CheeseExpo, a biennial event hosted by Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) and the Center for Dairy Research (CDR), returns from April 16 to 18 at the Baird Center in Milwaukee, Wis. 

CheeseExpo is a gathering of more than 4,000 cheese industry professionals and features educational seminars, networking opportunities, a sold-out exhibit floor with the latest in global dairy processing technology, and celebrations of industry excellence.

CheeseExpo follows 2023’s CheeseCon, which will return in 2025. While CheeseCon’s tradeshow floor featured tabletop exhibits, CheeseExpo is different as its exhibitors will showcase their services and equipment in large-format booth displays (e.g., cheese vats, robotics, packaging equipment displays, etc.).

“CheeseExpo is North America’s largest gathering of dairy processors and the world’s largest expo focused on cheese and whey processing,” John Umhoefer, WCMA executive director, tells Dairy Foods. “It’s the only dairy industry event that offers the expertise of CDR, WCMA, and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy to professionals in the global dairy processing community. This combination of full-scale technology exhibits and world-class educational opportunities is available only at CheeseExpo.”

CheeseExpo is open to a wide variety of professionals in the dairy processing industry: CEOs, vice presidents, and owners; as well as plant managers and supervisors; food safety and quality assurance staff; artisan cheesemakers; human resources personnel; marketing staff and product distributors; research and development scientists; sales staff; young professionals; maintenance and sanitation workers; government officials; and more.

“Dairy manufacturers, processors, marketers, and their supplier partners will find engaging seminars, valuable networking opportunities, a sold-out exhibit floor featuring more than 600 booths with the latest in global dairy technology, energetic celebrations of industry excellence, and much more,” Umhoefer says.

What’s new

More than ever before, CheeseExpo’s educational programming is focused on sustainability and its intersection with profitability and workforce development, states Umhoefer. “In 2024, attendees will see the return of a human resources-focused track featuring one of the most respected voices in the field sharing ways that dairy processors can maximize their sustainability investment by leveraging it as a tool for workforce attraction and retention,” he relays.

Regarding specific educational sessions, CheeseExpo has a lot to offer this year, having secured an international lineup of industry experts and researchers. The Opening Keynote, sponsored by RELCO on Wednesday, April 17, is titled Sustainability: The FrieslandCampina Story. During this session, Sumeet Mathur, managing director of FrieslandCampina Consumer Dairy Americas, shares the Dutch cooperative’s learnings at the cutting edge of dairy sustainability. Mathur currently leads the FrieslandCampina business for North America and Latin America following years of dairy industry experience including strategic roles with Nestlé in India, Switzerland, and Indonesia.  

Wednesday morning then breaks into three concurrent seminars:

• The keynote conversation continues during Dairy Sustainability through the Supply Chain. A panel talk, led by Dr. Michel Wattiaux, University of Wisconsin Professor of Dairy Systems Management, details industry leaders’ efforts — from farm to table — to meet “must-do” metrics for a lower carbon footprint and the expectations of their customers. 
• CDR offers the latest in dairy research and technology with a technical session focused on Cheese Functionality and Performance. In this session, CDR’s team details new research into the functionality of low-moisture part-skim mozzarella, blister formation, the impact of anti-caking agents for shredded cheese performance, and controlling functionality when using concentrated milks. 
• Hear directly from elected leaders in Policy Leadership and the 2024 Election. This panel discussion, presented by WCMA, focuses on the hottest topics of the day: Farm Bill issues, food labeling enforcement, immigration reform, nutrition programs, a state-level trend to legalize raw milk sales, and much more. 

Thursday April 18 offers four more seminar options: 

• Lead your business into the future with a special session focused on Building Your Workforce on an ESG (environmental, social, governance) Foundation. Join Jim Link, chief human resources officer for the Society for Human Resources Management, for a deep dive into the needs and wants of an essential team, and strategies to make the most of ESG efforts when it comes to workforce attraction and retention, too.  
• Join CDR and academic partners from the University of Wisconsin-Madison for a technical session on the Impact of Dairy on Human Health. This features the latest research on bioactive peptides and decreasing high blood pressure in humans, the potential impact of biogenic amines, and addressing issues with clinical lipid nutrition. 
• Discover how dairy could play a role in the emerging bioeconomy with a technical deep dive on Whey Permeate Utilization. In this session, University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists will share new perspectives on transforming dairy coproducts like permeate or acid whey into value-added materials with endless potential for new applications, such as bioplastics and fermentation. 
• The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy presents Food Safety Information for Dairy Processors. Talks will focus on best practices, including advanced root cause analysis using whole genome sequencing and the latest research into Listeria prevention.

Beyond Education 

CheeseExpo is of course a great way to network with colleagues as well. Attendees can connect with friends at CheeseExpo’s special events, including the Tetra Pak Welcome Reception to the celebratory finish at the Custom Fabricating & Repair Afterglow Reception.

In between these bookend events, the next generation of dairy processing leaders will gather at the WCMA Young Professionals Event Tuesday evening.

“Enjoy Amcor’s Wednesday Breakfast and head off to a full day of learning and growth before you grab a bidding paddle and join the ever-popular Chr. Hansen Reception & Championship Cheese Auction,” Umhoefer notes. “On Thursday, attendees will salute industry greats at the WCMA Recognition Breakfast exclusively sponsored by dsm-firmenich.”

CheeseExpo closes Thursday evening with the World Champions Reception exclusively sponsored by Ever.Ag, followed by the World Champions Awards Banquet, celebrating winners from the 2024 World Championship Cheese Contest.

 Dairy manufacturers, processors, retailers, and distributors can enjoy access to the exhibits, complimentary lunches, and networking receptions for as low as $40, Umhoefer stresses. For more information or to register, visit CheeseExpo.org. 

The final day for advance registrations will be April 8. After that date, all registrations will need to take place on-site.