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Symposium

symp logo 27

 

Policy, Perceptions & Prospects for the Market

 

Mark your calendar for the 27th International Sweetener Symposium, to be held July 30 – August 4, 2010, at the Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa in Vail, Colorado.

PROGRAM & REGISTRATION

The theme of this year's Symposium, "Policy, Perceptions and Prospects for the Market" will explore a broad range of timely topics of great interest to all industry stakeholders.  Upheaval in the global financial sector, integration of the U.S. and Mexican sugar markets, and new supply and demand realities have made for fascinating times for the world sugar economy. Where do we go from here? Can U.S. and Mexican sugar producers find financing and some promise of market stability? Can industrial buyers of sugar depend on ample supplies?  Are the sugar policies of both countries up to the test of full U.S.-Mexican market integration?  Do a WTO Doha Round agreement, or other trade deals, presage threat or benefit for sugar producers in the North American and elsewhere?

All sugar market stakeholders will want to explore these issues with the Symposium's panels of renowned industry experts and key policymakers. Listen, learn, and add your views at lively and informative sessions on these and other vital topics.

Traditionally, about 400 people attend the Symposium to hear the most significant and timely issues affecting the industry and to network with their sweetener industry colleagues.  In addition to the compelling program content, the Symposium schedule allows free time every afternoon to enhance your industry relations in this unique and comfortable setting.

A detailed program and registration materials will be available in late May. In the meantime, please go forward with making your travel arrangements and plan to attend this important industry event.

SCHEDULE

July 30 (Friday)
Registration

July 31 (Saturday)
Registration 
Optional Tours
Meet & Greet Reception

August 1 (Sunday)
Registration
Golf Tournament  (8am)
Optional Tours
Welcome Reception

August 2 (Monday)
Breakfast Session
General Sessions
Annual Meeting/Lunch
Dinner on your own

August 3 (Tuesday)
Breakfast Session
General Sessions
Dinner Event at 4 Eagle Ranch

August 4 (Wednesday)
Breakfast Session
General Sessions
Adjournment @ noon

LODGING & RESORT INFO

The Vail Marriott Mountain Resort and Spa is a four-star resort with the ideal location in the heart of Vail.  This full service resort features luxurious air conditioned rooms, a European Spa, indoor pool, outdoor pool, whirlpools, several on-property dining options, concierge, business center, bike rentals, and sports shop.  Ideally located next to the newly renovated Lionshead Village, guests will be just steps away from the gondola, Adventure Ridge, shopping, dining, art galleries and recreational activities.  With the paved bike path located out the resort's back entrance and the town's shuttle picking up from the resort's main entrance, you'll have easy access to all of Vail Village's attractions. Area activities include several award winning golf courses nearby, whitewater rafting, jeep tours, zipline tours, fly fishing, horseback riding, hot air ballooning, world class shopping, and gourmet dining. To make reservations at the Vail Marriott Mountain Resort and Spa, visit http://cwp.marriott.com/whrco/asa or call 1-800-648-0720 and refer to the American Sugar Alliance room block. Rates include $223 (standard), $277 (deluxe king) and $284 (studio king). The cut-off date for reservations is July 23.

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Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa, 4400 W. Lionshead Circle, Vail, CO

 

A small block of rooms is also being held at the Antlers at Vail condomium complex which is located next door to the Marriott (approx. 5 minute walk).  For familes needing larger accommodations, this condominium complex offers studios to four-bedroom units with fireplaces, balconies, kitchens, entertainment centers, daily maid service, exercise room, outdoor pool, hot tubs and sauna. Note:  Antlers does not offer room service. To make reservations at the Antlers at Vail condominium complex, call 1-800-843-8245 and ask for the ASA room block.  You may also make reservations online at www.antlersvail.com. Once on the Antlers' web site, choose the link for "book here," then choose the green link for "groups bookings click here," then enter "ASA" as both the Group ID and the password. Rates include $223 (1-bedroom/1-bathroom), $342 (2-bedroom/2-bathroom), $375 (3-bedroom/2-bathroom) and $636 (4-bedroom/4-bathroom).

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Antlers at Vail, 680 Lionshead Place, Vail, CO

 

TRANSPORTATION

airplane Air Travel to this ideal Rocky Mountain location includes:

1. Denver International Airport (DEN) is a two-hour drive (110 miles) and is serviced by most major airlines.

2. Eagle County Airport (EGE) is a 30 minutes drive (30 miles) and is serviced by United Airlines, US Airways and American Airlines.

