2020 Annual Meeting

General Sessions

SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2020*

Health Benefits of Vinegar
Carol Johnston, Ph.D., R.D., Arizona State University

Working with Today’s Age – Diverse Workplace
Michael Preston, Ed.D., Florida Consortium of Metropolitan Research Universities

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2020*

Chair’s Address
Matthew Moore, VI Chair of the Board, Mizkan America

Tracking Trends that Matter
Todd Hale, Todd Hale, LLC

Attitude and Usage Survey of Cleaning Vinegar
Scott Singer, Reinhart Foods and Jeannie Milewski, The Vinegar Institute

*Presentation titles and speakers are subject to change.

Hotel Information

A tropical escape in the heart of Miami Beach, The Palms Hotel & Spa offers genuine service and laid-back sophistication to a multi-generational mix of international travelers. Inspired by the tropical nature surrounding the property, the oceanfront hotel in Miami Beach employs a unique emphasis on total wellness, with environmental awareness and health-consciousness at the center of each guest experience. Visit The Palms Hotel & Spa.

Hotel Reservations

To make online reservations, click here. You may also call +1-305-534-0505. Please identify yourself as a part of the “VI” Group. Accommodations are available to the Vinegar Institute at a special Group rate.

It is essential to identify yourself as part of “VI” so that you will be placed in the Vinegar Institute room block. Booking within the “VI” room block is extremely important because the Vinegar Institute, on behalf of the members, has committed revenue to the hotel for a specified number of hotel rooms. We appreciate your willingness to assist us in avoiding unnecessary penalties by booking at the meeting hotel and identifying yourself as part of the “VI” group when making your reservation.

The room rate is $329.00 plus a $22.95 hotel fee per night single or double occupancy. All rooms are subject to 14% state and local taxes. Room reservations must be guaranteed with a major credit card. The credit card will not be charged until the guest checks out of the hotel.

Cancellations and changes must be made directly with the hotel up to 72 hours prior to arrival date to avoid penalties. Check-in time is 4:00 p.m. and check-out is 11:00 a.m.

Plan to make your hotel reservations now as VI’s Meeting coincides with Spring Break. (Room reservations at the above-discounted rate are available on a first-come, first-serve basis in the VI block. Once the block is full, rooms and room rates are based on availability.)

Meeting Registration

The entire cost of the Annual Meeting is underwritten by the participants — no portion of Association dues is allocated for Annual Meeting expenses. The registration fee includes
speakers’ expenses, audio/visual equipment, entertainment, decor, stationery and printing costs for programs, website development, staff travel and all office costs incurred in planning and coordinating the Annual Meeting.

All registrations must be completed online and will not be processed without payment. Registration fees are refundable through January 17th less a $100 processing fee. After January 17th, cancellation fees increase to $500 and become non-refundable after February 3rd. For your convenience, we accept American Express, Visa and MasterCard. Checks are also accepted.

Please remember to register for the Meeting at the same time you make your hotel reservations.

To access online registration, register here.

(Please register by January 9, 2020 to qualify for advance registration fees.)

Advance Registration Fees before January 9:

• Member $1,595
• Non-Member*
  • Manufacturer/Bottler $1,695
  • Supplier $1,895
• Spouse/Companion $400
• Children (8 – 18 years) $100

After January 9:

• Member $1,695
• Non-Member*
  • Manufacturer/Bottler $1,795
  • Supplier $1,995
• Spouse/Companion $400
• Children (8 – 18 years) $100

*Non-member companies may attend one Meeting to become familiar with the Institute. The difference between member and non-member registration fees is applicable to dues if received within ninety (90) days from the date of the end of the Meeting.

Since The Vinegar Institute must make firm financial commitments based on indicated attendance well in advance of the Meeting, we ask that you complete the online registration form on the website at your earliest convenience.

Golf and Meeting Sponsorships

Golf Sponsorships

Promote your company on the golf course by sponsoring a golf hole! This year’s tournament will be held at the Normandy Shores Gold Course. This is a fantastic way to give your company special recognition and to help create a memorable golf game! The cost for sponsorship is $250 per hole. Please check the appropriate box on the registration form if you’d like to take advantage of this great opportunity! This sponsorship includes signage with your company name and logo at one of the golf holes. You will receive other special recognition as noted below.

Meeting Sponsorships

All members will have the opportunity to contribute any dollar amount toward the Meeting. Since the entire cost of the Annual Meeting is underwritten by the participants, your support will enable VI to continue to maintain registration fees at an affordable rate, obtain the best speakers possible and plan for a memorable Monday night event! Remember, no amount is too small and all contributions will be used to create the very best meeting possible! Please check the appropriate box on the registration form if you would like to become a meeting sponsor.

Sponsorship Recognition

As a golf or Meeting sponsor, your company will receive special recognition prior to the Annual Meeting in the program, on posted signs throughout the Meeting and at the podium during the Meeting. You will receive a “Sponsor” ribbon at the Meeting and be recognized in the Annual Meeting wrap-up, which is sent to all members and housed on the VI website!

Transportation to Miami

The address of The Palms Hotel and Spa:

3025 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33140

The general phone number is (800) 550-0505.

