Register by July 31st and save $100! · 2015. 7. 9. · Ant-Man, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone and The Imitation Game , to name a few. DAN THURMON Dan Thurmon is the author of two

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A Safer World. A Smarter You.A Unique Peer-to-Peer Learning Experience Designed Exclusively

for Current and Prospective SQF Stakeholders

Register by July 31st and save $100!

November 3-5, 2015 • Indianapolis, INJW Marriott

30488 FMI Brochure_cx.indd 1 7/8/15 5:05 PM

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OverviewDesigned and developed by your peers in the

food safety industry, the 2015 SQF International

Conference will provide you with the knowledge,

skills and connections you need to strengthen your

food safety and food quality assurance programs

and position you for career advancement.

Attending the conference will ensure that you and

your company are fully prepared to implement SQF Code changes and program improvements

coming in 2016.

Why Should You Attend? Together with more than 600 of your food safety peers you will:

• Get the latest updates on, and analysis of, the FSMA final rules due out in October 2015

• Receive critical updates from industry experts on food safety certification issues

• Relax and enjoy fellowship with vocational peers who share similar challenges

• Debate and share ideas and best practices in peer-driven discussions

• Gain a clear understanding of the 2016 SQF Code and program changes

• Collaborate with some of the top minds in food safety

• Build enduring and valuable business connections

What Will You Experience?• A two-hour comprehensive FSMA overview

and analysis workshop

• Industry-specific breakouts plus keynotes focusing on soft skills

• NEW 30-minute Express Learning Sessions

• NEW SQF Stakeholders Feedback Exchange

• Food sector-specific roundtables lead by experts

• Optional pre-conference training classes

• NEW Conference Ambassador Program for first-time attendees

• Access to innovative new ideas at the Solutions Showcase

• Fun pre-conference icebreaker activity to promote networking

Who Should Attend?• Food safety and quality experts at all levels of the supply chain

• Food producers, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors

• Consultants, trainers, auditors and service providers


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Schedule-At-A-GlanceSUNDAY, NOVEMBER18:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Advanced Practitioner and Implementing SQF Systems Training Course (separate fee and registration required)

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Training Courses (separate fee and registration required)

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 38:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Pre-Conference Networking Session: Let’s Get This Conference Started! » Scotty Gunther, Comedian and Radio Personality presents “The Co-Worker’s Challenge”

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Networking Break

10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

FSMA Workshop: Understanding The Final Rule for Preventive Controls for Human Food » Dr. David Acheson, Founder and CEO, The Acheson Group » Melanie Neumann, Executive Vice President and CFO, The Acheson Group

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Networking Lunch

1:30 PM – 1:45 PM

Welcome and Introduction

1:45 PM - 2:40 PM

Opening Keynote Session: Stay SAFER: How Great Leaders Inspire ‘Commitment’ Versus ‘Compliance’ » Robyn Benincasa, World Champion Eco-Challenge Adventure Racer, CNN Hero, New York Times Bestselling Author

2:40 PM – 3:00 PM

SQF Achievement Awards

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Networking Break

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Stakeholder Idea Exchange

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Keynote Session: FSMA 2016 and Beyond » Mike Taylor (Invited), Deputy Commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine, Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Reception and Solutions Showcase

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 47:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Breakfast

8:00 AM – 9:05 AM

General Session: SQF 2016 and Beyond » LeAnn Chuboff, Senior Technical Director, Safe Quality Food Institute

9:05 AM – 9:15 AM

Express Break

9:15 AM – 10:45 AM

Roundtable Discussions – Sector Specific

10:45 AM – 11:15 AM

Networking Break

11:15 AM – 12.15 PM

Breakout Sessions • Staying Ahead of The Audit Curve with

Process Audits• Avoiding Common Pitfalls in the CAPA

Process• SQF For Improved Maintenance and

Sanitation Performance• Environmental Monitoring Testing:

A Comprehensive Approach to Implementing an Effective Program

• Identifying, Understanding and Controlling Microbial Hazards

• Process- and Product-Based Internal Auditing

12:15 PM - 1:45 PM

Lunch and Learn » David Kwong, Illusionist and Puzzle Expert

1:45 PM –2:45 PM

Breakout Sessions• A Fresh Look at Root Cause Analysis and

the Corrective Action Process• Food Fraud: Assessing Vulnerability and

Countermeasures to Prevent it• Step up to Quality: Proven Approaches to

Level 3 Certification• The Mind of The Food Worker• Management Techniques for Maintenance

of SQF• Validation and Verification – Let’s Be Real!

2:45 PM – 2:55 PM

Express Break

2:55 PM – 3:25 PM

Express Learning Bites• HACCP for Packaging or Distribution

Centers• How to Achieve Consistent Training

Results With an Ever-Changing Workforce• Proactive Pest Control• More sessions to come!

