Fifth annual Food Business Conference set for April 5 in GSO

Registration is open for the fifth annual Food Business Conference, which will be held April 5 in Greensboro.

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will host the conference from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Greensboro-High Point Airport Marriott. It is geared for people interested in expanding their food business in North Carolina.

“Value-added products, high-quality processed foods and other food-related businesses are vital to the success and growth of North Carolina’s $76-billion agriculture industry,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This conference offers a great opportunity for new and established North Carolina food businesses to learn how to take their companies to the next level.”

The conference will feature presentations from industry leaders and local food entrepreneurs. Kelley O’Brien, director of interactive, digital and social media for Krispy Kreme, will be the keynote speaker. Additional presentations include “Marketing with a Non-Traditional Mindset,” “Creating a Professional Image for Your Food Product” and “Selling Through Amazon and Other Online Portals.”

Deadline for registration is March 30. The cost is $100, and breakfast and lunch are included. Attendees can save $10 by registering before Feb. 15. A complete agenda and registration form are available online at www.ncagr.gov/markets/agribiz.

For more information on the conference, contact Annette Dunlap, NCDA&CS food business specialist, at annette.dunlap@ncagr.gov or 919-707-3117