We’ve been Keeping it Sweet at the Symposium for 40 YEARS.

Mark your calendar to join us for our 40th Annual International Sweetener Symposium as we celebrate the farmers, workers, bankers, and other industry professionals who make our industry run so sweetly.

Plan now to attend the 40th International Sweetener Symposium, to be held August 1-6, 2025, at the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City, Michigan. You won’t want to miss this milestone event!  The International Sweetener Symposium is an annual event that brings together nearly 500 from across the sweetener industry to learn more about the most significant and timely issues affecting the industry. The program is filled with educational and informative sessions, while also leaving ample time for attendees to network with their sweetener industry colleagues.

The program traditionally includes presentations from:

  • Members of Congress
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Trade Representative, and U.S. Department of Commerce Under Secretaries and staff – among other government representatives
  • Economic and Farm Policy Experts
  • International Representatives
  • … and more!

With so much turmoil in farm country and the uncertainty of the new Congress on the horizon, attendance at next year’s Symposium is a must for all industry players. No matter who wins, the 2024 elections will usher in a new Congress and new changes at the federal agencies that manage sugar policy. What threats and opportunities lie ahead for the domestic sugar industry with respect to new elements of sugar policy, greater environmental regulations, dynamic sugar markets at home and abroad, heightened nutritional standards, and complex trade policies and challenges? The 2025 ASA Symposium will be a critically important meeting for industry leaders to dissect these vital issues and chart a path forward to ensure our industry remains strong and resilient in the years to come.

In addition to the compelling program content, the Symposium schedule allows free time every afternoon to enhance your industry relations in this comfortable setting.

Preliminary program and registration materials will be available in May.  Celebrating 40 years of bringing the sugar industry together, this is one industry meeting you won’t want to miss—mark your calendar for this important must-attend 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 chic tower room, the newly renovated lodge room, and condos ranging from golf views to bay views.

ASA has secured special Symposium lodging rates and options.  Room types offered will include  the newly renovated hotel rooms (rates of $289), the chic tower rooms ($319), a variety of suites and area condominiums. (Rates are exclusive of tax and fees).

The Symposium room block will open by March 1, 2025. In the meantime, please go forward with making your transportation plans.  For more information on the Grand Traverse Resort, visit https://www.grandtraverseresort.com/stay/about-our-resort

The charming town of Traverse City is located just six miles from the resort. Winning accolades from Bon Appetit magazine, Midwest Living and others, Traverse City ranks as one of five top foodie towns in America, offering 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 Placein America” by Good Morning America. And while Traverse City has been known as the cherry capital of the world, many of the cherry orchards are now thriving as local wineries and craft breweries. For more information, visit https://www.traversecity.com/.

AIR TRANSPORTATION:  Getting to Traverse City is easy. The Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City located just 6 miles or 10 minutes from the resort. TVC’s airport now offers 20 non-stop flights to cities across the US on a variety of carriers. 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.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION:

  • Shuttle Service:  Upon arrival at the Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City, transportation options include rental cars or the resort’s complimentary shuttle service. To make airport shuttle reservations, call the resort’s bell stand at 231-534-6420. A 24-hour notice is required for all transportation needs. If you plan to explore the area, a rental car is recommended.
  • Taxi Services:  Traverse City Taxi Cab provides service to the Traverse City region, as well as custom personalized services including airport and wine tours.https://tctaxicab.com/

PARKING:

The resort offers complimentary on-site parking, as well as valet parking.

For more information, visit https://www.grandtraverseresort.com/explore/getting-here

Optional tour information will be forthcoming.  In the meantime, for general information on the Traverse City, visit https://www.traversecity.com/ or https://www.grandtraverseresort.com/explore/activities#!/.

August 1 (Friday)
1:00-5:00 p.m. – Registration
All Day – Optional Tours

August 2 (Saturday)
8:00a.m.-7:00p.m. – Registration
All Day – Optional Tours
6:00-7:00p.m. – Meet & Greet Reception

August 3 (Sunday)
8:00a.m.-9:00p.m. – Registration
All Day – Optional Tours
8:00a.m.-12:00p.m. – ASA Golf Tournament
7:00-9:00p.m. – Welcome Reception Gala

August 4 (Monday)
7:30-9:00a.m. – Breakfast Session
9:00a.m.-12:00p.m. – General Session
9:00a.m.-2:00p.m. – Spouse Tour
12:00-2:00p.m. – ASA Annual Meeting/Luncheon Session
Afternoon & Evening On Your Own

August 5 (Tuesday)
7:30a.m.-9:00a.m. – Breakfast Session
9:00a.m.-12:00p.m. – General Session
12:00-2:00p.m. – Luncheon Session
Afternoon – On Your Own
6:00-10:00p.m. – Finale Dinner Dance

August 6 (Wednesday)
All Day – Departures

For a pre- or post-Symposium stay, consider the historic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, located two-hours north from Traverse City. Please know that the months of July and August are peak season for the Grand Hotel and they tend to sell out; therefore, don’t delay in securing your reservations for pre/post travel to this historic hotel.

For more information and/or to make reservations at the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island, visit https://www.grandhotel.com. A list of FAQ, including transportation options to Mackinaw Island can be found at https://www.grandhotel.com/our-story/faq/.