A Message from the President

Dear Members,

Please join me May 1-4, 2011 in Palm Beach, Florida for FEMA’s 102nd Annual Convention.  This year’s theme, Emerging Markets of East Asia, will look at the dynamic economic opportunities for flavor industry expansion in China, Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam and other parts of East Asia.  Our program includes speakers that will help us understand what’s important to succeed in this unique part of the world. 

This year’s Convention features a revised schedule.  We’ve taken member feedback into consideration in updating some of the networking and social events. 

The changes include:

• On Monday evening there will be a networking cocktail reception, but not a dinner.  Dinner will be “on your own” with discounts for FEMA attendees at most of the Breaker’s restaurants both on and off-property.
  
  
• The Tuesday event “black tie” dinner becomes a casual buffet dinner, similar to traditional Monday night dinners.  No more formal attire.
  
  
• Golf and tennis tournaments are being discontinued due to declining interest.  FEMA staff will be available to work with the Breakers to make arrangements for those wishing to play golf or tennis.  No change to the fishing tournament, which has been increasingly popular in recent years.   
  
  
• The dress code for this year’s Convention is business casual for all events except the Tuesday night dinner which will be resort casual.