Suter of The Suter Company. Hillary will deliver an overview of ownership transition alternatives, explain the process, address how to prepare the business and manage succession. Tim will then speak to his own experience and decision to develop an ESOP at The Suter Company.
Cohen Barnes of SundogIT and Tom Gaumond of G2 Insurance will address the important topic of Ransomware. They will help audience members better understand the threats and how to stay one step ahead of the criminals. Cybercrime, including ransomware, is the #1 crime committed against businesses right now. Attendees will gain valuable insights into email security, as well as cyber insurance options that can help protect your business.
The event will close with a “Virtual Tour of Certified Laboratories.” This engaging presentation is the next-best thing to touring a food testing laboratory in person, with interviews and details explaining a sample’s journey from arrival to results. Attendees will learn from the experts about what happens with their product, including processing, testing and reporting.
The Refrigerated Foods Association’s Virtual Fall Symposium is open to both members and non-members. There is still time to register. For more information, visit the RFA website: https://www.refrigeratedfoods.org/2021-virtual-symposiums or contact the RFA Headquarters at [email protected].
