The 2021 Annual Board Meeting & Executive Conference features relevant industry briefings, open discussion about egg production issues, and the opportunity to enjoy beautiful Amelia Island, October 26-29. All rooms have been booked at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, but rooms remain available at the Residence Inn. Click here to register and see the Schedule of Activities. Contact Kirsten,  kschutt@unitedegg.com for assistance.

Prominent food safety attorneys Joel Chappelle and  Shawn Stevens from Food Industry Counsel, LLC, will facilitate a Mock Foodborne Illness Criminal Trial. Federal prosecutors will argue why a  VP of Food Safety for a company that caused a Listeria outbreak should be criminally convicted. Attendees will serve as jurors and vote whether to convict or acquit the VP. This session includes strategies to protect individuals and companies from criminal exposure.

Joel Chappelle, Food Industry Lawyer

For more than a decade Joel Chappelle has been helping food companies resolve their most pressing legal and regulatory challenges. Today, Chappelle counsels clients from coast to coast, helping them identify and mitigate risk, achieve regulatory compliance, and litigate complex cases

Shawn Stevens, Founder, Food Industry Lawyer

Shawn Stevens is the founding member of Food Industry Counsel LLC, the only law firm in the United States that represents the food industry exclusively. As a food industry consultant and lawyer, Stevens works with food industry clients (including the world’s largest growers, processors, restaurant chains, distributors and grocers), helping them protect their brand by complying with FDA and USDA regulations, reducing risk, managing recalls and defending high-profile foodborne illness.

Experts speaking during committee briefings 

Jeff Hendricks, National Shell Egg Supervisor, USDA Agriculture Marketing Services (AMS)

Jeff Hendricks will provide an overview of AMS programs including the shell egg program, USDA Commodity Purchase programs, and export activities during the Government Relations Committee and the Food Safety Committee Briefings.

David Swayne, Laboratory Director for Avian Viral Diseases Research, USDA Agriculture Marketing Services (AMS)

 During the UEP Animal Health and Biosecurity Committee Briefing, David Swayne will provide a comprehensive update on HPAI outbreaks around the world with information on wild bird surveillance and transmission patterns. He will also provide his perspective on future HPAI outbreaks.

Hema Prado, Director of Sustainability, American Egg Board (AEB)

Hema Prado will present information on AEB’s sustainability program and the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry & Egg Sustainability Framework.

Conference Tips

Hotel Registration: On October 1, hotel confirmations were emailed to all attendees. If you did not receive an email, please contact  Kirsten Schutt at kschutt@unitedegg.com for assistance.

Airport Transportation:  Click here for airport transportation providers. Uber and Lyft drivers are not readily available on the island but are available for transportation from the airport to the hotel.

Dress code: Dress is resort casual for all events and meetings, except the Awards Banquet, which is business casual.

Dining options: The Ritz-Carlton and Amelia Island offer several fine dining options. Click here for other nearby restaurants. Members are highly encouraged to make dining and activity reservations in advance of the meeting.

Activities: Click here for a list of nature activities on Amelia Island.

Safety continues to be the highest priority, and UEP will follow public health recommendations to ensure the safety of all meeting attendees.