Competing with the Winter Olympics is a tall order, but organizers of the 2010 Alberta Beef Industry Conference plan to give it a try.
This year’s conference, which will run from Feb. 17 to 19 at the Capri Centre in Red Deer, is themed “Own the Plate.” The phrase is derived from Canada’s “Own the Podium” program, developed to help achieve success at the Vancouver Games.
Now in its seventh year, the Alberta Beef Industry Conference will feature presentations on animal health and production, markets and marketing, and a broad economic outlook. The keynote speaker Wednesday evening will be former NHL all-star Dennis Hull.
Also planned is an afternoon session for young producers and students called Big on Beef — What’s @ Steak?, with a trade show to be set up as well.
The conference is sponsored by the Alberta Auction Markets Association, the Alberta Beef Producers, the Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association, the Alberta Livestock Dealers and Order Buyers and the Western Stock Growers Association. The National Cattle Feeders’ Association and Western Stock Growers Association will hold board meetings during the conference, with the Western Stock Growers Association and the Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association also to conduct their annual general meetings there.
Cost to register is $395 on or before Jan. 15 and $495 thereafter, with special rates for spouses and single-day registrants. Registrations can be completed online at abiconference.ca.