3:25 PM – 3:35 PM

Express Break

3:35 PM – 4:05 PM

Express Learning Bites• Walls to Wheels: Extending SQF

Principals With a Certified Clean Trailer Process

• Expect More and Get More From Your Food Testing Laboratory

• The SQF Compliance Program: What Have We Learned?

• Training to Survive an Unannounced Audit• More sessions to come!

4:05 PM – 4:30 PM

Networking Break

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Let’s Get Together and Feel Alright: Creating Community with Choir! Choir! Choir!

6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Onsite Social Event

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 56:45 AM – 7:45 AM

Breakfast

7:45 AM – 8:45 AM

Breakout Sessions• Avoiding Common Pitfalls in the

CAPA Process• Food Safety Culture – Is This

REALLY What We Need?• SQF For Improved Maintenance

and Sanitation Performance• Environmental Monitoring

Testing: A Comprehensive Approach to Implementing an Effective Program

• Identifying, Understanding and Controlling Microbial Hazards

• Process- and Product-Based Internal Auditing

8:45 AM – 8:55 AM

Express Break

8:55 AM – 9:55 AM

Breakout Sessions • Life Beyond The Fishbone

Diagram• Food Fraud: Assessing

Vulnerability and Countermeasures to Prevent it

• Step up to Quality: Proven Approaches to Level 3 Certification

• The Mind of The Food Worker• Proper Recordkeeping and

Documentation: The Key to Reducing Risk and Liabilities

• Post-Lethality Control Treatments For Ready-To-Eat Products

9:55 AM – 10:20 AM

Networking Break

10:20 AM – 10:50 AM

Express Learning Bites• HACCP for Packaging or

Distribution Centers• How to Achieve Consistent

Training Results With an Ever-Changing Workforce

• Proactive Pest Control• More sessions to come!

10:50 AM – 11:00 AM

Express Break

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Express Learning Bites• Expect More and Get More

From Your Food Testing Laboratory

• The SQF Compliance Program: What Have We Learned?

• Training to Survive an Unannounced Audit

• More sessions to come!11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Closing Keynote: Off Balance on Purpose: Work-Life Integration That’s Possible, Not Perfect » Dan Thurmon, Author, Workplace Performance Expert, Acrobat and Unicyclist

Subject to change – please visit www.sqfconference.com for the

most up-to-date information


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Thank You to The Generous Partners Who Support Our Industry

Premier Partners

Sponsors

Sponsors

Exhibitors

Global Food Compliance

Please visit all of our sponsors and exhibitors at the Solutions Showcase!


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DAVID ACHESON

Dr. David Acheson is the Founder and CEO of The Acheson Group and has more than 30 years of medical and food safety research. Previously, Dr. Acheson served as the Chief Medical Officer at the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service and as the Chief Medical Officer at the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN). He was also appointed as the Assistant and then Associate

Commissioner for Foods at FDA, which provided him an agency-wide leadership role for all food and feed issues and the responsibility for the development of the 2007 Food Protection Plan, which served as the basis for many of the authorities granted to FDA by the Food Safety Modernization Act.

ROBYN BENINCASA

Robyn Benincasa is a World Champion Eco-Challenge adventure racer, New York Times bestselling author, founder of the 501c3 Project Athena Foundation, three-time Guinness World Record distance paddler and the proud owner of two metal bionic hips. The full-time San Diego firefighter was named a CNN Hero for 2014, and she has seen first-hand the power people have to

accomplish extraordinary feats when they work together as a team. For the last 20 years, Benincasa and her teammates have been competing at the front of the pack in the most unique and compelling classrooms on earth. She has been featured on NBC, ABC, CNN, ESPN, USA Network, The Today Show, Live with Regis, Dateline NBC, The Discovery Channel, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Runners World, and Outside Magazine. She is also the author of How Winning Works, which explains the eight essential elements of teamwork and creating synergy among teammates. A true inspirational leader, Benincasa challenges people to grab life with one hand, grab their teammates with the other, and create that special magic that makes everyone better when they work together.

SCOTTY GUNTHER

Scotty Gunther is a humorist, comedian, author, speaker, emcee and award-winning syndicated radio host. Scotty had the highest rated top-40 afternoon show (age 18-34) in the country before leaving to concentrate on his live performance. Now he can be heard on his “Funny Feelings with Scotty Gunther” podcast featured on iHeartRadio with over 34 million registered listeners. Scotty has written six

books and his viewpoint has been featured in national self-help magazines and newspapers throughout the US. Scotty has performed shows and programs such as The Co-workers’ Challenge, Couples’ Challenge and Relaughsation at more than 2,000 colleges, corporations, comedy clubs, and conferences.

