SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (subject to change)

Committee Descriptions

• Executive Technical Board
• Technical Committee
• Quality Assurance Committee
• ADS Packaging Committee
• Membership Advisory Council

Saturday, April 30
4:00 – 5:30 p.m.                       Packaging Committee Meeting*
                                                   Mark Griffin, Winpak Lane Inc.
                                                      Portion Control Packaging: Needs Versus Desires
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.                       Meet ‘n Greet Reception (Dinner Open)

Sunday, May 1
8:00 – 10:00 a.m.                     Technical Committee Meeting*
                                                   Dr. Gokila Thangavel, Kemin Food Technologies
                                                     Clean Label Ingredients/Antimicrobials for Dressings/Sauces
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.          Quality Assurance Committee Meeting*
                                                   Tony Lupo, The Neogen Corporation
                                                      Title to Be Determined
12:30 – 4:00 p.m.                     Executive Technical Board Luncheon Meeting
2:00 – 3:30 p.m.                       Membership Advisory Council
6:15 – 6:30 p.m.                       Meeting Check-In
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.                       Welcome Reception and Dinner

Monday, May 2

7:00 – 7:45 a.m.                        Group Breakfast
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.             General Session
12:00 – 1:30 p.m.                      Luncheon for Delegates
12:00 – 4:00 p.m.                      Board of Directors Luncheon Meeting
1:30 – 4:00 p.m.                        Packaging Workshop
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.                        Information Open House (Dinner Open)

Tuesday, May 3

7:00 – 7:45 a.m.                        Group Breakfast
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.             General Session
12:00 – 1:30 p.m.                      Luncheon for Delegates
1:30 – 4:00 p.m.                        Sensory Science Workshop
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.                        Closing Reception and Dinner

*Committee meetings open to observers

Scheduling of Non-ADS Functions

Please remember that no events are to be scheduled to conflict with official ADS events.  This includes, but is not limited to, hospitality suites, production facility or office tours, special breakfasts or dinners, recreational activities, including transportation and similar events.

Committee Descriptions

Executive Technical Board

The Executive Technical Board (ETB) works with staff to direct and supervise the ADS Technical Program, which ensures that Association members remain proactive on technical issues affecting the industry (e.g., labeling, food safety, processing, and preservation).  Committees operating under the purview of the ETB include the Technical and Quality Assurance Committees.

The ETB is overseeing ADS-funded research that will explore the microbiological risks related to ingredients (raw and treated) and in-process steps.  The ETB continues to work with a representative of the USDA on a buffering capacity model for dressings.  Phase 1 of the study was published in the April 2020 issue of the Journal of Food Science, and Phase 2 of the study is underway.

Technical Committee

The Technical Committee undertakes research projects with a focus on ingredients, finished products, methods, equipment and instrumentation to advance the knowledge of the dressings and sauces industry.  The Committee is undertaking the following projects:

• Evaluate umami flavor enhancers for sodium reduction
• Effects of processing on finished products as it relates to rheology, sensory, particle size and microscopy.

Additionally, Dr. Gokila Thangavel, Kemin Food Technologies will present the topic, “Clean Label Ingredients/Antimicrobials for Dressings/Sauces.”

Quality Assurance Committee

The Quality Assurance Committee reviews new instrumentation and analyses for dressings and sauces and ensures that the ADS technical manuals – Quality Assurance Guidelines (QAG) Manual and the Methods and Procedures Manual (MAPMAN) – remain current and progressive.

The Committee is currently reviewing the following technical manual sections:

• Section VII, “Production Documentation Guidelines” of the Quality Assurance Guidelines (QAG) Manual.
• “Considerations in the Production of Shelf Stable, Hot Filled Salsa” in Section XI, “Industry Guidelines” of the QAG Manual

ADS Packaging Committee

The mission of the Packaging Committee is to address current and relevant needs of ADS and provide a forum for discussion of packaging-related issues and subsequent action. The goals of the Committee are:  (1)  to further the interests and provide direction, education and training to ADS on all matters related to packaging and packaging systems, and (2) to support and promote interests and objectives of the members of ADS by providing guidance on technical, operational, environment/sustainability (materials, processes and practices) and regulatory issues pertaining to the packaging industry. The activities of the Committee are chosen to meet these goals.  During the April 30 Committee meeting, attendees will determine future projects of most benefit to ADS members.

