Effective project management techniques, product marketing and human resources management are just a few of the business fundamental educational sessions that will be available to the more than 20,000 participants at Worldwide Food Expo 2009, which will take place October 28-31at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Scheduled sessions/short courses include:

Wednesday, October 28

·    Today's Regulatory Environment

Today’s regulatory environment presents new challenges for companies. Learn the latest information on key regulatory issues that will affect your business.

·    Human Resources Management
New human resources challenges are developing that stand to impact food and beverage companies. Whether you are new to the industry or a CEO, this session will keep you up to date on the latest policies that impact your business.

·    Dairy products: Health and Wellness in a package

Calling all marketers. Learn the latest consumer insights and marketplace applications to support your brand and drive sales. Dairy products really do have it all and most of the time our products don’t get the credit they deserve. In a market where branding success means finding and translating the most effective consumer message, having a blueprint to reframe dairy’s benefit is critical. Turn marketing challenges for dairy into branding opportunities for you.

·    Web 2.0 --Transform Your Marketing, Empower Your Brand

These are just a few of the bewildering choices that confront today's marketers. Their customers exchange information at lightening speed by using technology that didn't exist five minutes ago. What do marketing professionals need to know about the technology explosion, known as social media or Web 2.0, to make sure their brand remains competitive in this evolving environment?

Thursday, October 29

·    Sanitation Best Practices for Meat Industry

Understanding and implementing sanitation best practices for RTE process will help you to assure that your product is safe.

·    Sanitation Best Practices for Dairy Industry

Understanding and implementing sanitation best practices to assure that your product is safe.

·    Finance and Business Basics for Plant Operators

Improve your business acumen and learn finance basics in this session including concepts like cash flow, ROI, inventory control and production costs.

Friday, October 30

·    The 4 Disciplines of Execution

The Four Disciplines of Execution provide the principles, skills and tools necessary to execute flawlessly again and again. This session will build the execution capability of individual team members. Participants will create their own goals and measures relevant to the organization’s priorities and will develop skills to identify and execute critical work goals.

·    International Dairy Market

Interested in exporting dairy products around the world? Learn about the latest international trends, the state of international markets and updated information on U.S. dairy exports.

Saturday, October 31

·    Business Resources for Small Business & Single Plant Operations

Discuss the BIG problems affecting your small business.
In addition, there will be a Business Resource Center at the IDFA Membership booth, which will be available to attendees who would like to meet with consultants and service providers from exhibiting companies.

The show features two co-located events: the International Dairy Foods Association, Food, Dairy & Beverage Exposition and the American Meat Institute International Meat, Poultry & Seafood Exposition.

For more information about each session, including registration fees and daily agendas, please visit www.worldwidefood.com.