DAVID KWONG

We are all wired to solve,” says David Kwong, a magician, New York Times puzzle builder, and TED speaker. Kwong has a degree in the history of magic from Harvard, and consults often on Hollywood films. In virtuosic talks full of humor, puzzles, and other surprises, he leaves audiences thinking about what they just saw—and, more important, just

thinking in general. Kwong regularly writes crossword puzzles for a range of national publications, including the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times. He is also the founder of the Misdirectors Guild, an elite group of magicians that specialize in magic for film and television. As the head magic consultant, Kwong created illusions for the bank-heist film Now You See Me, teaching magic to Jesse Eisenberg, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Mark Ruffalo and Woody Harrelson. Kwong has also designed magic and puzzles for Ant-Man, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone and The Imitation Game, to name a few.

DAN THURMON

Dan Thurmon is the author of two books, a renowned speaker, and a recognized expert in delivering peak performances – on stage and in the workplace. As president of Motivation Works, Inc., Dan helps organizations and individuals implement actions plans and move confidently through transitions. He began his performance career at eleven, crafting a one-man-show incorporating

comedy, juggling and acrobatics. This enabled him to, at a very early age, develop a strong work ethic and learn fundamental lessons about performance excellence. He has also extensively studied Personal Development and developed a unique methodology he teaches to audiences and clients. A recent inductee to the prestigious “Speakers Hall of Fame,” Dan Thurmon delivers experiences that go beyond motivation, teaching concepts and skills in a highly engaging and entertaining manner.

CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR!

Choir! Choir! Choir! is the international singing phenomenon that exemplifies the best of creativity, collaboration, and community-building. Led by Nobu Adilman and Daveed Goldman, Choir! Choir! Choir! started as a casual event; taking place at local pubs and open to the public, attendees would come together to learn a popular song – complete with three-part harmonies – and sing it together, in

choir-form, by the end of the night. Today, it’s grown so popular that they’ve performed across the country, backing up famous musicians, playing at notable venues and major events, and have attracted a membership of over 12,000 participants. Now, Choir! Choir! Choir! is using their technique to give widely-acclaimed presentations. Nobu and Daveed share how they turned a small gathering into an empire, how they mobilize a membership of thousands, and how they’re able to teach complicated songs in a limited amount of time by using elements of drive, enthusiasm, and talent to champion leadership and encourage teamwork – all lessons which translate perfectly to the business environment. What makes their presentation so memorable is that it culminates in a performance, starring YOU! They can get any crowd – no matter how big, small, enthusiastic or shy – on their feet, singing, communicating and collaborating together.

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Education Program HighlightsPRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPSLet’s Get This Conference Started!

»Scotty Gunther, Comedian and Radio PersonalityAward-winning syndicated radio host Scotty Gunther invites you to play the Co-Workers Challenge! This hilarious, quick-paced and wildly entertaining pre-conference session will help first-time attendees meet new friends, facilitate networking between seasoned conference-goers and promote teamwork and communication among participants attending in company teams. It will help you make the most of the conference peer-to-peer learning experience by breaking down communication barriers, providing stress relief and loosening everyone up before the conference begins. Audience participation is strongly encouraged!

FSMA Workshop: Understanding the Final Rule forPreventive Controls for Human Food

»Dr. David Acheson, Founder and CEO, The Acheson Group »Melanie Neumann, Executive Vice President and CFO, The Acheson Group

This in-depth FSMA workshop will give participants a solid understanding of the key elements of the Preventive Control Rule for Human Foods and the appropriate approaches needed to achieve compliance by the end of August 2016. Get a general overview of the structure of the rule and the way it has changed since the proposed rules. Discuss ways in which the FDA will require registered firms to manage supply chain risks, learn about the approach FDA has taken to finished product testing and hear how the final rule has addressed environmental monitoring. Discover how to build a food safety plan and get recommendations on how to achieve rule compliance.

KEYNOTE SESSIONSStay SAFER: How Great Leaders Inspire ‘Commitment’ Versus ‘Compliance’

»Robyn Benincasa, World Champion Eco-Challenge Adventure Racer, CNN Hero, New York Times Bestselling Author

Why do bad accidents happen to good people? According to research, it’s as simple as ABCD: Attitude, Background, Circumstances and Decisions. In this inspiring and motivational opening keynote, World Champion Adventure Racer, San Diego Firefighter, New York Times Best-Selling Author and CNN Hero, Robyn Benincasa will take you on a compelling and unforgettable multimedia adventure, including video footage and analysis of preventable disasters and thrilling safety success stories from the worlds of adventure sports and firefighting. She’ll offer some unique, simple, yet extremely effective tools for encouraging the people that we work with and work for to be SAFER every day! Robyn will inspire and empower you to keep yourself, your teammates and your customers safe because you ‘want’ to, not because you ‘have› to. You’ll leave with the desire to be a hero to your new teammates--not just the kind of hero that rushes into danger to save them, but the kind of hero that KEEPS them from endangering themselves and others. With a SAFER mindset, we ensure that the most important goal of all is achieved at the end of the day... Everyone Goes Home.

Let’s Get Together and Feel Alright: CreatingCommunity with Choir! Choir! Choir!

»Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman - Co-Founders of Choir! Choir! Choir!

