ARLINGTON, VA. — The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) has opened registration for its virtual Equipment Manufacturers Conference (EMC) on Nov. 5 from 3 to 5 p.m. The annual event was moved online due to COVID-19 repercussions.

The 2020 EMC is hosted by AFIA’s Equipment Manufacturers Committee and will serve to update equipment operators in the feed and pet food industries on current issues and trends. The conference will feature educational speakers and industry leaders to discuss key topics.

“While we wish we could gather and see our equipment manufacturers in person, we are happy to offer our members a way to stay current on issues and trends relevant to their segment of the industry,” said Gary Huddleston, director of feed manufacturing and regulatory affairs for AFIA.

The one-day event will span two hours and cover topics including a Washington update from AFIA President and Chief Executive Officer Constance Cullman, an update on ISO-TC-293 from Huddleston, and a discussion on challenges animal protein, feed and equipment markets faced so far in 2020 led by Dr. Chad Hart of Iowa State University.

Equipment manufacturers, installers, contractors and operators in the animal feed industry are encouraged to participate.

All proceeds from the 2020 EMC will go toward the EMC scholarship fund offered by AFIA’s Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER). The program is designed to encourage collegiate students to consider careers in feed and grain sciences, awarding six $2,500 scholarships per year.

AFIA stated it plans to host the annual conference in-person in New Orleans in 2021.

Registration fees are $50 for AFIA members and $100 for non-members. Early-bird registration will close Oct. 11. Overall registration will close Nov. 4. Read more about the 2020 EMC and register on AFIA’s website.

Read more about pet food and treat industry events.