For the first time in the 30-year history of the International Dairy Foods Association will broadcast live several key sessions from its annual Dairy Forum. Dairy Foods is providing the live-streaming sessions on Jan. 26 and 27 from Boca Raton, Fla.
 
“Dairy Forum has become the must-attend meeting for U.S. dairy leaders,” said Connie Tipton, IDFA president and CEO (pictured above). “It offers an exceptional opportunity to build relationships, hear about the latest consumer trends from industry experts and discuss the current political landscape as it relates to the dairy industry. 
 
“Although these webinars can’t capture the full in-person experience, we’re pleased to partner with Dairy Foods magazine to bring several of our key sessions and speakers to a broader dairy audience,” she said.  
 
 
 
“Last year, the onsite attendance topped 1,000, and now we’re partnering with IDFA to offer those who are unable to attend in person the chance to attend selected sessions remotely through live webinars,” said Tom Imbordino, publisher of Dairy Foods magazine. “What’s more, if your busy schedule doesn’t allow you to watch live, you can still access the scheduled broadcast on demand at any time.”
 
These sessions will be broadcast live and available on demand: 
January 26. 8:15-9:00 a.m. Eastern
“2020 Vision,” President’s Address
They say hindsight is 20/20, but Connie Tipton, IDFA president and CEO, is turning that adage on its head. She plans to look forward to the next five years with a focused vision on important changes ahead for the dairy industry. In her address, Tipton will challenge industry leaders to be willing to shake things up. She will unveil plans to ramp up IDFA activities during the run up to 2020. 
 
9:15-10:15 a.m. Eastern
“Collaborating to Combat Childhood Obesity”
Obesity prevention remains a pressing public health priority in the United States and around the world, and it is influencing government policies. Public/private sector partnerships are making a difference as more and more food and beverage companies are voluntarily participating in programs designed to end childhood obesity. Learn what the dairy industry is doing to help fight childhood obesity. Top executives will discuss efforts to improve the health of future generations. 
 
12:30-1:30 p.m. Eastern
“Celebrating Excellence Awards”
These awards recognize leaders who have contributed to the advancement of dairy through service, innovation and dedication to the improvement of the industry. These leaders are truly making a difference for dairy. Tune in to meet the 2015 Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year, the 2015 National Cheese Institute Laureate and Dairy Foods’ 2014 Processor of the Year, The Dannon Co. 
 
January 27. 10:45 a.m. – Noon Eastern
“Telling the Milk Story: Safeguarding Consumer Confidence in Milk’s Goodness”
Milk continues to be buffeted by animal activist claims, fad diet mandates and competitive product campaigns. Industry research shows that negative media coverage and competitive advertising are eroding consumer confidence in milk, yet when positive news about milk increases, attitudes about milk improve significantly. Learn what the consumer research conducted by the Milk Processor Education program (MilkPEP) has uncovered about messages that are most likely to keep consumers drinking and feeling good about milk. See how the milk industry and its partners are telling insight-based, relevant, motivating and emotional stories to reinforce consumer confidence.