“You can download many things in this world,” says Daveed Goldman, “but it would be very hard to download the experience you get by interacting with strangers and singing a beautiful song.” In this interactive presentation, Goldman and fellow Choir! Choir! Choir! co-founder Nobu Adilman introduce audiences to the magical act of collaboration. They share the founding principles of Choir! Choir! Choir!—creativity, community, and teamwork—and what your organization can learn about happiness, health, mental wellness, and productivity. What does it take to rally people together, to be energized, to have a positive outlook on your work and your life? Sometimes all you need is a little bit of music to create a whole lot of inspiration.

Off-Balance on Purpose: Work-Life Integration That’s Possible, Not Perfect

»Dan Thurmon, Author, Workplace Performance Expert, Acrobat and Unicyclist

Achieving a perfect balance between the demands of work and the complexities of life is an intriguing, desirable concept. It’s also completely unrealistic. The common way of pursuing “balance” is entirely inadequate; we sell short our best efforts, burden ourselves with guilt, and exhaust our energy. Instead, we need to make an ongoing effort to infuse “life” into the workplace and to let go of the notion of being perfectly balanced. In this empowering and dynamic keynote, you’ll discover how successful work-life integration fosters excellence, innovation and loyalty among employees. This will be the catalyst for an ongoing and transformational conversation and plan of action in your workplace and you’ll take home practical, reality-based solutions to help you adopt an empowering “Off Balance On Purpose” approach to life.

“If you limit yourself to what’s comfortable, you deny yourself what’s possible.”

— Dan Thurmon

Subject to change – please visit www.sqfconference.com for the

most up-to-date information

Credit: Zack Slootsky | www.takemorephotos.com


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EDUCATION PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS cont.

LUNCH AND LEARN Think Inside the Box: Creativity Within Constraints and Parameters

Illusionist and New York Times puzzle builder David Kwong explores the complex relationship between boundaries and productivity. Though it may seem counterintuitive, most people are at their most creative when they innovate within a given set of boundaries. How can you tell a clever story while obeying the construction rules of a crossword puzzle, the three-act structure of a screenplay, or the sensitive angles of a stage illusion? Kwong, a master of working within the lines, explains how constraints give us the freedom to create. We are at our most innovative when we design a new form for something familiar, and subsequently express it in a novel and compelling way. In this talk, Kwong demonstrates some of his own groundbreaking puzzles and illusions by way of inspiring a new method of problem solving.

BREAKOUT SESSIONSStaying Ahead of the Audit Curve with Process Audits

»Jeff Chilton, Certified Lead Instructor, Alchemy SystemsProcess audits are a new approach to evaluating the effectiveness of your SQF System. They involve selecting a finished product lot and then auditing all the specific SQF components related to that lot. With SQFI considering adopting this methodology in SQF Code Edition 8, now is the time to learn about this process and start conducting your own internal process audits. Join this session to learn more about this process to test your system now and be ready for what’s coming soon!

Avoiding Common Pitfalls in the CAPA Process

»Roger Roeth, Chief Operating Officer, EAGLE Certification GroupA strong corrective action/preventive action (CAPA) system that can address operational problems impacting food safety, quality and efficiency is a vital component of continuous improvement in any management system. Yet common pitfalls can cripple the effectiveness of a CAPA system. Learn what you can do to identify these pitfalls and what tools you can use to prevent or mitigate their impact on the effectiveness of your system. Discover useful tools used in other industries that can be easily and effectively applied in the food industry to drive continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

A Fresh Look at Root Cause Analysis and theCorrective and Preventive Action Process

»Arlen Keller, President, Food Safety and Quality Consultants, LLCThe SQF Code requires suppliers to implement corrective and preventive actions, including root cause analysis, to address non-compliance of critical food safety and quality limits and deviations from food safety and quality requirements. Unfortunately many suppliers fall short in the process by confusing the identification of a deficiency in the system with the true root cause, thus failing to implement an effective preventive action. Without properly identifying root cause, only correction and corrective actions are addressed and proper preventive actions are not identified and implemented. Learn a simple 6-step process to make sure your corrective and preventive action process is fine-tuned to identify root cause and implement true preventive actions.

SQF for Improved Maintenance and SanitationPerformance

»Matthew Poore, Matthew Poore Leadership Group, Inc. »Tatiana Lorca, Senior Manager, Food Safety Training and Education, Ecolab, Food & Beverage Division

When food safety and quality issues occur in a food manufacturing plant, the problem can often be traced back to maintenance activities or to failures in verification of maintenance follow-up activities, including cleaning and sanitation of affected areas. This can be attributed to a lack of buy-in from maintenance leaders, a failure on the part of senior leaders to enforce requirements or hold departments accountable, or ill-defined expectations of the maintenance department’s role in implementing and maintaining the SQF System. Meanwhile, mechanics may simply not be aware of their role in creating the problem or their contribution to the solution. Through two real life case studies, get advice on how to improve maintenance and sanitation performance in your food manufacturing facility and ensure adherence to SQF, regulatory and legislative requirements.

