www.sqfconference.com

is a division of

A Safer World. A Smarter You.A Unique Peer-to-Peer Learning Experience Designed Exclusively

for Current and Prospective SQF Stakeholders

Register by July 31st and save $100!

October 25-27, 2016 • Orlando, FloridaLoews Royal Pacific Resort

at Universal Orlando™ Resort

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OverviewDesigned and developed by your peers in the food safety industry, the 2016 SQF International

Conference will provide you with knowledge, skills and connections to strengthen your food safety

and quality assurance programs and position you for career advancement.

Why Should You Attend? Join more than 650 of your food safety peers to:

• Gain a clear understanding of the SQF Code Edition 8 and program changes

• Receive critical updates from industry experts on food safety certification issues

• Share challenges, ideas and best practices in peer-driven discussions

• Build enduring and valuable business relationships

What Will You Experience?• Education sessions and workshops covering

25+ food safety and food quality topics.

• Thought-provoking guest keynote speakers

• Food sector-specific roundtables

• Optional pre-conference training classes

• Retail food safety track

• Ambassador Program for first-time attendees

• Access to innovative new ideas at the Customer Connection Center (C3)

• Social event at Jimmy Buffett’s® Margaritaville® at Universal CityWalk™

HOT TOPICS

• FSMA• Allergen Labeling• Listeria Control• Recall Plans• Ethical Sourcing• Retail Grocery Certification• The Produce Safety Rule• Pathogen Control Programs• Foreign Supplier Verification• Environmental Monitoring• SQF Code Changes• PCQI• Food Fraud• Supply Chain Management• Food Safety Training

Who Should Attend?• Food safety and quality experts at

all levels of the supply chain

• Food producers, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors

• Consultants, trainers, auditors and service providers

• Retail food safety professionals

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CONFERENCE FEATURESRETAIL TRACKFMI is joining forces with SQFI to bring you enhanced retail food safety education. In lieu of the annual Retail Food Safety Forum, the SQF Conference will offer a dedicated retail food safety track. You’ll get the latest updates on retail food safety issues, share ideas and best practices with your retail food safety peers and take home practical food safety solutions to implement in any size retail operation. You’ll also get updates on the new SQF Retail Code.

FSC ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONSThese peer-driven roundtables will give you the opportunity to ask questions, discuss issues and share best practices with fellow food safety professionals practicing within your food sector category.

MEET US IN MARGARITAVILLE®!Escape to Jimmy Buffett’s® Margaritaville® at Universal CityWalk™ for a not-to-be-missed party. An evening of fun, food and entertainment awaits you. Enjoy the laid back island attitude of music legend Jimmy Buffett along with décor and themed bars inspired by some of his most popular songs. There’ll be plenty of live music, libations and tasty food offerings throughout the evening. RSVP when you register. We hope to see you there!Sponsored by FSNS

AMBASSADOR PROGRAMThe Ambassador Program is designed to help our first-time attendees navigate the conference both before and during the event. First-time attendees and conference veterans wishing to volunteer as an Ambassador can sign up to participate during the registration process. Sponsored by Eagle Certification Group

PRE-CONFERENCE TRAINING CLASSESThe following training classes will be offered prior to the conference and require payment of a separate fee. A $100 surcharge is applied if you are NOT attending the full conference. Class sizes are limited to 30 students.

Sunday October 23 – Monday, October 24 (Two-Day Class)

Ethical Sourcing Auditor Training $850 Advanced SQF Practitioner $650 Implementing SQF Systems $650 FSMA PCQI Training $650

Monday, October 24 (One-Day Class)

Accurate Labeling to Reduce Recall Risk $375 Safe Food/Safe Feed Certification $375 Internal Food Safety Auditor $375 Life Beyond the Fishbone Diagram $375 Environmental Monitoring Program $375 Quality Systems Management $375 Validation vs. Verification $375 Implementing the SQF Retail Code $375SQF Professional Update $200GFCP (Gluten Free Certification Program) $850 Training for Auditors and Consultants

CUSTOMER CONNECTION CENTERGet access to the latest food safety products, tools and technologies in the C3 Customer Connection Center. Make new connections with fellow food safety professionals and meet service providers and suppliers who can help you build and strengthen your food safety and food quality assurance programs.

