GMA Science Forum Draws Record Attendance

Experts from the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry are gathering on April 3 for the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) Science Forum at the Marriot Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C., to further the CPG industry’s goal of product safety and health and wellbeing via responsible, science-based public policy solutions.

At the event, a record 450-plus attendees will hear from more than 70 speakers encompassing the food, beverage and consumer product scientific community; government; and academia, who are scheduled to discuss the major issues affecting consumers, business and public policy.

“Consumers expect industry and government to work together to provide the world with the safest possible products,” noted Pamela Bailey, president and CEO of Washington-based GMA. “The GMA Science Forum is the flagship event for this type of public-private collaboration, bringing the CPG scientific community, government and academia together at the intersection of sound science and responsible policy.”

The conference provides in-depth expertise and global perspectives on the most significant scientific, regulatory and technical developments in product safety, health and wellbeing, ingredient safety and international trade. Program highlights include appearances by John Weeks, former Canadian ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO); Michael Taylor, FDA deputy commissioner of foods; and CBS News White House Correspondent Major Garrett, along with more than 15 hours of Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) sessions, four highly specialized pre-conference workshops, information on how to prepare for the international trade ramifications of FSMA, and crisis management for scientific executives.

Attendees include manufacturer CEOs, chief science officers and VPs of research and development from food, beverage and consumer product companies, in addition to representatives from allied trade groups based in the United States and abroad.

Additionally, GMA has revealed that the 2014 GMA Science Forum will be held April 6-9, 2014, at the Gaylord National Resort in Washington.