Environmental Monitoring Testing: A ComprehensiveApproach to Implementing an Effective Program

»Timothy Lombardo, Lead Staff Scientist - Microbiological and Food Safety Consultant, Covance

An Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP) is more than just pathogen testing. The challenge to food manufacturers is to develop and maintain a detailed EMP that is thorough and designed specifically for the plant, product produced, equipment used, plant condition and layout, and workforce. As a “seek and destroy” mission, environmental monitoring identifies and eradicates pathogens. But in order to address and correct the root cause of a contamination niche, we must understand the pathogen and how cross-contamination can take place, whether by air, water or direct contact. This informative session will review the most common pathogens, outline how cross-contamination takes place and discuss methods to determine the true source of contamination. Get the knowledge you need to help you develop a comprehensive approach to implementing an effective EMP.

Identifying, Understanding and Controlling MicrobialHazards

»Doug Marshall, Chief Scientific Officer, Eurofins Microbiology Laboratories, Inc.

Get an overview of the top microbiological hazards associated with food manufacturing and how to recognize them. Learn which factors influence pathogen growth and survival during food processing and get expert advice on steps to control pathogens in manufacturing facilities.

Process- and Product-Based Internal Auditing

»Cathy Crawford, Vice President, The HACCP Consulting Group / Quality Support Group

The SQF Code is a process and product certification standard, yet the majority of internal auditing plans begin with the requirements rather than the process or product. Learn how to approach internal auditing by closely evaluating an individual process or product and seeing how it relates to the requirements of the SQF Code. Discover how using a process and product approach can improve the value and efficiency of internal auditing.


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Food Fraud: Assessing Vulnerability andCountermeasures to Prevent it

»Clare Winkel, Verification Auditor, BSI ANZWith our increasingly complex food supply chain, it is no longer enough to assess the risks involved within your own operation. Consider for example deliberate acts of fraud such as the melamine contamination of milk powder in China, the horse meat scandal in Europe, the potential for contamination as part of a bioterrorism attack or a simple act of vengeance by a disgruntled employee. Are you doing enough to assess your vulnerability to food fraud? In this eye-opening session, you’ll hear an auditor’s perspective on the most common errors that occur when assessing supply chain vulnerability. Get an overview of vulnerability assessment methods that address potential sabotage, weather-related supply chain interruption and the failure to detect hazards present. You’ll leave equipped with useful strategies to improve and strengthen the methods you use to manage food fraud risk effectively and increase your ability to provide a qualitative and qualitative vulnerability assessment.

Step Up To Quality: Proven Approaches to Level 3Certification

»Gary Smith, Director, Eurofins Food Safety SystemsMoving up to Level 3 can be a big step! Get help and advice from a seasoned expert on SQF Code expectations and key steps to accomplishing quality advancement. For suppliers considering leveling up to 3 or for those looking to get more out of their Level 3 certification, this is the ideal session to learn proven approaches to achieving and maintaining Level 3 certification.

The Mind of the Food Worker: Results from a Break-through Study of Worker Demographics and Behaviors

»Jerry Lindsey, President and Founder, Center for Research & Public Policy »Raj Shah, Senior Strategist, Alchemy Systems

The front-line food worker is key to any food company’s safety, quality, and yield objectives. Hear the revealing results of a recent study of food workers and supervisors, conducted by the Center for Research and Public Policy (CRPP) through national focus groups and surveys across all segments of the food chain and get fascinating insights on their attitudes to and engagement around work, management, and company. Explore the changing demographics of the front-line food worker and implications for food safety practices. Assess the impact of worker engagement on safety and quality programs. Identify best practices for developing safety cultures in the context of diverse workforces and gain insights on management perceptions around production efficiency, employee engagement and operational strengths and weaknesses.

Management Techniques for Maintenance of SQF

»Ron Vail, President, ACET Global ConsultingWith upwards of 50 individual programs to develop, implement and maintain in any given facility, the SQF Code can appear overwhleming in its depth and breath to a new SQF practitioner. Where and how do you start? How do all these programs work together and what’s the most logical sequence of development that will ensure that programs are implemented in an integrated fashion and comply with all requirements? Get advice on all these aspects from a seasoned SQF expert. Gain perspective on how the SQF Program is integrated and how it is intended to be used as a management system. Take home the knowledge and skills you need to ensure that individual programs are implemented and maintained in an efficient manner.

Validation & Verification - Let’s Be Real!

»Tatiana Lorca, Sr. Manager, Food Safety Education & Training, Ecolab, Food & Beverage Division

Control measures such as cleaning and sanitation, undertaken within any processing facility must be scientifically proven to be effective and executed in a consistent manner. Regulatory authorities and food safety management systems place these responsibilities on the facilities themselves, yet the concepts of validation and verification are consistently misunderstood by multiple stakeholders. This session will provide you with a clear explanation of validation and verification and their relationship to one another and discuss what evidence you need to provide to internal and external bodies to prove that the systems in place are acceptable and effective.