Membership Advisory Council

The ADS Membership Advisory Council promotes membership in the Association through prospecting efforts, member retention, satisfaction and endorsement.  The Council also capitalizes on member talent to improve Association programs for the benefit of ADS members.  Have a prospect?  Please send the company name and contact information to Alesia Winters at [email protected].

Meeting Program

Monday, May 2

General Session

Welcome and Introductions
Patricia Faison
ADS Director of Regulatory & Technical Affairs

Chair’s Address
Allen Sass, Wisconsin Spice, Inc.
Executive Technical Board Chair

ADS Communications Update
Meagan Comerford
ADS Communications Manager

Your Best is Next
Ira J. Blumenthal
Co-Opportunities, Inc.‎

(Break)

Food Regulatory Update
Dr. Jeannie Perron
ADS Legal Counsel
Covington & Burling

(Announcements)

(Lunch Break)

Packaging Workshop
Moderator:  Suzanne Mailman, Golden State Foods

Packaging Effects on the Shelf Life of Dressings & Sauces
Paul Kelley
Ring Container Technologies

How to Improve the Carbon Footprint of Your Package
Lisa Huett
Pretium Packaging

High-Performance Films for Liquid Packaging
Fernando Guzman
Sealed Air Corporation  

Tuesday, May 3

General Session

Impact of the Renewable Fuel Standard on the Food Industry
Bill Lapp
Advanced Economic Solutions

A Unified Approach for Managing Regulatory Audits in the Post-Pandemic World‎
Dr. Tony Moses and Ben Rucker
CRB

Shopping Trends in an (Almost) Post Pandemic World
Ben Woodridge
Litehouse, Inc.

(Break) 

No Two Acidulants are the ‎Same
Emily Hutchinson and Victor Martinez
Jungbunzlauer, Inc.

Natural Preservatives: A Peek Behind the Curtain
Dr. Daniel Unruh and Megan Weathers
Corbion

(Announcements)

(Lunch)

Sensory Science Workshop
Moderator:  Dorrie Francis, Litehouse, Inc.

A Sweet Journey: A Flavorist Explores the Taste Bud
Gary Conklin
The Tec Team Inc.

Sensory Science and Flavors
Erica Longo
International Flavors & Fragrances

The Approaches to Sensory Analysis/When Do You Use the Various Types of Testing?
Caryn Crawford
CCR Sensory Insights

Techniques for Accelerated Shelf Life Testing and Impact on Sensory
Dr. Dawn Chapman and Dr. Ritu Mishra
The Clorox Company

Registration Information

Registration for the ADS Technical Meeting will take place exclusively online and is designed to save you time.  Register by March 11 and you will qualify for the special advanced registration fee!  Immediately following your registration, an email confirmation will be sent to you, summarizing your selections and payment.  Simply print the confirmation for convenient expense reporting.  Contact Headquarters if you have questions or are unable to register online.

New Registration Site-Instructions
Before you register, please take a minute to read through the instructions below as this is a new registration software system.

As a first time user, you will need to create a new account.

Here are the steps to do that:‎

• ‎Please navigate to this page,‎ https://portal.dressings-sauces.org
• You will see the log in-screen.
• DO NOT LOGIN or select FORGOT PASSWORD.
• Since this will be your first time signing in, you’ll need to click this statement: “Set up your account”
• After you click on the “Set up your account” link, you should be taken to a screen that looks similar.
• You’ll know you’re on the right page if you see “Already have an account?” link on the bottom of your page. No need to click that link.
• ‎Enter the email address associated with your ADS membership (most likely, it’s your company email address).
• Create a new password for your account and click “Continue”‎.
• ‎You will be sent an email and asked to verify your email address by clicking the link within. This ensures you have provided a valid email address.‎
• ‎Now, you can log in with your new password and click the registration link below to register for the meeting.

Online registration is closed. To register, contact ADS Headquarters at [email protected] or 678.298.1181.

