The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) has recently unveiled its exciting lineup of conferences and online education courses for 2024. These events are designed to provide valuable networking opportunities, insights from industry leaders and educational resources that empower employees in the animal food industry to enhance their professional growth. Registration for several of these events has already opened.
International Feed Expo at IPPE - Atlanta, Ga. (Jan. 30-Feb. 1)
The year kicks off with the International Feed Expo, which will be held at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, Georgia. This event offers a unique platform for industry professionals to connect and exchange ideas. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend the Pet Food Conference, AFIA Feed Education Program, and sessions like "Feed Your ESG: How Feed Will Help Hit Sustainability Targets" and "U.S. Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service a Dialogue and Digest."
Purchasing and Ingredient Suppliers Conference - San Antonio, Texas (Mar. 12-14)
The Purchasing and Ingredient Suppliers Conference (PISC) is a must-attend event for feed ingredient buyers and sellers in the animal food manufacturing industry. Taking place in San Antonio, Texas, this three-day conference offers a comprehensive program that includes educational sessions and networking events. Participants will have the chance to learn about various topics, such as decoding the consumer's journey, transportation logistics, California's proposition 12, navigating the people puzzle and forecasting the grain and economic outlooks. Registration for PISC is open.
Food Safety Modernization Act Preventive Controls Qualified Individual Training - Nashville, Tenn. (Jun. 4-6)
AFIA is offering the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) for Animal Food training. This course, taking place in Nashville, Tennessee, will equip participants with the knowledge and understanding of the current Food Safety Modernization Act regulations for animal food. The training covers topics including FSMA requirements, current Good Manufacturing Practices, hazard analysis, preventive controls, sanitation, supply chain controls and recall plans. Completing this course is a way to meet the requirements for a PCQI in animal food producing facilities. Registration for FSPCA is open.
Feed Industry Institute - Minneapolis, Minn. (Jun. 17-20)
The Feed Industry Institute is a valuable educational opportunity for professionals in the feed industry. This event, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, provides in-depth insights into various aspects of the industry. Attendees will gain knowledge about feed manufacturing, regulatory compliance, ingredient quality and other key areas that impact the animal food industry.
Liquid Feed Symposium - Salt Lake City, Utah (Sept. 10-12)
The Liquid Feed Symposium in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a premier event for professionals involved in liquid feed manufacturing and marketing. This symposium offers a platform for industry experts to share their insights, research and innovations. Attendees can expect to learn about the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in the liquid feed sector.
Equipment Manufacturers Conference - Bonita Springs, Fla. (Nov. 6-8)
The Equipment Manufacturers Conference, held in Bonita Springs, Florida, is specifically tailored for professionals involved in the manufacturing and supply of equipment for the animal food industry. This conference provides a unique opportunity for equipment manufacturers to showcase their latest products and innovations. Participants will have the chance to engage in discussions about industry challenges, emerging trends, and technological advancements.
AFIA-KSU 500: Fundamentals of Feed Manufacturing
In addition to the conferences, AFIA has partnered with Kansas State University to offer the "AFIA-KSU 500: Fundamentals of Feed Manufacturing" online course. This five-week course provides a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of feed manufacturing. It covers topics such as ingredient selection, feed formulation, pellet quality, and process optimization. The course is offered multiple times throughout the year, allowing participants to choose a schedule that suits their needs.