EXPRESS LEARNING SESSIONSFood Safety Culture - Is This REALLY What We Need?

»Bill McBride, Australia and Asia Representative, SQFIIn this stimulating discussion, participants will examine the premise that to make an impactful change in reducing the global burden of foodborne illness we need to shift our focus from promoting food safety culture to addressing changing the organizational culture in companies within the food supply chain. By focusing solely on food safety culture, food safety is considered in isolation, not as part of an integrated, holistic view of the health of the business. Discuss how organizational culture, management commitment and leadership actions - not words - drive improved food safety behaviors, better audit results and a safer food supply.

Post-Lethality Control Treatments For Ready-To-EatProducts

»Heather Krambule, Quality Assurance Manager, Keurig Green Mountain »Kamaldeep Uppal, Quality Assurance Specialist, Keurig Green Mountain

USDA requires establishments to adopt one of three designated alternatives for control of Listeria monocytogenes on post-lethality exposed ready to eat (RTE) products. Learn what you can do to eliminate post lethality Listeria monocytogenes contamination from your RTE products. Discover how different types of packaging systems with short-term storage prior to distribution can effectively serves as a post-lethality control treatment for your RTE products, allowing operation under Alternative 1, which provides maximum safety and requires the least frequent testing of food contact surfaces.

Proper Recordkeeping and Documentation: The Key to Reducing Risk and Liabilities

»Holly Mockus, Product Manager, Alchemy Systems »Melanie Neumann, EVP & CFO, The Acheson Group »Jim Reynolds, Director of Food Safety & Compliance, Lineage Logistics

Improper recordkeeping creates room for errors that can ruin an organization’s reputation and completely shut down a worksite. Get valuable and practical guidance to help you reduce the risks and liabilities of poor documentation practices and learn what information needs to be captured to ensure compliance. Discover how to ensure your documents are solid and defensible and that supervisors and managers grasp the need for objective documentation. Get tips and techniques on how to create documents that are easy to complete and how to review records for accuracy. Discover common pitfalls that distributors can overcome with robust systems and employee engagement and take home best practices for recording, maintaining, verifying, and tracking the history of food products in distribution.


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STAKEHOLDER IDEA EXCHANGEWe invite all SQF stakeholders to participate in an exchange of ideas on the SQF Program. Attend this session and let your voice be heard!

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONSJoin fellow food safety professionals to discuss issues relevant to your food sector category. These sector-specific discussion roundtables will be led by experts and will give you the opportunity to ask questions and share best practices with your peers.

HACCP for Packaging or Distribution Centers

»Karen Leacock-Bingham, Sr. Project Manager, Consulting and Technical Services, NSF GFTC

Designed for packaging producers and food company suppliers, this practical short session will provide an overview of packaging-related and distribution center food safety hazards and controls. Learn why it’s important to develop a HACCP program for packaging. Get an overview of the top five hazards found in packaging companies and common Critical Control Points and their controls.

How To Achieve Consistent Training Results With anEver Changing Workforce

»Jerry Van Oort, CEO, intratrain and inspectiTRAC by Russell Associates

Training seasonal and temporary workers can be challenging and require extensive time and resources. Language, communication, and cultural issues may cause training barriers and managing record keeping may present additional challenges. How can you reduce the risk of exposure while ensuring all employees are trained? How do you develop, deliver, and manage training that is both effective and efficient when you don’t know who your workers are or how long they will be with your organization? Discover how to eliminate and reduce barriers to training and learn how to develop resources and materials that provide results while being flexible and adaptable enough to meet the needs of multiple types of employees. Take home quick tips and tricks to achieving effective training results with an ever-changing workforce.

Proactive Pest Control

»Kristopher Middleton, AuditReady Program Manager, The Steritech Group

Which pests are the biggest threat to your food production or handling facility and why? How do you deal with pest issues as they arise and how can you prevent them from becoming a contamination risk? Using real life case studies, this session will provide some valuable guidance on how to be proactive in pest control and management.

Walls to Wheels: Extending SQF Principals With aCertified Clean Trailer Process

»Blair Thomas, Director of Consumer Care, Columbian Logistics Network

Audit systems such as SQF, which are standard throughout the warehousing world, reduce risk and ensure product integrity, but transportation has long been the weak link in the safety chain for food manufacturers and distributors. A Certified Clean Trailer Process can help extend food safety culture across diverse carrier networks. Learn how to design and implement a program with the necessary processes across a transportation network. A case study will highlight lessons learned.

Expect More and Get More From Your Food TestingLaboratory

»Steve Oswald, Technical Manager, Silliker, Merieux NurtisciencesIssues within the food industry such as the globalization of ingredient sourcing, FSMA requirements for verification and validation of preventive controls, increased consumer focus on chemical or additive-free foods as well as the potential for food fraud and economic adulteration of ingredients point to a future where suppliers and manufacturers will require more from their food testing laboratories. Get an overview of the regulatory, consumer and industry challenges driving demands for food testing, both domestically and internationally and the role of testing under FSMA. Gain useful insights on how to choose the right testing partner, learn what to ask from your lab and why and take away tips to help you leverage the offerings of food testing laboratories.

