The National Coffee Association of U.S.A., Inc. (NCA) announced that Andrea Illy, chairman and chief executive officer of illycaffé, will deliver an address on the critical topic of sustainability at NCA's 2012 convention, “Full Steam Ahead: Solutions for Tomorrow's Industry,” March 22 to 24, 2012 at the Charleston Place Hotel in Charleston, S.C.
Dr. Illy joins a diverse roster of convention speakers who bring together the wide range of topical knowledge that the industry will need to tackle 2012's extraordinary challenges and opportunities.
"Andrea Illy is an industry leader whose commitment to sustainability is a model to follow, and NCA is honored to have him address our annual convention," said Robert F. Nelson, NCA president and CEO in a prepared statement. "2012 is shaping up to be a year of extreme challenges and opportunities, and Andrea Illy joins an elite roster of experts who offer the diverse areas of knowledge the industry will need to succeed in the new business climate."
In 2012, the coffee industry is facing some fundamental shifts in basic business paradigms, including historic market volatility, climate change, legal challenges in California, an explosion of consumer interest in the single-cup format, sustainable supplies of quality coffees, and shifting U.S. demographics and taste preferences. One of the largest convocations of coffee professionals from all sectors of the industry, the NCA annual convention will tackle these diverse issues from the perspectives of those who know them best. Distinguished speakers will draw from their diverse areas of expertise to deliver the full range of knowledge needed for industry professionals to thrive in the new business environment.
The roster of speakers includes:
Robério Oliveira Silva, executive director, International Coffee Organization .
Andrea Illy, chairman and chief executive officer, illycaffé S.p.A
G. Scott Clemons, chief investment strategist, wealth management, Brown Brothers Harriman
Paul J. Fisher, owner, Fisher Waterhouse, LLC
Erika Frank, Esq., vice president, legal affairs and general counsel, California Chamber of Commerce
Fernando Gast, Ph.D., director, Cenicafé
Steven Gojak, research associate, Cleveland Research Co.
James Kaloyanides, Jr., vice president, sales, New England Coffee Co.
Eric Nadelberg, senior vice president, Jefferies Bache, LLC
Norm Ouellette, chair, NCA scientific advisory group/vice president, global quality assurance, Starbucks Coffee Co.
Ric Rhinehardt, executive director, SCAA
Oscar Schaps. managing director, INTL FCStone Inc.
Warren Solochek, vice president, The NPD Group
Susie Spindler, executive director, Cup of Excellence
Robin Stafford, Esq., senior counsel, Morrison Foerster LLC
Spencer Turer, director of coffee operations, Coffee Enterprises
Ricardo Villanueva - president, Anacafé
“Full Steam Ahead” features two days of professional development opportunities, along with special events and networking opportunities. Among the covered topics will be:
The volatile coffee commodities market;
Navigating the "C" market - a debate;
Coffee and hedging;
The science and law behind California's Proposition 65 and two lawsuits against the industry;
Sustaining quality coffees in the face of measurable climate change in Colombia and Guatemala;
The dynamics behind single-cup brewing's long-awaited explosion;
A deep dive into office coffee systems and c-store trends;
Defining "gourmet" coffee amid changing consumer perceptions;
Wringing enhanced flavor nuances from the quality bean - coffee's "Fourth Wave";
Recognizing quality Brazilian naturals - the new Cup of Excellence competition;
The highly anticipated sneak peak at NCA's National Coffee Drinking Trends, and
The industry's first look at NCA's brand new market research dedicated to the consumption habits of the U.S. Hispanic population.
Rounding out the educational offerings are quality networking, social and community service opportunities. The convention begins with a day of service at which volunteers will build bicycles that go directly to individual children in need. Introduced last year, the day of service has become an important new feature demonstrating the industry's commitment to the community in which it meets.
Networking is also on the agenda at special receptions and the table-top exhibition, a format that combines the benefits of a trade show and one-on-one meetings with coffee executives. The Welcome Reception will bring registrants to the South Carolina Aquarium, a popular attraction reflecting South Carolina's biodiversity. The theme reception will echo the distinctive "low-country" tradition of the oyster roast. Capping off the convention are the chairman's reception and the farewell celebration, held at the historic art deco Riviera Theatre. In line with the city's rich history, the farewell reception will sport a “Roaring Twenties” theme.
The convention venue, the Charleston Place Hotel, is located in the heart of downtown Charleston's historic district. The venue is twenty minutes by car from the Charleston International Airport. Public van and taxi service link the airport directly with the venue hotel, and private transportation is also available.
For information, go to: www.ncausa.com.