In accordance with Association policy, the participants underwrite the entire cost of the Technical Meeting.  The registration fee covers group meal functions and receptions, fees paid for presenters, audio/visual equipment, entertainment and decorations, stationery and printing costs, web-related expenses, staff travel, office costs and all expenses incurred in planning and coordination of the Meeting.

Registration Fees:

In the event you must cancel your registration, cancellation fees apply as outlined above.  After April 18, all fees are non-refundable.

*Non-member companies may attend one Technical or Annual Business Forum (formerly the Annual Meeting) to become familiar with the Association.  The difference between member and non-member registration fees for the Technical or Annual Business Forum is applicable to dues if received within sixty (60) days following the Meeting attended.

 **Spouse/Companion registration includes social functions only (breakfasts, lunches, receptions, dinners and the Information Open House).  If your spouse/companion wishes to attend any business sessions (General Sessions, workshops), they must pay the full member registration fee.

Sponsorship Opportunities

ADS is offering sponsorships for many of the functions and events that take place at its Technical Meeting.  Sponsorships are available to all members, Manufacturers and Suppliers, and provide a unique opportunity to create added visibility and name recognition for your company, products and services.  

Sponsorships for each of the individual functions and events noted below will be on a first-come, first-served basis.  You can select and pay for your sponsorship online when registering for the Meeting or contact Alesia Winters to pre-select your sponsorship.

 Sponsor Guidelines

1. Diamond Sponsorship cannot be sponsored by the same company in consecutive years, unless it is available at the published deadline.
2. Sponsorship limited to one (1) item per company per Meeting.
3. All sponsorships are based on a first-come, first-served basis, taking into consideration the information contained in Point 1 above.
4. All promotions will be provided by ADS as outlined in the Sponsor Levels and Benefits document.  No giveaways allowed.
5. If payment for sponsorship is not received within 30 days of commitment, the sponsored activity will be placed back in the sponsorship offerings.

Sponsor Levels

ADS Sponsor Levels and Benefits

* No substitutions allowed.

Special Events

Meet ‘n Greet Reception

Make sure you attend the Meet ‘n Greet Reception to meet your fellow ADS members and liaise with your colleagues on Saturday evening before heading out for dinner.  This is your chance to see old friends after several months and make new ones. 

Information Open House

CLICK FOR GUIDELINES

Due to room limitations, tabletops will be limited to 88. Register early to ensure you have a tabletop.

The ADS Information Open House (IOH) is scheduled for Monday, May 2 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.  Set-up for Supplier members is 4:15 – 4:45 p.m.  This informal tabletop exhibit provides the opportunity to meet new members, establish business relationships and re-connect with current clients.

Suppliers are able to display industry-related literature, and limited product sampling will be allowed.  Refer to the guidelines for additional information, as strict adherence is required. Reservations received after April 19 will be subject to availability.  Reserve your tabletop during the registration process.

There is no charge to participate in the IOH, however, participants must be an ADS member and registered for the ADS Technical Meeting.  Refer to the guidelines for specific policies regarding Supplier displays, including product sampling.  Space is limited and will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tuesday Evening Networking Reception & Dinner

You haven’t said your goodbyes yet so get ready for another evening of true ADS camaraderie.  This event is included with your registration fee.

Hotel Information

Norfolk Waterside Marriott

The Association for Dressings & Sauces, on behalf of its members, has reserved a block of rooms at ‎the Norfolk Waterside Marriott, at a discounted group rate.  All rates are exclusive of applicable taxes.  ‎The current state and local taxes are 13.170%.‎

Norfolk Waterside Marriott
235 E Main St,
Norfolk, VA 23510
1-757-627-4200

Reservations
+1 800-874-0264

Single or Double Occupancy: $189

Rooms at the special group rate are available on a first come, first served basis to our attendees while the block lasts.  Once the block is full, rooms and room rates are based on availability.

To make hotel reservations, click on this LINK –   or call toll-free at +1 800-874-0264 and be sure to identify yourself as part of ADS.

To guarantee your reservation, you must provide a credit card number.  If using a credit card to secure the reservation, your card will not be charged until you depart the hotel.  You may cancel your reservation without penalty if you notify the hotel up to 24 hours prior to your scheduled arrival.  Cancellations received by the hotel after that time will be subject to a cancellation fee of one night’s room and tax.