The SQF Compliance Program: What Have We Learned?

»Melody Ge, Compliance Specialist, SQFIThe SQF Compliance Program was initiated in 2011 to oversee SQF audit performance, strengthen and maintain the integrity of the SQF certification program and protect the SQF brand. Over the past three years, the program has collected and analyzed data on certified supplier recalls and SQF audit results. Hear the results of this data collection and what we can learn from them. Find out which non-conformances were most frequently reported during SQF audits from 2012 – 2015 and how they compare year over year. Get guidance on how to conduct internal audits to avoid non-conformances and reduce the risk for product recalls.

Training to Survive an Unannounced Audit

»Jennifer McCreary, Technical Manager, Training and Education Services, NSF-GFTC

Is the requirement for mandatory unannounced audits in the SQF Code, edition 7.2 causing you and/or your facility some apprehension? Do you know what to do and what NOT to do? Join this interactive discussion to discover and debate the challenges that facilities confront when faced with an unannounced audit and get valuable and practical advice on how to prepare for one. Discover how proper training and communication can address issues such as having well-trained competent staff, sufficient personnel resources and the ability to locate key documents at a moment’s notice which can affect the success of an unannounced audit. Learn how to develop a plan that will improve your confidence in your ability to successfully manage unannounced audits in the future.

GENERAL SESSION SQF: 2016 and Beyond

»LeAnn Chuboff, Senior Technical Director, SQFI From unannounced audits to food fraud, what does SQFI have in store for 2016? Attend this session to find out about changes to the SQF Code and other program improvements.


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Additional Program Activities and Event InformationSOLUTIONS SHOWCASE

Gather with friends and potential business partners to find a wealth of new tools, technologies and solutions to kick start or improve your food safety plan. In addition to the dedicated exhibit hours during the Tuesday evening reception, the Solutions Showcase will be open throughout the entire conference. The cocktail reception features an open bar and light hors d’oeuvres.

Participating Companies (as of June 23):• Alchemy Systems• CrewSafe• DNV GL – Business Assurance• DQS, Inc.• Eagle Certification Group • Eurofins Scientific, Inc.• Food Safety Net Services Certifications

and Audit• Matthew Poore Leadership Group• Mettler Toledo• National Registry of Food Safety

Professionals• Nexcor Technologies• Perry Johnson Registrars Food Safety, Inc. • Rentokil Pest Control• Russell & Associates• SAI Global • SafetyChain• Sillikal America• Silliker, Inc.• TraceGains• Verse Solutions

CONFERENCE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

The Conference Ambassador Program is designed to help our first-time attendees navigate the conference. Registrants who self-identify as a first-time attendee can elect to have a conference ambassador assigned to them. The volunteer ambassador will be available before and during the conference to help you get the most out of your participation. If you are interested in serving as a volunteer ambassador, please indicate this when you register.

JUSTIFICATION LETTER

Need help convincing your boss to let you attend? Visit our website www.sqfconference.com to download a justification letter template that you can modify to present to your supervisor to persuade her/him to allow you to participate.

SQF QUALITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

The SQF Quality Achievement Awards Program recognizes the outstanding commitment, support and performance of individuals and organizations who contribute to endorsing and improving the SQFI program and mission around the globe. Finalists in each category will be honored during the conference. The award categories are:• SQFI Auditor of The Year• SQFI Manufacturer/Distributor/

Primary Producer of The Year• SQF Practitioner of The Year• SQF Trainer of the Year

PRE-CONFERENCE TRAINING CLASSES

SQFI will offer the following training classes prior to the conference. You will need to pay a separate fee for these classes.

Course Title Date(s) Time Fee (pre-reg v. onsite)

2-Day Advanced Practitioner November 1-2 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

$625 (pre-reg only)

2-Day Implementing SQF Systems November 1-2 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

$499 (pre-reg only)

4-Hour SQF Professional Update November 2 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

$150/$250

Validation vs. Verification November 2 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

$250/$350

Advanced HACCP November 2 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

$250/$350

Recall Management November 2 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

$250/$350

Safe Food/Safe Feed Certification November 2 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

$250/$350

Quality Systems Management November 2 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

$250/$350

Creating Effective Training Programs November 2 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

$250/$350

PLEASE NOTE: • A $100 surcharge is applied if you are NOT attending the full conference. You MUST select the $100

rate first AND your class. If you do not select a class, your registration may be rejected and the $100 refunded to you.

• There is a premium for registering onsite and space is NOT guaranteed unless you pre-register. Class sizes are limited to 30 people, so we STRONGLY recommend that you register early to avoid disappointment. Almost all classes sold out early last year!