3. Colorado Springs Airport (COS) is a 3.5 hour drive (210 miles) and is serviced by most major airlines.

car Ground transportation options include:

1.  Rental cars are available at each airport.

2.  Colorado Mountain Express (CME) offers shuttle service from DEN and EGE airports.  To make reservations, call 1-800-334-7433 or visit http://www.cmex.com/ and reference discount code "ASA." CME rates are $75.60 per person one-way to/from Denver International Airport and $44.10 per person one-way to/from Eagle Airport for shared shuttle service.  *Advance reservations are highly recommended.

AREA INFORMATION

Vail Valley is world famous as a favorite year-round destination.  Nestled in the Rocky Mountains in central Colorado approximately 110 miles west of Denver, Vail is rated the largest and most popular ski resort in North American.  However, this beautifully quaint alpine village is much more than just a wintertime location.  Its comfortable elevation of 8,150 feet contributes to the area’s mild summertime weather with low humidity and August averages of 74°(high) and 39° (low), making Vail Valley the prefect summertime getaway.  The brilliantly sunny days, crystal clear blue skies and cool evenings are further complemented by the area’s breathtaking scenery and endless list of summertime activities.  This sportsman’s paradise offers award winning golf courses, hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, fly-fishing, horseback riding, hot air ballooning, jeep tours, and zipline tours. And just steps from the Vail Marriott, you can ride the gondola to Adventure Ridge at Vail Mountain’s Eagle’s Nest to experience activities for the whole family including laser tag, disc golf, volleyball and more.

The Vail Valley is equally well known for its world class shopping, international cuisine and musical and theater productions.  While the Marriott is located at the newly renovated and upscale Lionshead Village, the Bavarian-style Vail Village is just a quick shuttle bus ride or a 10 minute walk along the creek-side bike path.  There, you will discover countless gourmet restaurants, truly distinctive boutiques, quaint cafes and an array of art galleries.

The area is also rich in history.  The town takes great pride in paying tribute to the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division, formerly stationed at nearby Camp Hale.  This alpine combat arm of the U.S. military consisted of volunteers who were trained in mountain climbing, skiing, cold weather survival and combat.  These elite mountain troops played a significant role in several key battles during WWII.  A statue honoring the alpine mountain troops greets guests at the entrance of the Vail Village.

Another interesting stop in the town of Vail is the Ski Museum in the Transportation Center where you can learn about Vail's history, the creators of the area and the history of skiing.

The Vail Valley definitely offers something for everyone and will prove to be the perfect summertime getaway.  For more information, visit www.visitvailvalley.com or www.vail.com.

RECREATIONAL TOURS

The Vail Valley area has a bounty of activities and sites to experience.  Several optional tours and activities are being promoted to help you experience this unique area.  The tours below are being offered by two different tour operators.  To register for optional tours, please contact the noted tour operator directly. Advance registration by July 5 will help to ensure your participation in the tours. (Note: Optional tours are not official Symposium events.)

ASA Golf Tournament: Sunday, August 1, 8:00am-12:00pm: The Vail Golf Club is located 5 minutes from the resort.  Players should check-in at the golf course by 7:30 a.m. for the 8:00 a.m. shotgun start.  Players may drive themselves or take the provided bus transportation which will depart the main entrance of the Vail Marriott at 7:00 a.m.  Recognized by Golf Digest as a “Top 100 Resort Course,” this picturesque course is nestled at the base of the Gore Mountain Range and features greens that follow Gore Creek with the White River National Forest as a backdrop.  The elevation of 8,200 feet elevation will ensure your shots fly farther on this unique 18-hole, par 71 course. The golf club offers a full service golf shop, driving range, practice area, and an on-site restaurant. Tournament play will again be the popular scramble format where foursomes are comprised of golfers of varying skill levels and all members of the foursome play the “best ball.”  Prizes will be awarded to the low net score foursome, low gross score foursome, closest to the pin, and longest drive.  A continental breakfast will be provided before the shotgun start.  The winners will be announced during the Tuesday dinner event.  Please register with ASA on the Conference Registration Form (available in May with registration materials).

