Meeting Agenda

7th International Marketing Conference & 50th Annual Membership Meeting

Westin Resort and Spa    Puerto Vallarta, Mexico    February 13-17, 2010

Friday, February 12

3:30 pm – 5:00 pm            Registration Desk Open  

Saturday, February 13

8:00 am – 7:00 pm            Registration Desk Open

8:30 am – 9:30 am            Grains Foundation Board meeting                                        

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm            Board of Director’s meeting                                                  

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm            Introducing the Council:  If you are new to the U.S. Grains Council or just need a refresher course, this meeting is for you. Learn about Council operations and ask questions of Council board and staff members. This is a free event, but pre-registration is required.

6:30 pm – 7:30 pm             Welcome Reception:  Join us to kick off this special meeting with the opening reception. This is a great opportunity to network with industry colleagues, get acquainted with new Council members and talk with the Council’s international office directors.

Sunday, February 14

7:00 am – 5:00 pm            Registration Desk Open

8:00 am – 9:30 am            General Session

                                               -  Introduction & Welcome – USGC Chairman Rick Fruth

                                               -  Remarks from the CEO – Tom Dorr

                                               -  Keynote Address –  Carole Brookins, Managing Director of Public Capital Advisors, LLC     

9:30 am – 10:00 am           REFRESHMENT BREAK

10:00 am – 12:00 pm        International Program Overview                                           

                                               -  Global Coarse Grain Outlook (Erick Erickson)

                                               -  ROW International Director Presentations

                                               -  Asia International Director Presentations

                                               -  Q&A

8:30 am – 10:00 am          Spouse Breakfast:  Join old friends and make new ones at this breakfast that has become a USGC favorite. This is a free event, but pre-registration is required.                                                                  

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm          Meet the International Directors: Don’t miss this opportunity for casual conversation with key staff from the Council’s international offices over a light lunch.                                           

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm            OPTIONAL TOUR: City Tour

1:45 pm – 5:00 pm            A-team meetings

                                              -  1:45-3:15 – Asia meets with Biotech

                                              -   1:45-3:15 – ROW meets with Value-Added

                                              -   3:30-5:00 – Asia meets with Value-Added

                                              -   3:30-5:00 – ROW meets with Biotech

                                              -   Mem/Com

                                              -   Trade Policy

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm            REFRESHMENT BREAK

6:30 pm – 7:30 pm            Reception at the hotel: End your day with friends and make plans to continue your evening in wonderful Puerto Vallarta.

Monday, February 15

7:00 am – 5:00 pm            Registration Desk Open

7:15 am – 8:45 am            Sector Breakfasts

                                               -  Corn                                                                                 

                                               -  Barley                                                                               

                                               -  Sorghum                                                                           

                                               -  Other Orgs & Agencies                                                   

                                               -  Agribusiness                                                                     

9:00 am – 10:00 am           Keynote Address: Christopher Langholz, Vice President, Cargill, Inc.

9:00 am – 3:00 pm             OPTIONAL TOUR: Botanical Gardens & Tequila Factory

10:00 am – 10:30 am         REFRESHMENT BREAK

10:30 am – 4:00 pm           A-team meetings continue

                                                -  Asia

                                                -  Biotech

                                                -  Mem/Com

                                                -  ROW

                                                -  Trade Policy

                                                -  Value Added

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm          Working box lunch

2:30 pm – 3:00 pm            REFRESHMENT BREAK

Tuesday, February 16

7:00 am – 2:00 pm            Registration Desk Open

8:30 am – 11:45 am         General Session

                                              -  View America’s Heartland video

                                              -  Chairman’s Address – Rick Fruth

                                              -  Review of Market Development Strategy

                                              -  Mexico Trade Panel 

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm          Lunch with Speaker – Pedro Adalberto Gonzalez Hernandez, Undersecretary of Agribusiness Promotion, Mexico Department of Agriculture (invited)

2:00 pm – 4:30 pm            Board of Delegates meeting                                                  

5:00 pm – 10:00 pm          Rhythms of the Night – offsite event:  Celebrate the conclusion of a successful meeting with a beautiful boat ride along the Mexican coast to a private beach with a buffet dinner and an amazing show highlighting the culture of ancient Mexico. 

Wednesday, February 17

9:00 am – 5:00 pm      Board of Directors meeting

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