JUSTIFICATION LETTERNeed help convincing your boss to let you attend? Visit our website to download a justification letter template that you can modify to present to your supervisor to persuade them to allow you to participate.

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Schedule-At-A-Glance

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 258:00 AM – 9:00 AM Conference Ambassador/

New Attendee Breakfast

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Coffee and Conversation

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM Welcome and Opening Remarks

11:00 AM – 12:15 PM Opening Keynote

12:15 PM – 1:15 PM Networking Lunch in The C3

1:15 PM – 2:30 PM Food Sector Category Roundtables

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM Networking Break in The C3

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM General Session

4:00 PM – 4:15 PM Express Break

4:15 PM – 5:15 PM Keynote

5:15 PM - 7:00 PM Happy Hour in The C3

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 267:00 AM – 8:00 AM Breakfast in The C3

8:00 AM – 8:15 AM Welcome Remarks

8:15 AM – 9:45 AM SQFI Town Hall Session

9:45 AM – 10:00 AM Express Break

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Breakout Sessions

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM Networking Break in the C3

11:30 AM – 12.45 PM Food Sector Category Roundtables

12:45 PM - 1:45 PM Networking Lunch in The C3

1:45 PM – 2:45 PM Breakout Sessions

2:45 PM – 3:00 PM Express Break

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Breakout Sessions

4:00 PM – 4:30 PM Networking Break in the C3

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Keynote

7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Social event at Jimmy Buffett’s® Margaritaville® at Universal CityWalk™

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 277:00 AM – 8:00 AM Breakfast in The C3

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM General Session

9:00 AM- 9:15 AM Express Break

9:15 AM – 10:15 AM Breakout Sessions

10:15 AM – 10:45 AM Networking Break in The C3

10:45 AM – 11:45 AM Breakout Sessions

11:45 AM – 12:45 PM Networking Lunch in the C3

12:45 PM – 1:45 PM Breakout Sessions

1:45 PM – 2:00 PM Express Break

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Closing Keynote

Subject to change – please visit www.sqfconference.com for the most up-to-date information

SponsorsThank you to the generous partners who support our industry

and this conference.

Title Sponsor

Premier Partner

Sponsors

ExhibitorsAlchemy Systems

Allergen Control Group, Inc.

American National Standards Institute

ASI Food Safety

CERT ID

EAGLE Certification Group

Elution Technologies

Eurofins Certification

Flagler Global Logistics

Food Safety Net Services

Hill Brush Company Ltd.

Matthew Poore Leadership Group

Mérieux Nutrisciences

Mettler Toledo

Nexcor Technologies, Inc.

National Registry of Food Safety Professionals

NSF Food Safety Certification

Perry Johnson Registrars, Inc.

ReposiTrak®

SafetyChain Software

SGS

Silikal America

Trace Analytics

TRI Air Testing

TÜV USA Inc.

U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention

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Education Program HighlightsGUEST KEYNOTE SPEAKER

ENDEAVOR TO SUCCEED

» Captain Mark Kelly, Commander of Space Shuttle Endeavour’s Final Mission & Space and Aviation Contributor for NBC News/MSNBC

On January 8, 2011, Captain Mark Kelly would face the toughest challenge of his life when an assassination attempt was made on his wife, former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. His dedication to family and Giffords’s road to recovery would captivate the nation. For Mark Kelly, focus equals success-even in the face of adversity. Personifying the best of the American spirit, Kelly is a homegrown hero who was a combat pilot in Iraq, an astronaut on four space shuttle missions, and commander of the final flight of Space Shuttle Endeavour. He has

combined teamwork, leadership, communication, and family in an unwavering commitment to succeed. Kelly will demonstrate how to accomplish your mission while maintaining the love and devotion to family that is the foundation of true success.