vail golf club

Zipline Tour: Saturday, July 31, AND Sunday, August 1, 8:00am–1:00pm: Zip Adventures offers the ultimate adrenaline rush while taking in the rugged beauty of Colorado.  Located 20 miles northwest of Vail at the authentic 4 Eagle Ranch, Zip Adventures offers a unique course consisting of separate ziplines ranging from 150 to 1000 feet in length and 100 to 200 feet above the floor of Alkali Canyon.  During your tour, you will experience pristine mountains, beautiful trees, raging rivers, jagged rock cliffs and the dramatic beauty of the canyons floor while zipping 30 miles per hour over a rugged canyon.  A thorough safety briefing will be provided prior to your drive to the canyon.  Two highly trained guides accompany each trip to ensure maximum safety, as well as educate about the flora, fauna, and wildlife. Tours depart hourly starting at 8:00 a.m. with the last tour departing at 1:00 p.m.  Each tour last approximately 2+ hours and can accommodate up to 12 people.  Bring hat, sunscreen, closed toe shoes or hiking boots, hair-tie for shoulder length hair, pants or shorts just above the knee, and rain jacket.  Cameras with straps are welcome.  Weight requirements are 60 lbs. minimum and 230 lbs. maximum.  Not recommended for people with heart, back, hip or knee problems or pregnant women.  Must be able to hike ¾ mile on trails.  Cost is $125 per person including all safety gear, water and snacksTransportation to Zip Adventures is on your own. For reservations, call 970-926-9470 or visit http://www.zipadventures.com/. Cancellation must be made 72 hours in advance

. zipline

 

Whitewater Rafting Tour: Saturday, July 31, AND Sunday, August 1, 9:15am–3:00pm: Meet at the front entrance of the Vail Marriott at 9:15 a.m. for the 45 minute scenic ride to the Colorado River’s Shoshone Rapids.  After a riverside safety presentation, you’ll hit the river to experience the beauty and exhilaration of the Rocky Mountains.  You will experience the majestic Glenwood Canyon with its towering red walls of rock, a natural hot spring, and possibly some wildlife.  Encounter Class II and Class III (intermediate) rapids, as well as a stretch of a “float trip” where swimming and scenic viewing can be enjoyed.  After 2+ hours on the river, your rafting excursion will conclude with a riverside luncheon.  Return to the hotel is expected around 3:00 p.m.  Recommended attire includes bathing suit, waterproof shorts, sunscreen, sunglasses and hat.  Price is $90 per adult and $80 (ages 7-12) and includes transportation, gear, and lunch (tax and gratuity not included). Children must be at least 8 years of age and able to swim. Make reservations directly with Nova Guides at 888-949-6682 and refer to the American Sugar Alliance so they may place you with our group.

novaguidesrafting

 

Jeep Tour: Saturday, July 31, AND Sunday, August 1, 9:15am–1:00pm: Experience the magnificent Rocky Mountains, in varied locations within the White River National Forest. As the Vail Valley’s premier outdoor recreation company for over 20 years, Nova’s guides can take you to elevation heights of 12,500 feet in open air Jeeps. You’ll experience views of high alpine meadows, wild flowers, Colorado’s famous 14,000-foot peaks and possibly local wildlife. Following the morning tour you will lunch at Nova’s beautiful new lodge at Camp Hale. Located 20 miles south of Vail, this picturesque site played a significant role in our history.  As a former U.S. Army training facility for the 10th Mountain Division, Camp Hale soldiers were trained in mountain climbing, skiing, cold-weather survival and combat for WWII.  Recommended attire includes layers for varying temperatures and sunglasses.  Be sure to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking vistas.  Prices for the lunch tour are $80(adults), $70(ages 7-12) and $40 (ages 6 and under)  and includes transportation to/from the Vail Marriott, tour, rain gear (if necessary) and lunch (tax and gratuity not included).  Make reservations directly with Nova Guides at 888-949-6682 and refer to the American Sugar Alliance so they may place you with our group.

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Preliminary program and registration materials will be available in late May.  In the meantime, please go forward with making your travel arrangements.  Feel free to email us or call us at 703.351.5055 with any additional questions. We look forward to seeing you in Vail in August 2010!

 

FUTURE DATES & LOCATIONS

2011 International Sweetener Symposium

July 29 - August 3, 2011
Stowe Mountain Lodge
Stowe, Vermont
www.Stowemountainlodge.com

stowe-lobby

 

2012 International Sweetener Symposium

August 3 - 8, 2012
Coeur d'Alene Golf & Spa Resort
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
link-icon www.cdaresort.com

coeur d alene

 

2013 International Sweetener Symposium

August 2 - 7, 2013
Silverado Resort & Spa
Napa Valley, California
link-icon www.silveradoresort.com

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Symposium

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Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida Learn how sugar is grown, harvested, milled and refined.
Jack Roney, ASA Director of Economics and Policy Analysis, Talks About Sugar Policy's No-Cost Projection Through 2020

Just as it has since 2002, the U.S. sugar policy is projected to operate at zero cost over the next ten years, according to USDA.