Although it seemed as if life was going back to normal during the pandemic, a recent announcement of a canceled convention reminds us that the pandemic is still on-going and affecting major decisions. This week, the North American Meat Institute and the Food Industry Association made the difficult decision to cancel the 2022 Annual Meat Conference.
According to the statement this decision was made, “Out of respect for the health of our communities and due to the attention and consideration our respective members are putting into their operations.”
“The purpose of AMC is to bring together retailers and the meat and poultry industry,” said NAMI President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “Like the meat and poultry industry, many of our partners in retail are experiencing significant operational and supply chain challenges. At this time, attending an in-person conference is difficult which diminishes the value of the event for all participants.”
FMI President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin commented, “Our community is prioritizing the health of its people and operations so that we will be able to continue to serve the shopper, but we are committed to sharing additional category insights with our audiences throughout the year.”
This announcement comes at the same time as the Commodity Classic and World Ag Expo announced their conventions will continue in-person. These major conventions will once again be held in-person after last year’s virtual experience. The conventions will continue with added health and safety regulations.
For the 2022 Annual Meat Conference, a full refund will be issued to all attendees, exhibitors and sponsors, and event coordinators will cancel hotel reservations on behalf of registered attendees.
While the in-person event is canceled, NAMI and FMI, in partnership with Sealed Air, will host a virtual discussion series regarding The Power of Meat analysis. The kickoff to this three-part series will be hosted beginning February 7. Registration information will be available via the conference website and in a follow-up communication to previously registered attendees. The analysis will also be available for free to members of our respective organizations and previously registered attendees.