EDUCATION SESSIONS AND WORKSHOPSThis is a just a sampling of the 25+ topics that will be discussed at the conference. Visit www.sqfconference.com to view the full agenda.R

SUGGESTED SESSION FOR RETAIL ATTENDEES

SQF 2017 and Beyond: A Town Hall Meeting

» LeAnn Chuboff, Senior Technical Director, Safe Quality Food Institute

From the new retail code and the release of Edition 8 of the SQF Code, what does SQFI have in store for 2017? Get answers to your questions on changes and improvements to the SQF Code at this interactive town hall-style session.

What’s New in Listeria Research?

» Martin Wiedmann, Ph.D., Gellert Family Professor in Food Safety, Cornell University

Get an update on the most recent microbial food safety research on Listeria monocytogenes and its implications for food retailers and suppliers by leading food researcher, Dr. Martin Wiedmann.

Food Fraud: What Would You Do? (2-Hour Workshop)

» Rod Wheeler, Founder and CEO of the Global Food Defense Institute, Senior Law Enforcement Contributor/Crime Analyst, Fox News Channel

Your food facility has been comprised. Someone, whether internally or externally, has deliberately tampered with your products and you’re in crisis mode. What do you do mitigate the damage? Where do you start with your investigation? Whom do you notify at FDA or FBI? What do you tell your employees and customers and when? Do you need to do a recall and when can you consider this crisis “over.” Using a real-life case study, discuss these questions and share your ideas during this engaging 2-hour workshop designed to help prepare you to handle and mitigate a product tampering crisis.

Optimizing the Cold Supply Chain

» Andy Moses, Senior Vice President of Global Products, Penske Logistics

Consumer demand for fresh and perishable products continues to experience significant growth and with it increased regulatory oversight. To ensure product quality, safety and integrity and avoid waste, retailers are dependent on a reliable cold supply chain. Get updates on the latest cold supply chain industry

trends drawn from the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals’ State of Logistics Report, learn how to benchmark your current operations against FSMA regulations and discover how to develop contingency plans that can help mitigate the impact of disruptions in the supply chain. Attendees will take away valuable real-world insights drawn from retail case studies and actionable ideas for implementing best practices for safe transportation of perishable goods.

What’s the Best Training Method for Fresh and Fresh Cut Produce in Retail Environments?

» Jay Neal, Ph.D., Assistant Provost, Academic Affairs and Operations, University of Houston

The retail food industry has worked diligently with regulatory agencies to develop and implement food safety training materials for supervisors and managers; however, we have not seen significant reductions in food borne illnesses from produce. Is the training material too generic for employees who work with fresh and fresh-cut produce and does it fail to change their attitudes or behavior? Get answers and compare behavior-based to knowledge-based food safety training to determine which is most valuable in terms of time, money and effort.

Best Practices for a Supplier Approval Program for FSVP and SQF Compliance

» Jennifer L. McCreary, Technical Manager Training and Education Services, NSF International

The Foreign Supplier Verification Program Rule (FSVP) requires businesses that import food from foreign suppliers to assume more responsibility for the safety of the products they bring into the market. Customers and importers will be required to become their own risk managers and ensure that imported products comply with FDA standards for preventative controls. Gain insight into how SQF supplier approval requirements align with the FSVP program. Discover best practices for developing a supplier risk assessment program that complies with both SQF and FSVP and learn how to assess and mitigate any gaps in your current program. Take home ideas for developing your own risk-based supplier approval program.

For the most up-to-date schedule, please visit

www.sqfconference.com

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EDUCATION PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS cont.

Safe Food Transportation under FSMA: What You Need To Know to Comply

» Tom Scollard, Vice President of Dedicated Contract Carriage, Penske Logistics

Through real-world examples, this informative session will present best practices and actionable insights for the safe transportation of perishable goods in compliance with FSMA requirements. Learn what you need to know about vehicle design and maintenance, temperature control, training, records and retention, establishing written procedures and clarifying responsibilities, information exchange to avoid contamination and enhancing visibility throughout the supply chain and discover how to benchmark your operations against FSMA regulations.

