The New Jersey Food Processors Association (NJFPA) has a rich tradition of hosting an annual conference that brings together stakeholders from throughout our state for a rich education and networking experience. After cancelling the 2020 conference due to COVID-19 concerns, the organization plans to hold a 2021 conference sometime during the second quarter of the new year.

NJFPA is monitoring recent developments in an effort to finalize our plans before mid December. At the same time, the association’s education committee seeks to identify members of our community who would be interested in sharing their knowledge and experiences at what is the organization’s premier event.

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

Each year, staff from both food processing companies along with companies that support food processors attend the NJFPA annual conference. There is also a growing exhibit hall allowing companies in the industry to share their story of the products and services they offer in a highly interactive setting.

The agenda for the conference includes both plenary, along with break out sessions. Speakers are selected for both their subject matter knowledge along with their ability to actively engage an audience in an interactive exchange. Sales pitches are not entertained and presenters who provide support services to food processing companies are highly encouraged to involve their food processing client in their presentation.

Breakout sessions can be in one of two formats: individual presentation or panel discussion. We anticipate the time of each breakout session to be approximately 50 minutes in length, with a Q&A period included in that timeframe.

CONFERENCE FOCUS

In this COVID-19 reality, a number of key areas remain at the forefront of the food processing industry. 

Supply Chain

As food processors, we are continually tasked with being more lean, more efficient, and cutting costs to meet the bottom line. Better understanding what technologies exist, what innovations are on the horizon and how we as food processors can take advantage, will be the key to our continued success.  

Sustainability 

Food processors must consistently predict and adjust with an industry, a consumer, and a changing environment. Consumers want more transparency with how their food is made, where it’s coming from, and the specific ingredients required to produce. Economic and environmental factors require us to focus on reducing waste, minimizing our carbon footprint and conserving water.

Adapting (ideally succeeding) in the midst of the pandemic

2020 has certainly been a year of constant challenge and change. In the midst of adversity and struggle there are countless stories of companies (and individuals) who have risen up and succeeded. Whether the success is about HR, financials, production or another area, the NJFPA is excited to share your story to inform, energize and motivate colleagues in the weeks and months ahead.

The NJFPA welcomes expressions of interest from members of the NJFPA community interested in sharing their knowledge and experience by giving a talk focused in one of these areas.

IN ORDER TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL TO SPEAK

All proposal submissions will be electronically (link). In submitting your proposal, you will be asked to provide:

• Title

• Abstract (up to 300 words)

• Three learning objectives for your proposed session

• Names and affiliation of all speakers

• Comfort level in presenting in an in-person vs virtual environment

AS A SPEAKER YOU CAN EXPECT

• To work with a staff dedicated to the success of your talk

• To have ample support from a technological perspective (whether AV or online presentation)

• To be recognized for your contribution before, during and after the event

AS A SPEAKER WE ASK

• That when you accept the offer to speak, that you honor your commitment

• That you register for the conference (at a discounted rate)

• That you let colleagues in your sphere of influence know of your talk (we will provide resources)

 Click Here To Submit Your Proposal

NOTE

As the date/time along with modality (virtual vs. hybrid) are confirmed, those who submit a proposal will have the opportunity to confirm their availability to participate in the conference. Selected speakers who accept the invitation to present will be asked to sign a speaker's agreement acknowledging the content noted above.