To successfully position your company in today’s marketplace, it’s imperative to stay abreast of market trends, food safety regulations and technical procedures. That’s why the Refrigerated Foods Association is hosting its 34th annual conference and tabletop display, March 5-8 at the Omni Resort at ChampionsGate in Orlando.

The conference, themed “Advancing and Safeguarding the Refrigerated Foods Industry,” will feature a dynamic cast of speakers, a technical update featuring up-to-the-minute information on current technical and regulatory issues and a tabletop display of key suppliers showcasing their latest offerings in ingredients, equipment, packaging and services for the refrigerated foods industry. The conference will also include one-on-one CEO sessions, which allow key decision makers to meet face-to-face and discuss potential business opportunities.

“The Refrigerated Foods Association’s Annual Conference is truly the pinnacle of events for prepared, refrigerated food manufacturers and suppliers,” says Erik Lawser, executive director. “Our 2014 event will feature outstanding speakers on important food safety topics and current market trends, the latest innovations and technologies in supplier offerings during the tabletop display and unique networking opportunities such as the one-on-one CEO sessions.”

The conference will kick off with keynote speaker Dennis Snow, who will outline how to create a service-driven culture where excellence is the standard.

Dr. Elizabeth Sloan, president of Sloan Trends, Inc., San Diego, Calif., will share insights on the Top 10 trends and tips for selling more refrigerated foods. The presentation will also include analysis of the most important drivers, targets, trends and market shifts that offer the highest potential growth opportunities.

Meanwhile, Bill Seaver, president of MicroExplosion Media, Hendersonville, Tenn., will share with attendees how to make social media work for your company.

Martin Mitchell, managing director at Certified Laboratories, Inc., Turlock, Calif., will provide his annual “Technical Update” on how good compliance with OSHA regulations is the core of a successful safety program.

And, Philip Walling, technology development manager at DuPont USA, Wilmington, Del., will educate attendees on how to achieve good OSHA compliance through an approach that recognizes hazards in the workplace and uses safeguards to eliminate and control such hazards.

Plus, industry experts will host a panel discussion on “Chicken 101,” providing all you need to know about chicken processing. Panelists include Dr. Susan Watkins, extension poultry specialist at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Ark.; Kyle Vance, director of industrial sales for Tip Top Poultry, Marietta, Ga.; Stan Sherman, Jr., vice president of sales/procurement for Kustom Pak Foods Ltd., Sioux City, Iowa; and Steve Moore, a 36-year veteran of global new product development.

 To register for this event, go to www.refrigeratedfoods.org