What’s Your “EQ?”: Assessing and Mitigating Your“Exposure Quotient”

» Melanie Neumann, President, Neumann Risk Services, LLCDo you know your company’s “EQ” - its legal, regulatory and brand reputation exposure risk? In this session you’ll discuss practical, objective and measurable criteria and factors that will help you evaluate your organization’s Exposure Quotient and build effective risk management strategies to mitigate them. Discuss risk assessment in the supply chain, food fraud evaluation and the importance of incorporating food safety culture into your programs.

The Best Defense is a Good Defense: Risk, Readinessand Resiliency in Protecting the Food Supply

» Rod Wheeler, Founder and CEO of the Global Food Defense Institute, Senior Law Enforcement Contributor/Crime Analyst, Fox News Channel

FDA’s proposed food defense rule under FSMA requires food facilities to prepare and implement a Food Defense plan to assess vulnerability, identify actionable process steps and implement mitigation strategies to prevent the intentional adulteration of the food supply. Get an overview of the types and scope of threats that food facilities face and how to identify the difference between intentional and unintentional contamination. Learn the key steps to complying with FSMA and SQF Code food defense requirements, review best practices for developing a food defense plan and focused mitigation strategies and see what’s in store for the future of food defense. Participants will leave with a better sense of how to recognize risk, enhance readiness, improve resiliency and use their best offense for good defense.

A Recall Plan: Be Prepared or Be Sorry

» Roger Roeth, Executive Technical Officer, EAGLE Certification Group

Recalls continue to plague the food industry. Will you be prepared if it happens to you? Find out in this valuable session, where you’ll gain insight into the key elements of a robust recall and withdrawal program and discover if you measure up. Learn from real-life case studies how to avoid common failures in a recall plan, understand the difference between a mock recall and a trace exercise and equip yourself with the key tools to perform and document a successful mock exercise that will prepare you for a real-life situation.

Great ExSPECtations: The Ins and Outs of Supplier Specifications

» Jorge Acosta, SQF Auditor, Director of Professional Services, Alchemy Systems

The integrity of food products starts with high quality raw materials. Let your supplier specifications be one of your gateways to success. By attending this session, you’ll understand the elements of a robust supplier approval process, be able to conduct and document risk assessment for new suppliers and know how to identify and respond to the types of errors found in supplier specifications. Using real world examples from an auditor’s perspective, you’ll learn how to implement a system to ensure that your suppliers measure up to your quality and safety standards, meet SQF requirements, and fulfill customer expectations.

Best Practices for an Effective Pathogen Control Program

» Doug Marshall, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer, Eurofins Microbiology Laboratories, Inc.

Proper implementation of FSMA required preventive controls requires a sound understanding of best practices to control pathogens in a number of different food processing scenarios. Understanding the nature of Salmonella and Listeria under such varied situations is key to designing and executing proper control programs. Discover the essential scientific elements for successful pathogen control and review the value of using advanced microbiological test methods for program validation and routine verification. Participants will leave with the skills they need to be able to structure raw material and supplier verification programs, understand how to validate and verify pathogen kill steps and communicate the fundamentals for effective environmental monitoring programs.

FDA’s Inspector-to-Investigator Shift: Managing YourRisk & Liability

» Shawn Stevens, Legal Counsel, Food Industry Lawyer, Food Industry Counsel LLC

» Jeff Chilton, SQF Auditor, VP of Professional Services, Alchemy Systems

Following the recent Peanut Corporation of America decision, the FDA has overhauled its approach to inspections, shifting the role of an inspector to the role of investigator. This session provides an overview of the new regulatory structure, guidance concerning risk management, and information on protecting your company and your team members from personal liability. Attendees will walk away with a deeper understanding of the high stakes involved in personal liability for food safety issues, and understand how to handle future FDA assessments to mitigate risks.

