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Thursday, September 20 – Saturday, September 22, 2012,
Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD
 Experience the Power of the Organic Community
All Things Organic at Natural Products Expo East is the primary, annual gathering place for the Organic Trade Association (OTA) membership. Join OTA members, Board and staff for association business, member meetings, and social and networking events. OTA will host its Annual Meeting, Annual Awards Gala, along with Member Forum Gatherings, Task Force Meetings and a Member Hospitality Lounge throughout the show.
All Things Organic Conference Track
The Organic Trade Association (OTA), the leading authority on the North American organic market, will deliver a one-of-a-kind conference program with critical information on the issues that impact your organic business. Here are some of the sessions we have in store:
| Thursday, September 20 |
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Room 315 |
Organic Product Development – Exploring advancements in organic minor ingredients
Whether your products are certified organic and contain 95% organic ingredients or in the "made with" category, the goal of the organic sector has always been to make continual strides towards including as many organic ingredients as possible. Processors who keep pushing for better ingredient options, along with innovative ingredient manufactures, have been, and will continue to be, the catalysts for bringing new organic ingredients such as these to market. |
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Room 314 |
State of the Organic Industry
Leaders of the organic industry provide analysis of the growth, strengths and vulnerabilities of the industry in this executive-level briefing. |
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Room 314 |
Innovations in Organic Foodservice
Foodservice remains a largely untapped market for organic companies. Centerplate - one of the world's largest hospitality companies - has made strides in this area, and will tell us about the benefits and challenges of bringing your organic products to large venues, including sporting events, concerts and more. |
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Room 315
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Smoking Hot: Organic Beauty Trends
Our panel of industry experts share the hottest trends in the world of organic beauty, including innovative formulation, packaging, and go-to-market strategies. |
1:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Room 314 |
Featured Speaker: USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Deputy Secretary Merrigan’s thoughts on the issues affecting organic agriculture and trade. |
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Room 314 |
Farm Bill in Brief
Updates on critical programs from organic stakeholders directly impacted by the legislation. |
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Room 315 |
Beyond NOP: USDA Programs Assist Organic Farmers
In addition to the National Organic Program, the USDA offers a wealth of advice and resources to organic farmers. Come learn about what's on offer to assist you. |
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4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Room 314
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Global Impact: Social outcomes of organic in a global marketplace
The social and environmental impacts of organic agriculture are seen on a global basis. Our expert panel will discuss their companies’ efforts to improve conditions in the communities that supply many of their products’ ingredients. |
Friday, September 21 |
10:30 – 12:00 p.m.
Room 314 |
International Opportunities in Organic
Matthew Holmes of Canada OTA and Markus Arbenz of IFOAM co-host this panel to explore the latest developments in international organic trade. |
10:30 – 12:00 p.m.
Room 315 |
GMO Update
Our expert panel will provide updates on the major political and consumer initiatives relating to GMO’s. |
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Room 314 |
Detroit: Organic as a Mechanism for Urban Renewal
Organic food and farming are making meaningful contributions to the revitalization of one of America’s most storied cities. Come hear from business and community leaders who are creating opportunities within the city in this inspiring session.
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12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Room 315 |
Innovations in Organic Certification
Third-party certification is a key tenet of organic. Come hear from leading certifiers about developments in their businesses that improve the certification process and increase consumer confidence in the organic label. |
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1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Room 314
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Organic Legislative & Regulatory Update
Learn about the latest regulatory developments affecting organic businesses from key agencies and organizations. |
Organic Research and Promotion Program Town Hall
Friday, September 21 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Room 314
Learn about the proposed Organic Research and Promotion Program and add your voice to the most important initiative shaping the industry’s future. Join the Organic Trade Association to discuss how this initiative is moving forward to facilitate an industry decision on a research and promotion order for organic. This exciting opportunity will promote the organic brand and provide critical research for the continued health of the industry. Everyone in the organic sector is invited to participate!
Organic Trade Association Annual Meeting
Friday, September 21 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Room 315
Immediately following the Organic Research and Promotion Program Town Hall, OTA will host its Annual Meeting for Members next door. Come meet the Board of Directors and enjoy organic refreshments and networking.
Organic Trade Association (OTA) Annual Awards Gala
Wednesday, September 19 beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Following the Organic Summit, celebrate with your colleagues and honor the recipients of OTA’s Organic Leadership Award at the B&O Railroad Museum Roundhouse! Enjoy a delectable organic meal and cocktails in the roundhouse while touring one of the nation's most important railroad collections. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available.
Foreign Buyers’ Mission Meetings
Thursday through Sunday, pre-scheduled meetings
U.S. organic food and ingredient companies eager to promote their organic products in international markets have the opportunity to meet pre-qualified buyers from established and emerging international markets. The Organic Trade Association’s (OTA) Reverse Trade Mission, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture enables U.S. organic companies to discuss their products, make on-the-spot sales, and pave the way for productive long-term relationships with international buyers.
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