AFFI-CON, presented by the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) and taking place March 3–6 at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, is annually attended by over 1,500 food industry professionals. The event brings together processors, logistics providers, suppliers, retailers, and foodservice distributors and operators from all sectors of the frozen food industry to conduct meetings and learn about key industry issues.

A central focus for AFFI-CON is The Hub, open daily on Saturday, Sunday and Monday during the show. The Hub is designed as a location for attendees to meet up with industry colleagues, grab a snack or coffee, and find answers to any conference questions. The space features free Wi-Fi and meeting tables.

New this year, The Hub will also include a meeting space for AFFI-CON’s education programs, including:

  • “From Unpredictable to Possible: Competing in a World of Constant Change,” led by Larry Robertson, founder and president, Lighthouse Consulting, and award-winning author of “The Language of Man” and “A Deliberate Pause”
  • “The Modern Frozen Consumer by the Numbers,” led by Gregory Hobby, vice president, sales and emerging brands, SPINS
  • “The State of Food Retail and What It Means for Frozen,” led by Leslie Sarasin, president and CEO, Food Marketing Institute
  • “Big Data and Analytics Come to Frozen Manufacturing,” led by Timothy Freier, division vice president, scientific affairs and microbiology, Mérieux NutriSciences

The Hub will also be home to an expanded networking lounge for evening receptions. Networking opportunities during AFFI-CON include the First Timers Reception, AFFI-CON Welcome Reception and a Craft Beer & Wine Tasting Reception.

Additional networking and social opportunities exist on Monday afternoon and evening when AFFI-CON will host an AFFI NextGen Happy Hour at TopGolf Las Vegas followed by a Frozen Food Foundation Fundraiser, also at TopGolf Las Vegas.

Food Export, in conjunction with AFFI, will conduct daily “International Buying Missions” at AFFI-CON 2018. This is an opportunity for suppliers of product with at least 50 percent U.S. agricultural origin to meet qualified global buyers, including retailers, wholesalers, distributors and foodservice.

AFFI-CON is also offering meeting rooms and suites for business meetings to meet with key business contacts.

For complete details and to register, visit http://afficon.affi.org.