As SFA looks forward to the promises the new year holds for our industry and our trade association, it’s appropriate to review some of the major developments in 2005 and look ahead at some of the new activities and initiatives planned for 2006.

While we worked last year to streamline SFA administratively and financially, the association continued its high standard of quality and professionalism, achieving significant success. Going forward, SFA will vigorously oppose public policy initiatives that would harm our industry and our members. We will educate the public about how snacks can fit into a sound diet and balanced lifestyle.

SNAXPO 2005, held at the Westin Diplomat Resort, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. in March, was a success for both exhibitors and attendees. Almost 1,500 people from 37 different countries and nearly 400 snack manufacturers attended. Plans for SNAXPO 2006, which will be held March 19-22 in Las Vegas, began the day after SNAXPO 2005 ended. The SNAXPO Planning Committee is determined to provide attendees and exhibitors alike with solid and lasting take-away value. We expect an exhibit hall sell-out.  

Other major conferences and seminars included:

SFA’s Pretzel and Baked Snacks Seminar at Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pa. in April. Location and dates to be announced.

2005 Day in D.C. – Spring Summit in May, where SFA members discussed key governmental issues with their elected officials. Seven of SFA’s committees met to discuss goals and objectives for the year. SFA held its Sixth Annual Associate Member Summit, and a Business Member Roundtable was held. The 2006 Day in D.C. is being planned for May 16-18 at the Sofitel Lafayette Square Hotel in downtown Washington, D.C.

SFA’s 29th Annual Top Management Seminar took place in September at the Four Seasons Resort in Jackson Hole, Wyo. The 2006 meeting will be held at the Montage Resort and Spa in Laguna Beach, Calif., September 24-26.

SFA’s Management Workshop was held in Indianapolis in October for sales, marketing and manufacturing industry professionals. Dates and location for this year’s meeting to be announced.

A new Total Quality Management course was held in September, with the Center for Innovative Food Technology (Columbus, Ohio) and Ohio State University.

As January draws to a close, SFA will move into new offices in Arlington, Va., where our staff will continue to work on behalf of all SFA members. While 2005 was a year of change, it also was a year of action — action that will help to provide the foundation for even greater achievements in 2006 and the years ahead.