Deadlines Fast Approaching for USMEF’s 50th Anniversary Strategic Planning Conference, Nov. 11-13 in Palm Springs

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) will mark its 50th anniversary at the USMEF Strategic Planning Conference, Nov. 11-13 in beautiful Palm Springs, Calif.

The meeting agenda features a robust lineup of timely and insightful sessions designed to inform, engage and inspire. In addition to the business meetings, please join us for the Wednesday welcome reception and our special golden anniversary reception and dinner on Thursday evening, as we commemorate this milestone and celebrate with colleagues from across the industry.

REGISTER HERE

NOTE: Wednesday, Oct. 14, is the last day to receive the discounted registration rate!

The opening general session on Wednesday, Nov. 11, will feature a keynote address from geopolitical analyst and author Peter Zeihan, who combines his expert understanding of demography, economics, energy, politics, technology and security to help audiences prepare for an uncertain future. This session will also feature remarks from USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom and an update from Mark Slupek, deputy administrator for global programs at the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.

Thursday's general session will feature a panel reflecting on the milestones that have shaped the U.S. red meat industry, while examining the forces driving its future. Gain valuable insights from a diverse panel of industry experts, including CattleFax CEO Randy Blach, National Pork Board CEO David Newman, Iowa Corn Promotion Board CEO Craig Floss and Steve Isaf, founder and CEO of Interra International, a global leader in the export and distribution of U.S. red meat and a range of other food products. Jihae Yang, who oversees USMEF's Asia Pacific operations, will also join the panel.

At Friday's closing general session, USMEF senior staff from Mexico, Africa and the Asia Pacific will lead a discussion titled, Markets Are Built, Not Found - sharing insights on USMEF's efforts to identify and capitalize on merchandising opportunities in both emerging and established markets.

In addition to these general sessions, the Beef, Pork, Exporter and Feedgrain/Oilseed breakouts will offer detailed discussions on topics pertinent to each sector. Throughout the conference, USMEF's international team will also be on hand to provide firsthand information on market conditions across key regions, highlighting the innovative strategies being implemented to drive demand and expand opportunities.

The conference will conclude on Friday with the election of USMEF's 2026-27 officer team.

The Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa, located in the heart of Indian Wells, offers spacious accommodations, a sandy beach pool, fitness center and multiple dining options. It is a short drive to the El Paseo shopping and dining district, and approximately 30 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, please email , senior vice president of industry relations, or , vice president of operations, or call 303-623-6328.