The following preliminary schedule is designed to provide an overview of this year’s convention events. Upon arrival at the convention, be sure to use the detailed schedule located in the pocket agenda for accurate times, locations, listings and other helpful information.
Please note that NRA committee meetings are open to all attendees. Industry policies and issues are addressed at these meetings with members exchanging ideas and viewpoints. The committees make recommendations to the NRA Board of Directors on policy and future direction of the organization.
| FPRF Research Committee Meeting | 12.00 – 5.00 pm |
| FPRF Executive Committee Meeting | 5.00 pm |
| FPRF Membership/Board of Directors Meeting | 9.00 – 10.30 am | |
| NRA APPI Committee Meeting | 10.30 am – 12.00 pm | |
| FPRF Emerging Issues/ACREC Roundtable | 1.30 – 4.00 pm | |
| WRO Research Committee Meeting | 4.00 – 5.00 pm | |
| NRA Executive Committee Meeting | 4.00 – 5.30 pm | |
| NRA Welcome Reception | 6.30 – 7.30 pm | Sponsored by Florida By Products Inc. (Diamond Sponsor), Millpoint Industries, Inc. (Gold Sponsor) and Clapper Corporation (Bronze Sponsor) |
| Buffet Breakfast | 7.30 – 8.30 am | |
| Spouse/Guest Program | 8.00 am – 11.30 pm | Sponsored by Jenkins Centrifuge (Gold Sponsor) |
| NRA Committee Meetings | 8.30 – 11.45 am | |
| — Communications Committee Meeting | 8.30 – 9.00 am | |
| — Environmental Committee Meeting | 9.00 – 9.45 am | |
| — Biofuels Committee Meeting | 9.45 – 10.30 am | |
| — TSE Committee Meeting | 10.30 – 11.15 am | |
| — Legislative Action Committee Meeting | 11.15 – 11.45 am | |
| NRA 75th Recognition Luncheon Recognizing 75 Years of Accomplishment and Leadership, Past and Present |
12.00 – 1.45 pm | Luncheon sponsored by Griffin Industries (Commemorative Anniversary Sponsor). Commemorative DVD and Book sponsored by Baker Commodities, Griffin Industries, Valley Proteins, Inc., West Coast Reduction and The Dupps Company (All Commemorative Anniversary Sponsors) |
| NRA Opening General Session, Keynote by Charles Schwab |
2.00 – 4.00 pm | Sponsored by Baker Commodities, Inc. (Platinum Sponsor) and Sacramento Rendering (Silver Sponsor) |
| — Moderator – Kevin Golding, NRA First Vice Chairman | ||
| — State of Rendering Industry: Michael Koewler, NRA Chairman | ||
| — FPRF Report: Kevin Kuhni, Chairman | ||
| — Keynote Address: Charles Schwab, Chairman and CEO, Charles Schwab Corporation | ||
| World Renderers Organization Annual Meeting | 4.15 – 5.30 pm | |
| Chairman’s Reception | 6.30 – 7.30 pm | Sponsored by Chicago Centrifuge Corporation (Gold Sponsor) and Onkens, Inc. (Gold Sponsor) |
| Buffet Breakfast | 7.30 – 8.30 am | Sponsored by Southwest Hide Company (Bronze Sponsor) |
| Industry Issues Forum | 8.30 – 11.30 am | Sponsored by Darling International Inc. (Platinum Sponsor) |
| — Moderator – J.J. Smith, NRA Second Vice Chairman | ||
| — Industry Overview – Randy Blach, Executive Vice President, Cattle-Fax | ||
| — NRA/FDA Relationship Continues – Dr. Bernadette Dunham (Invited), Director, FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine | ||
| Spouse/Guest Program | 8.30 am – 12.00 pm | Sponsored by Travis Body & Trailer, Inc. (Gold Sponsor) |
| Box Lunch | 12.00 pm | |
| Afternoon Golf Tournament and Optional Tours |
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| Tabletop Reception and Exhibit | 7.00 – 9.00 pm | Sponsored by Haarslev (Gold Sponsor), Par-Kan Company (Silver Sponsor), Summit Trailer Sales (Silver Sponsor), Wellens & Co., Inc. (Silver Sponsor), Brown Industrial, Inc. (Silver Sponsor), Cargill (Silver Sponsor) and Alloy Hardfacing & Engineering Co., Inc. (Bronze Sponsor) |
| Buffet Breakfast | 7.30 – 9.00 am | Sponsored by Millpoint Industries, Inc. |
| Audit and Budget Committee Meeting | 8.15 – 9.00 am | |
| IMDC Meeting | 8.15 – 9.00 am | |
| International Market Forum | 9.00 – 11.00 am | |
| — Moderator – Mike Gilbert, Chairman IMDC | ||
| — European Update – President, European Fat Processors Renderers Association | ||
| — Australian Update – President, Australian Renderers Association | ||
| — Kent Swisher, NRA Vice President International Programs | ||
| — NRA Foreign Markets Directors | ||
| — German Davalos, Director Latin America | ||
| — Dr. Yu Yu, Director Asia | ||
| Convention Planning Committee Meeting | 11.00 – 11.30 am | |
| NRA Board of Directors Luncheon Meeting | 11.45 am – 1.30 pm | |
| Afternoon Optional Tours | ||
| Gala Reception | 6.00 – 7.00 pm | Sponsored by SCP Control, Inc. |
| Gala Dinner (Black Tie Optional) | 7.00 – 11.00 pm | Sponsored by The Dupps Company (Platinum Sponsor), Rothsay (Gold Sponsor) and Haarslev (Gold) |