If you check out of the hotel prior to the reserved check-out date, the hotel will charge you an early check-out fee equal to one night’s room and tax.  If you wish to avoid an early check-out fee, make sure to notify the hotel either at or before check-in of any change in planned length of stay.

Check-in at the hotel is after 4:00 p.m., and check-out is 11:00 a.m.  Luggage storage arrangements for early arrivals, or late departures, can be made with the bell captain.

Identifying yourself as part of ADS or The Association for Dressings & Sauces group helps place you in the ADS room block in either hotel.

Booking your room in the ADS block is extremely important because the Association, on behalf of the members, has committed revenue to the hotel for a specified number of hotel rooms.  If ADS does not use the specified number of hotel rooms, which can happen when attendees book in other hotels or outside of the ADS block, the Association may be monetarily penalized for un-booked hotel rooms in our block.  We appreciate your willingness to assist us in avoiding unnecessary penalties by booking in the meeting hotel and identifying yourself as part of the ADS group when making your reservation.

Travel Information

Norfolk International Airport is served by :

Allegiant
American
Breeze
Delta
Frontier
United
Southwest

Ground Transportation
Rental Cars
On-site rental car reservation desks are located in the Arrivals Terminal on Level 1. Hours of operation: 4:30 AM until last arriving flight nightly. Rental car pickup is located on Level G – Garage A. Rental car return is located on Level 2 – Garage A.

Taxi Cabs
Black and White
City Wide Cabs
Coastal Ride
Duke Cab Co.
East Side Cabs
Eden Cab Co.
Norfolk Checker
Oceanside Executive
Southside Cab Co.
Waterside Taxi Company
Yellow Cab of Norfolk

Ride Share
Lyft
Uber

Limousine and Courtesy Vehicles
Pickup area outside the Arrivals Terminal between Crosswalks 1 and 2.

 Delta Air Lines Discount
Delta Air Lines is offering special discounted* airfares for ADS Meeting attendees.  Discounts vary, depending on the class of ticket purchased, up to 10% off the fare for both domestic and international travel.

To take advantage of these Travel Discounts for both domestic and international travel:

• Visit the Delta Airlines website and click the Advanced Search link at the bottom of the “Book a Trip”
• Complete the required fields and enter meeting code “NMV8G“.
• You may also call Delta Meeting Network® Reservations at 1-800-328-1111, Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Central Time. (Please use the same phone number to make changes to an existing Delta Meetings Network reservation.)

*Please note the following:

• NOT ALL FARES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A DISCOUNT.
• Fare rules will determine eligibility.
• Discounts vary, depending on the class of ticket purchased, and apply to round trip travel only.
• For domestic programs, the two lowest class tickets (X & V) are not eligible for a discount.
• Not valid with other discounts, certificates, coupons or promotional offers.
• One free name change per passenger and additional name changes permitted at $200 USD / $200 CAD on select fares. (Domestic travel only)
• One free name change per passenger and additional name changes permitted at $175 USD / $175 CAD on select fares. (International travel only)
• If using a travel agent, please contact association staff for assistance.

Weather and Dress 

May in Virginia
Temperatures are typically in the mid to high 70’s, with evening temperatures in the high 50’s.  Business casual attire is appropriate for all business sessions and social activities during the Technical Meeting. 

Attractions & Dining in Norfolk
Click here for more information on attractions in Norfolk.  Click here for dining options.

Contact ADS

The Association for Dressings & Sauces
3200 Windy Hill Road, SE
Suite 600W
Atlanta, GA 30339

Phone: (678) 298-1181
Fax: (404) 591-6811
E-mail:  [email protected]
Website:  www.dressings-sauces.org
Members-Only Website:  www.adsmembers.org

 Follow/Like ADS:
Facebook/dressingssauces
Twitter/dressingssauces
Pinterest/dressingssauces

The Association for Dressings and Sauces is managed by Kellen (www.kellencompany.com).  Kellen is a leading professional global services company providing association management, strategic consulting and customized solutions to a substantial and diversified client base that includes associations, societies, foundations, charities, corporations and entrepreneurs.  Founded in 1964, the firm maintains offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Kansas City, New York, Washington, D.C., Brussels and Beijing. 

Follow us on Twitter@kellencompany.

Attendees