From Miami International Airport (MIA): (10 miles/25 minutes)

• Exit Miami International Airport northbound to 112 east
• Follow 112 east to 195 east Miami Beach
• Continue east over the causeway on 195 east to Miami Beach
• Follow left lanes to Arthur Godfrey Road east
• Turn right (southbound) on Indian Creek Drive to 30th Street
• Turn left onto 30th Street to Collins Avenue
• Turn left on Collins Avenue and the Palms will be on the right

For MIA ground transportation information, click here.

From Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL): (28 miles/47 minutes)

• Take I-95 south to 195 east (exit 4) Miami Beach
• Continue east over the causeway on 195 east to Miami Beach
• Follow left lanes to Arthur Godfrey Road east
• Continue east on Arthur Godfrey Road, over the small bridge (Indian Creek Drive)
• Turn right (southbound) on Indian Creek Drive to 30th Street
• Turn left onto 30th Street to Collins Avenue
• Turn left on Collins Avenue and the Palms will be on the right

For FLL ground transportation information, click here.

Valet parking at The Palms Hotel and Spa is $42 per car, per night with in/out privileges. Onproperty, self-parking is not available. Street parking is limited, but available for an hourly fee.

WHAT TO PACK

The average high temperature in March in Miami Beach is 77°F, and the average low is 67°F. Casual dress is acceptable at the Meeting functions. Attire for the Saturday and Sunday Receptions is resort casual or business dress, depending on your dinner plans for those evenings.

Business and Social Sessions

SATURDAY

• Pick up your badge on Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m. during the one-hour Reception. Meet with friends, have a drink and make plans for dinner. There is no group dinner scheduled.

SUNDAY

Please see the “Activities Offered” section below for a list of suggested attractions and restaurants.

• Pick up your registration materials before the General Session.
• Associate members are invited to display tabletop exhibits in the meeting room during the General Session on Sunday. Contact Jeannie Milewski ([email protected] ) by February 3rd if you would like to take advantage of this opportunity.
• The Associate Member Caucus will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday. Matters of interest to Associate members will be reviewed, including nominations for open Supplier seat on the Board for fiscal year 2021.
• The General Session (open to all registered attendees, including spouses) begins at 9:00 a.m. Breakfast is not provided.
• There are no events planned after the afternoon session. Members are encouraged to venture out of the hotel and explore the city. Please see the “Activities” section below for a list of suggested attractions and restaurants.
• Join everyone at the one-hour Reception at 6:30 p.m. There is no group dinner scheduled.

MONDAY

• The Scientific Committee will convene on Monday for a Continental Breakfast and meeting at 7:30 a.m. to review scientific issues of interest to the vinegar industry.
• The Board of Directors will meet after the Scientific Committee meeting at 9:30 a.m.
• The VI Golf Tournament will be held at the Normandy Shores Golf Course. Transportation is on your own. Please meet at the golf club by 12:30 pm.
• The perfect ending to a memorable meeting will be held Monday evening starting at 6:30 p.m. Wear your favorite beach attire! Don’t forget to check this activity when registering and be sure to join us for an evening of live entertainment with the Steel Band Delight, who will play a variety of music!

TUESDAY

• Tuesday’s activities begin with a Continental Breakfast at 8:00 a.m. The General Session runs from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. The Meeting will conclude at 11:30 a.m.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please don’t hesitate to call Jeannie Milewski at VI Headquarters (678) 303-3026, and remember it’s not too early to register!

Activities

The Miami Activities List containing suggested tours, excursions, and shopping experiences can be found HERE or click HERE for a list of TripAdvisor attractions.

For dining options, click HERE for a variety of local eateries and fine dining restaurants.

Normandy Shores Golf Course (Monday, March 9)
12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Cost per Person: $190, includes lunch
Club rental with 6 golf balls: $75.00

If you need rental clubs, it is imperative that you indicate this when registering as the Golf Club has limited sets available and will not be able to accommodate last minute requests.

2401 Biarritz Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33141
Phone: (305) 604-4057

Normandy Shores Golf Club is located in the serene residential area of Normandy Isle. The view of Biscayne Bay, its soothing breezes and tropical wild life provide the backdrop for an enjoyable round of golf for the novice or pro at this beautifully renovated hidden jewel.

The Arthur Hills designed golf course is planted with Supreme Seashore Paspalum and features three sets of tees playing from 5,900 yards to 6,800 yards. The course offers a challenge to golfers of all skill levels; be ready to use your mind as well as your swing to negotiate the rolling fairways featuring bunkering in landing areas, well protected greens, and water hazards that come into play on 12 out of 18 holes.

Transportation will not be provided, so carpooling is recommended.

Directions to the course are:

• Head north on Collins Avenue to Indian Creek Drive
• Use the right 2 lanes to turn right to stay on Collins Avenue
• Turn left onto FL-907, then immediately turn right onto Indian Creek Drive
• Use the left 2 lanes to turn slightly left to stay on Indian Creek Drive
• Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto 71st Street
• Stay right to continue onto Normandy Drive
• Turn right onto Biarritz Drive
• Normandy Shores Golf Course will be on your right

WE APPRECIATE YOUR COOPERATION IN MEETING THE DEADLINES GIVEN TO HELP US AVOID ADDITIONAL COSTS!