• You can only register for ONE class, since they all run concurrently. You must also register individually. You cannot purchase a space for a co-worker. He/She will need to register separately! Multiple class registrations will be deleted!


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2015 CONFERENCE REGISTRATION RATES

2014 Attendee Discount Rate

(valid until October 31, 2015)

$950

Early Bird Discount Rate (valid until July 31, 2015)

$950

Standard Rate (August 1 - October 31, 2015)

$1,050

Onsite Rate (November 1-3, 2015) $1,150

Spouse Fee (includes participation

in evening activities)

$100

Student Discount Rate (Full Time

Students Only - Valid ID Required)

$795

Training Class ONLY surcharge (does NOT include cost of training class)

$100

Conference rates include 2 receptions, breakfasts and lunches. Rates do not include hotel accommodations, travel or training classes

Groups of 5 or more receive a $50 discount on the prevailing price (conference rate only - does not apply to training classes). Please contact FMI registration for more details and to register your group.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Refund of the registration fee, minus a $75 processing fee, will be made for any cancellation received in writing to [email protected] by October 17, 2015. If notice is received by October 24, 2015, a 60% refund will be given. Any cancellations received after October 24, 2015, will not be refunded. Registrations can be transferred to another company employee at any point prior to the conference.

HOTEL

The official hotel for the 2015 SQF International Conference is the:

JW Marriott Indianapolis10 S. West StreetIndianapolis, IN 46204

SQF has negotiated a very competitive hotel room rate of 185.00 / night plus tax. This rate includes complimentary internet access in sleeping rooms. You must make a reservation within the SQF group block to receive free internet. To make hotel reservations online at the discounted rate, please visit www.sqfconference.com and click on the “Registration and Housing” tab. To make your reservation via phone please dial 1-800-228-9290 or 317-860-5800 and reference the FMI/SQF Conference to receive the discounted rate.

IMPORTANT: The deadline to make reservations with the hotel is October 11. However, the hotel may sell-out before this date, so we encourage you to make your reservation as soon as possible.

TRAVEL

Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is 14 miles from the hotel (approximately 20 minutes’ drive time). The approximate one-way taxi fare is $35.00. Self-Parking is currently available at the hotel for a daily rate of $37.00. Valet parking is available for $42.00 /day. Additional overnight parking at reduced rates is plentiful around the Marriott.

Airport Shuttle service is available from GoExpress for a 10 dollar fee. Please make a reservation at http://goexpresstravel.com/indy_express

Registration, Hotel and Travel

CONTACT US

Program, Sponsorships and General QuestionsAmanda Bond-Thorley, [email protected]

Registration Debbie [email protected]

Housing and LogisticsMarc [email protected]

TrainingKristie Grzywinski (Curriculum ONLY - NO REGISTRATION QUESTIONS)[email protected]

Sponsorships (New Sales) and MarketingSarah [email protected]

SQF CONFERENCE PLANNING COMMITTEE

The 2015 SQF International Conference is designed and developed by your peers. Together, this team of highly respected food safety professionals has put together a robust education and networking program that meets your professional and educational needs. The Safe Quality Food Institute and the Food Marketing Institute are grateful for their insight and hard work in developing this conference.

2015 COMMITTEE MEMBERS:Tom Benthien, Corporate Quality Assurance and Capital Projects, Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc.Danielle Bailey, Certification Manager, Eagle Certification GroupLeAnn Chuboff, Senior Technical Director, SQFILuis Alberto Cruz, Director General, AVQ Consultoria Integral, S.C.Rich Gibson, Director of Food Safety and QA, Comprehensive Food Safety, LLC.Kristie Grzywinski, Senior Technical Manager, SQFILaura Dunn Nelson, VP Business Development, Alchemy SystemsRobert Garfield, Senior Vice President, SQFICherie Hacker, Corporate Manager, Manufacturing QA and Food Safety, Meijer, Inc.Daniel Hobbs, QA Supervisor/SQF Practitioner, Ball CorporationPam Hutton, Director of Quality Systems and Food Safety for Catallia Mexican Foods, LLCMargaret Kolk (Chairperson), Manager, Technical Training, NSF InternationalEva Lauve, Scheduling and Food Safety Manager, Stemilt Growers, LLCDavid Melton, Manager, Food Safety and Quality, ConAgra FoodsDaniel O’Connell, Food Safety Director, Highland Park MarketsKim Onett, Director of Auditing, Silliker, Inc.Dr. Robert Strong, Senior Trainer & Consultant, SAI Global


2345 Crystal DriveSuite 800Arlington, VA 22202-4801www.sqfi.com

November 3-5, 2015 • Indianapolis, INJW Marriott

A Safer World. A Smarter You.

PRESORTED STANDARDU.S. POSTAGE PAID

SOMDPERMIT #1169


Documents

Register by July 31st and save $100! · 2015. 7. 9. · Ant-Man, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone and The Imitation Game , to name a few. DAN THURMON Dan Thurmon is the author of two