Animal Agriculture Alliance Virtual Summit Turns Obstacles to Opportunities

The Animal Agriculture Alliance's 2021 Stakeholders Summit will be hosted virtually May 5-6 and themed “Obstacles to Opportunities.” The annual event brings top thought leaders in the industry together to discuss hot-button issues and out-of-the-box ideas.

The summit brings together a diverse group of decision makers, including representatives from farms, ranches, allied industries, food processors, restaurants, grocery stores, legislatures, universities, government agencies and media. The 2020 event (also hosted virtually) was the largest yet, attracting 515 attendees from around the world, according to a release. 
 
“I think we are all ready to turn the page on the obstacles of 2020 and seek opportunities to ensure a bright future for animal agriculture in 2021 and beyond,” said Kay Johnson Smith, Alliance president and CEO, in the release. “Our Virtual 2021 Summit will help everyone in the food chain work together toward that goal. We’re excited about building on the smashing success of our 2020 Virtual Summit to host another top-notch virtual event and hopefully set another attendance record.”
 
The impact of COVID-19 and 2020 is far from over. However, with the right tools, the food chain can be stronger than ever. Now's the time to hone messages, fine-tune strategies and connect, engage and protect like never before, the Animal Agriculture Alliance said. 
 
“Hosting our Summit virtually is a perfect example of turning an obstacle into an opportunity,” said Hannah Thompson-Weeman, Alliance vice president of communications. “We deeply wish we could host our traditional in-person Summit. Nothing beats the energy of being in a room together sharing our passion for animal agriculture. However, the ongoing public health situation is making that look like an impossibility for May 2021, as the health and safety of our attendees will always be our top priority. While it isn’t our first choice, the virtual setting will allow us to be safe while also making our Summit content accessible to a broader audience.”
 
The Alliance seeks proposals for keynote presentations and panel discussions that fit this theme. Proposals to speak at the event are being accepted through Dec. 31. For more information, visit the proposal guidelines and form at https://animalagalliance.org/resource/request-for-speakers-2021-stakeholders-summit/. Registration for the Virtual Summit will open in early 2021 and a tentative schedule will be shared at that time, the release noted.

More from Farm Journal:

Things Animal Rights Activists Say: 2020 Edition

Communication Strategy is Critical Part of Crisis Planning

7 Things to Help You Respond to a Positive Case of COVID on the Farm