The 2018 Food Defense Conference will be held May 22–24, 2018, at the Graduate Hotel at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. This unique opportunity is designed for experts from around the world to discuss and learn from each other about the current state of food defense. Attendees will enjoy a variety of sessions, networking opportunities and workshops geared specifically at reducing the impact of food system attacks and catastrophic events. In addition, the Food Protection & Defense Institute (FPDI) is conducting a two-day, in-person food defense industry training on May 21–22, 2018, immediately before the conference. The food defense industry training will teach food industry professionals how to navigate basic food defense principles, recognize vulnerabilities, and create tailored food defense plans.

The conference will launch Tuesday evening with Tom Vilsack, former Secretary of Agriculture and president/CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, and Stephen Ostroff, M.D., Deputy Commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine, U.S. Food & Drug Administration. The keynote presentation and special address will be followed by a reception.

Topics covered on the second day include blockchain technology and food supply chain, natural disasters and food fraud, intentional contamination case studies, and much more. Presenters from the FDA will conclude the conference on the morning of the third day with a discussion of FSMA IA rule updates and compliance procedures. Ample networking opportunities are built into the schedule across the three days and opportunities are available for exhibitors and sponsors to connect with a unique group of leaders in the world of food defense.

Register now and join us in May! 

The Food Defense Conference