We’ve been Keeping it Sweet at the Symposium for 40 YEARS.
Plan now to attend the 40th Annual International Sweetener Symposium as we celebrate the farmers, workers, bankers, and other industry professionals who make our industry run so sweetly. This milestone industry event will be held August 1-6, 2025, at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa in Traverse City, Michigan. 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 uncertainty surrounding farm, trade and nutrition policy over the next few years, attendance at this year’s Symposium is a must for all who are invested in the U.S. sugar market, sweetener industry, and food manufacturing industry. 2025 has ushered in a new Congress, a new administration, 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 farm and trade policy, and the dynamics of global sugar markets? Will changes to nutritional standards and diet policy at the Food and Drug Administration run headlong into farm and food policy from the USDA? The 2025 ASA Symposium will be a critically important meeting for all industry stakeholders to gain a better understanding of how the changing foundations in federal government and policy directions will affect farm, factory and food manufacturing going forward. We look forward to dissecting these vital issues and charting a path forward together 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! In the meantime, please go forward with your travel plans. The ASA special room block at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa is now open.
Learn more about the Grand Traverse Resort
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’s Symposium room block at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa is now open. Lodging options include the chic tower rooms ($319+tax), newly renovated lodge rooms ($289+tax), a variety of suites, and condos ranging from studios to 3-bedrooms. Please book your Symposium lodging (1) online at ASA – GTR Room Block or (2) by calling the hotel’s main reservation line at 231-534-6000 and advise you are with the American Sugar Alliance group block.
Due to the popularity and location of this event, the room block is expected to sell out quickly. If you are unable to secure your preferred reservation dates, please reach out to [email protected] to be added to our waitlist.
For general information on the Grand Traverse Resort, visit https://www.grandtraverseresort.com/stay/about-our-resort
Learn More about Traverse City
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/.
Transportation Options
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 Tours
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#!/.
Schedule
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.-2:00p.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
PRE/POST TRAVEL TO MACKINAC ISLAND
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/.