Conference Information
Consumers are demanding fresher, safer, more convenient, more local, and higher quality food products, and, as such, are requiring more information that connects the food they eat to how and where it is produced, processed, transported, and sold. Increasing attention to food safety standards, product traceability, and environmental sustainability are affecting market systems, production practices, and agribusiness returns. These adjustments also provide opportunities for improved and innovative marketing practices that can effectively translate into information that consumers demand about the foods they eat.

At this year’s conference (Oct. 28-29) important information from key experts, producers, and industry leaders on product safety standards, traceability, and audit procedures will be provided, along with presentations on innovative marketing models and effective merchandising techniques that highlight consumer needs for safe, quality, and sustainable products. Multiple commodity track sessions will focus on production responses and marketing opportunities for fruits and vegetables, meat products, and value-added dairy products; along with tools to help develop efficient and traceable transportation logistics.

An advanced marketing workshop will also be offered for interested agribusiness firms on Oct. 27th. This condensed workshop will allow established small and medium food producers to expand their understanding of their personal strengths and weaknesses, learn innovative tools for generating and developing new business ideas, and develop the marketing skills needed to successfully position products in the marketplace. Techniques introduced will include those commonly used by large national food companies to identify new market opportunities, develop new product ideas, and market innovative products and services. You will learn how to adapt these techniques to build your own business.

All members of the agricultural and food system community are encouraged to attend. Current agenda and registration materials are available at aem.cornell.edu/outreach/conferences/strategic_marketing.htm. Additional information on the Program Work Team is available at marketingpwt.aem.cornell.edu.

Conference Sponsors
The conference is sponsored by the Agricultural Marketing and Management PWT and the Department of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University. Partial funding support is provided by the Warren Teaching Endowment Fund. Additional co-sponsorships are provided by the Cornell University Small Farms Program and the Agricultural and Community Economic Development Program Work Team.

Conference Location and Travel Information
The Villa Borghese
70 Widmer Road
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
Phone: 1-845-297-8207
www.thevillaborghese.com

Directions available at: www.thevillaborghese.com/directions.htm.

The pre-conference workshop begins at 10am. on October 27th, with registration starting at 9am. The workshop will conclude at 5pm. Please see the workshop program for more detailed information.

The main conference begins at 9 a.m. on October 28th, with registration and a continental breakfast starting at 8 a.m. The conference will conclude at noon on October 29th. Please see the conference agenda for more detailed information.

Registration Information
The conference registration fee is $75 if postmarked by Oct. 17th; $90 if postmarked after Oct. 17th or if registering on-site. A special registration fee of $50 is available for Cornell Cooperative Extension educators if postmarked on or before October 7th. The pre-conference workshop fee is $50. The fee for media personnel with valid ID will be waived.

Forms available here.

For further conference information or to obtain a registration form contact Vicki Parker at 607-254-6761 or vrp5@cornell.edu. Please print out and complete the registration form and mail or fax (607-255-9984) with your check payable to Cornell University.

Dinner Event at the Culinary Institute of America
There will be an optional four-course dinner on Tuesday evening, October 28th, at 6:00 p.m. at the Culinary Institute of America. The Institute is located at 1946 Campus Drive, Hyde Park, NY (851-451-1544). The cost will be $40 per person and the menu will consist of:

• Appetizer: Arugula Salad with Toasted Walnuts and Pear Vinaigrette
• Second Course: Louisiana Chicken and Shrimp Gumbo
• Main Course (choose one):

Pan-Seared Salmon with Edamame Soybeans, Shitake Mushrooms and Orange Soy Glaze

Grilled Marinated Chicken Breast with Savory Apple Chutney and Red Pepper Coulie

• Dessert (choose one):

Apple Crisp with Vanilla Gelato with Caramel Sauce

White Chocolate Cheesecake with Fresh fruit Salsa and Raspberry Coulis

Be sure to note on the registration form any allergies or other dietary restrictions you may have. The Institute can make substitutions, but they request advance notification.

Lodging Accommodations
Conference attendees are responsible for their own hotel reservations. Rooms have been reserved at the following hotels for conference participants. State and local taxes can be waived upon receipt of a valid NYS Tax Exemption certificate. When making your reservations, refer to “Strategic Marketing Conference” to get the negotiated rates.

Best Western Inn & Conference Center
2170 South Road, Route 9
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Phone: 845-462-4600
Rate: $109.99/night plus tax, single or double occupancy
20 rooms blocked for Oct. 27, 50 rooms blocked for Oct. 28; held until Sept. 20, 2008.
www.bestwestern.com/innconfctrpoughkeepsie

Hilton Garden Inn Poughkeepsie/Fishkill
25 Westage Drive
Fishkill, NY 12524
Phone: 845-896-7100
Fax: 845-896-7111
Rate: $129.00/night plus tax, single or double occupancy
20 rooms blocked for Oct. 27,
50 rooms blocked for Oct. 28; held until Oct 10, 2008.
www.hiltongardeninn.com

Contact Information
For more information, please contact:

Todd Schmit, Assistant Professor
Department of Applied Economics and Management
Cornell University
Phone: 607-255-3015
Email: tms1@cornell.edu

Les Hulcoop, Extension Issues Leader
Cornell Cooperative Extension - Dutchess County
Phone: 845-677-8223
Email: lch7@cornell.edu

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