2023 Annual Meeting

General Sessions

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2023*

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, FEBRUARY 28, 2023*

Chair’s Address
Scott Singer, VI Chair of the Board, Reinhart Foods Ltd. 

Tracking Trends that Matter
Todd Hale, Todd Hale, LLC

Economic Update
Dr. Chris Kuehl, Armada Corporate Intelligence

*Presentation titles and speakers are subject to change.

Hotel Information

Naples Grande Beach Resort is one of the most exciting resorts in Florida and promises to be the region’s most sought-after destination for all beachside escapes. Set on 23 waterfront acres the resort promises to be a sanctuary of beachfront sophistication complemented by spectacular ocean views and a portfolio of world class amenities, including a luxurious spa, an 18-hole championship golf course, 15 tournament grade tennis courts as well as a beautiful beach and vibrant swimming pool deck at the heart of the resort experience.

For more information, Visit Naples Grande Beach Resort.

Hotel Reservations

To make online reservations, click here.  You may also call 1-844-489-9663 and ask for the Vinegar Institute group rate or group code GVIN23. Please identify yourself as a part of the “Vinegar Institute Group”. Accommodations are available to the Vinegar Institute at a special Group rate.

Reserve your room by Friday, February 3, 2023.  Rooms available on a first come, first served basis.  Once the block is full, rooms and room rates are based on availability.

It is essential to identify yourself as part of “VI” or “Vinegar Institute” group 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 $369.00 (weekend rate) hotel fee per night single or double occupancy. All rooms are subject to 12% 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.

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 19th, 2023, less a $100 processing fee. After January 19th, 2023, cancellation fees increase to $500 and become non-refundable after February 1st, 2023. For your convenience, VI accepts 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 10, 2023 to qualify for advance registration fees.)

Advance Registration Fees before January 10, 2023:

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

After January 10, 2023:

• 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 Imperial Golf Club. 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 Naples

The address of Naples Grande Beach Resort:

475 Seagate Drive
Naples FL, 34103

The general phone number is (239) 597-3232.

From Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW): (33 miles/47 minutes)

• Start out going West on Terminal Access Road
• Follow signs for Airport Exit/I-75
• Take ramp for I-75 South towards Naples
• Merge onto I-75 South
• Take exit 107 towards Naples
• Turn right heading West onto Pine Ridge Road
• Cross over US41 Tamiami Trail when Pine Ridge Road becomes Seagate Drive
• Naples Grande Beach Resort is at the end of Seagate Drive on the right

For RSW ground transportation information, click here.

Valet parking at Naples Grande Beach Resort is $30 per car, per night with in/out privileges. On-property, self-parking is $20 per night. Street parking is limited, but available for an hourly fee.

WHAT TO PACK

The average high temperature in February in Naples is 77°F, and the average low is 59°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

• 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 Dawn McLean ([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 two open Supplier seats on the Board for fiscal year 2024.
• The General Session (open to all registered attendees, including spouses) begins at 9:00 a.m. Breakfast is not provided.
• A sightseeing trolley tour of Naples is planned from 12:00 – 4:00 pm. Please meet in the hotel lobby by 12:00 p.m.
• 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 Imperial Golf Club. Transportation is on your own. Please meet at the golf club by 11:30 a.m.
• 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 Tone Poets.

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 Dawn McLean at VI Headquarters (678) 298-1179, and remember it’s not too early to register!

Activities

The Naples Convention and Visitors Bureau has a listing of suggested tours, excursions, and shopping experiences that 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.

VI is also offering the following activities.  As VI must make firm commitments, please sign up for any activities by January 31, 2023.

Trolley Tour of Naples (Sunday, February 26)
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost Per Person: $145, includes boxed lunch
Number of Participants: 15 minimum/20 maximum

Enjoy a guided tour of Naples in a private trolley with stops for shopping along the way.  A boxed lunch will be provided, but some of the stops will have food and beverage options available for member purchase if desired.

Imperial Golf Club (Monday, February 27)
1:00 p.m.* – 5:30 p.m.
Cost Per Person: $225, includes lunch, greens fees, a round of 18 holes and shared golf cart
Club Rental: $55.00

*Plan to be at the course by 11:30 a.m.
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.

1808 Imperial Golf Course Blvd
Naples, Florida 34110
Phone: (239) 597-8165

Come relax & play at South Florida’s Premier Private Golf Club. The West Course is a Ward Northrup designed par 72 course. Dog-legs and water hazards are prominent features of this “Florida-style” design. The layout rewards placement off the tee and accurate approach shots to well-bunkered greens.

The East Course is an Arthur Hills designed par 72 course. The East Course features generous fairways and gradual doglegs that provide a traditional “northern” feel. Talented players enjoy the 7,014 yard championship tees and new golfers enjoy the forward tees at 4,932 yards. With seven tee box options, the East Course delivers a masterful golf experience for players of all skill levels, from the beginner to the professional.

Lunch will be provided on the carts. Transportation will not be provided, so carpooling is recommended.

Directions to the course are:

• Bear left onto Seagate Dr.
• Turn left onto Myra Janco Daniels Blvd
• Turn right onto Pelican Bay Blvd
• Turn left onto US-41 N / FL-45 / Tamiami Trail N
• Turn right onto Imperial Golf Course Blvd – Club is 1 mile ahead

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

Attendees

Check HERE for an up-to-date attendee listing.