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Conference InformationRegistration2015 Attendee Discount Rate (valid until September 30, 2016)

$950

Early Bird Discount Rate

(valid until July 31, 2016)

$950

Standard Rate (August 1 -

October 20, 2016)

$1,050

Onsite Rate (October 21-27, 2016) $1,150

Spouse Fee (includes participation

in evening activities)

$100

Student Discount Rate (Full Time Students Only - Valid ID

Required)

$795

Training Class ONLY surcharge (does NOT include cost

of training class)

$100

Rates do not include hotel accommodations, travel or training classes

Groups of 5 or more receive a $50 discount on the prevailing price (conference rate only - does not apply to training classes). Please contact FMI registration for more details and to register your group.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Refund of the registration fee, minus a $75 processing fee, will be made for any cancellation received in writing to register@fmi.org by October 7, 2016. If notice is received by October 14, 2016, a 60% refund will be given. Any cancellations received after October 14, 2016, will not be refunded. Registrations can be transferred to another company employee at any point prior to the conference.

HotelThe official hotel for the 2016 SQF International Conference is:

Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando™ 6300 Hollywood Way Orlando, FL, 32819

SQF has negotiated a very competitive hotel room rate of 189.00 / night plus tax (currently at 12.5%). For online reservations visit www.sqfconference.com and click on the Housing and Registration tab.

To make a reservation by phone, call 1-866-360-7395 and reference the “2016 SQF International Conference” to receive the discounted rate.

Final reservation cut-off date: Friday, September 30, 2016 at 5:00pm (local hotel time). After this date, SQFI cannot guarantee availability or the reduced conference rate. Reservations will be subject to the hotel’s current availability and rates.

TravelAirport: Orlando International Airport (MCO) is 16 miles from Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Taxi: Approximately $55 one-way per car. Self-Parking is available at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at $20 per day, per vehicle.

SQF CONFERENCE PLANNING COMMITTEE

The 2016 SQF International Conference is designed and developed by your peers. SQFI and FMI are grateful for their insight and hard work in developing this conference.

Danielle Bailey, Certification Manager, Eagle Certification Group

Tom Benthien, Corporate Quality Assurance and Capital Projects, Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc.

Anne Cooper, Technical Manager, Agri-Food, SAI Global

Wrayanne Cruz, Quality Manager, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters

Melody Ge, Senior Quality Assurance Manager, Lidl US, LLC

Rich Gibson, Director, Food Safety and QA, Comprehensive Food Safety, LLC

Cherie Hacker, Corporate Manager, Manufacturing QA and Food Safety, Meijer, Inc.

Cory Hedman, Vice President, Corporate Food Safety, Meijer, Inc.

Daniel Hobbs, End Center Department Manager, Crown Beverage Packaging

Pam Hutton, Director, Quality, Faribault Foods, Inc.

Margaret Kolk, Director of Training, SCS Global Services

Eva Lauve, Scheduling and Food Safety Manager, Stemilt Growers, LLC

David Melton, Manager, Food Safety and Quality, ConAgra Foods

Laura Dunn Nelson, VP Business Development, Alchemy Systems

Mark Park, Corporate Compliance, United States Bakery

Michael Roberson, Director, Corporate Quality Assurance, Publix

Tedd Wittenbrink, Technical Director, Mérieux NutriSciences

CONTACT US

Program and General QuestionsAmanda Bond-Thorley, CMPabondthorley@fmi.org202.220.0606

Registration Valencia Covingtonregister@fmi.org202.220.0662

Housing and LogisticsMarc Thomasmthomas@fmi.org202.220.0804

TrainingKristie Grzywinski (Curriculum ONLY)kgrzywinski@sqfi.com202.341-7932

Sponsorships and MarketingSarah Malenichsmalenich@sqfi.com202.220.0660

2345 Crystal DriveSuite 800Arlington, VA 22202-4801

A Safer World. A Smarter You.

October 25-27, 2016 • Orlando, FloridaLoews Royal Pacific Resort

 at Universal Orlando™ Resort

Jimmy Buffett’s ® Margaritaville ® Jimmy Buffett. Loews Royal Pacific Resort logo © 2016 UCF Hotel Venture. All rights reserved. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2016 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.