A luxurious new venue, education sessions, exhibitors and plenty of networking and social opportunities await attendees at the 2016 Tortilla Industry Association (TIA) Convention & Trade Exposition in Southern California on May 18–19. Harrah’s Resort Southern California—located in Valley Center, just 45 miles south of downtown San Diego—will offer show-goers a host of amenities, including a world-class casino, numerous restaurants, three swimming pools and two golf courses. A special TIA discount rate of $139 per night is available with the TIA group code S05TOR6.

The resort will also house the sold-out exhibition and education sessions, so attendees won’t have to spend valuable time traveling to and from a second venue. The exhibition will be open from noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18, and from noon to 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 19. Nearly 50 companies will display their latest technology, services, equipment, components, ingredients, packaging and systems for the tortilla industry.

Education sessions will be held on Wednesday, May 18, from 8:30 to 9 a.m. and from 9:45 a.m. to noon, and on Thursday, May 19, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Some of the topics that will be covered are:

  • Business succession and wealth retention for family business
  • Commodities
  • Partially hydrogenated oil (PHO) replacement alternatives
  • The role and uses of enzymes in tortilla production
  • Legislative issues relevant to the tortilla industry
  • An immigration update and look at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers (IMAGE) program

The annual convention and expo will also offer attendees networking opportunities and leisure and entertainment activities. TIA’s annual golf tournament will be held on Tuesday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Woods Valley Golf Club in Valley Center. The tournament kicks off with a shotgun start at 11 a.m. Transportation will be provided to and from the course. The registration fee is $99 per person.

Those more partial to grapes than golf can participate in a wineries tour in nearby Temecula from noon to 5 p.m. Lunch and transportation will be provided; tickets can be purchased when registering for the convention.

Following the tournament and wineries tour, attendees can relax and catch up with friends and colleagues at a poolside welcome reception from 6:30–8 p.m.

On May 19, TIA will hold a pre-banquet reception at 6:30 p.m. in the hotel’s Champagne Foyer. The annual entertainment banquet will run from 7–9 p.m. Admission to the event is included with full registrations and can be purchased separately.

The entertainment banquet will feature the presentation of the TIA Hall of Fame awards and TIA scholarships. After the presentations, comedian and actor Paul Rodriguez will entertain the audience with his unique stand-up routine.

For more details or to register for the event, visit www.tortilla-info.com.