The 35th International Sweetener Symposium will be held August 3-8, 2018, at the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City, Michigan. Attendance at next year’s Symposium is a must for all industry players. With the current Farm Bill set to expire in 2018, where will Congress be with drafting the next Farm Bill and what will it mean for the sugar industry? Will the new Administration’s trade agenda and its promise to renegotiate many of the existing agreements affect agriculture? How are the new Suspension Agreements regarding the U.S.-Mexico sugar trade working? What is the current balance in the world sugar market and how does that translate to the U.S. and world sugar market outlook? What are the new issues facing sugar and sugar-containing-product consumption and current trends in these markets? What is the outlook for the mid-term elections and how might the outcome affect potential passage of the Farm bill? This is one sweetener industry meeting you won’t want to miss—plan now to attend this important must-attend industry event!
The Grand Traverse Resort & Spa is a world-class resort located along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay in the northwest corner of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Situated on 900-acres, the resort is the largest full-service, year-round destination resort and conference center in the Midwest. While the Grand Traverse Resort is well known for its three spectacular championship golf courses, its crown jewel and signature course is the Jack Nicklaus designed “Bear” Golf Course. The resort also features a full-service spa, distinctive dining venues, shopping complex, tennis and sports complex, and much more. Lodging options include the newly renovated and chic tower rooms, lodge rooms, and condos ranging from golf views to bay views. And to further compliment the resort, the charming town of Traverse City is located just six miles. Recently named as “one of five top foodie towns in America” by Bon Appetit magazine, Traverse City offers a wonderful culinary experience and extensive dining options. This scenic area is also home to the majestic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, voted “Most Beautiful Place in America” by Good Morning America. And while Traverse City is best known as the cherry capital of the world, the area is now home to many local wineries and craft breweries. The 2018 Symposium room block at the Grand Traverse Resort is now open. To make reservations, visit Grand Traverse Resort-Symposium Reservations or call 231-534-6000 and refer to the American Sugar Alliance room block.
Getting to Traverse City is easy with the Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City located just 10 minutes from the resort. Other area airports include the Gerald Ford International Airport (GRR) located in Grand Rapids which is a 2.5-hour drive; MBS International Airport (MBS) located in Freeland, Michigan which is a 2.5-hour drive; and Detroit International Airport (DTW), a 4-hour drive; and more.
For a pre- or post-Symposium stay, consider the historic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, located 2 hours from Traverse City. ASA has secured a small block of rooms at a preferred rate for stay before or after the Symposium. To receive a group reservation form for the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island for pre- or post-Symposium stay, please call ASA at 703-351-5055.
Plan now to attend the 2018 Symposium at the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City and experience “Pure Michigan” in “True North.” Registration materials will be available in May. In the meantime, please go forward with making your Symposium room reservations at Grand Traverse Resort-Symposium Reservations.
2018 SYMPOSIUM SCHEDULE
August 3 (Friday)
1:00-5:00 p.m. – Registration
All Day – Optional Tours
August 4 (Saturday)
8:00a.m.-7:00p.m. – Registration
All Day – Optional Tours
6:00-7:00p.m. – Meet & Greet Reception
August 5 (Sunday)
8:00a.m.-9:00p.m. – Registration
All Day – Optional Tours
8:00a.m.-12:00p.m. – ASA Golf Tournament
6:30-9:00p.m. – Welcome Reception Gala
August 6 (Monday)
7:30-9:00a.m. – Breakfast Session
9:00a.m.-12:00p.m. – General Session
12:00-2:00p.m. – ASA Annual Meeting/Luncheon Session
Afternoon & Evening – On Your Own
August 7 (Tuesday)
7:30a.m.- 9:00a.m. – Breakfast Session
9:00a.m.-12:00p.m. – General Session
Lunch & Afternoon – On Your Own
6:00-10:00p.m. – Dinner Event
August 8 (Wednesday)
7:30-9:00 a.m. – Breakfast Session
9:00a.m.-12:00 noon – General Session
12:00 noon – Adjournment