2026 Annual Meeting

General Session*
SUNDAY, MARCH 9

Ultra Processed Foods

Joan Slavin‎
University of Minnesota

Impacts of Climate

James Garriss
Browning Media  ‎

General Session*
TUESDAY, MARCH 11

Chair’s Address

Walter Nicolau
VI Chair of the Board
Classic Wine Vinegar Company

Extended Producer Responisiblities

Rob Keith
Ameripen

Tariffs and International Trade

Paul Rosenthal
Kelley Drye & Warren

‎*Presentation titles and speakers are subject to change.‎

Hotel Information

Perched in the heart of downtown, Thompson Palm Springs brings a fresh spin to its rich cultural heritage, boasting an iconic midcentury modern design that embodies the Rat Pack-era style the neighborhood is famous for. This chic urban oasis offers unique rooms, two-bedroom suites with expansive balconies or patios and unrivaled luxury hotel and resort amenities—available to locals and visitors alike—including a new signature restaurant with Middle East cuisine helmed by an award-winning chef, two outdoor pool venues with immersive views, plus state-of-the-art fitness, an on-site HALL Napa Valley Tasting Room and over 35,000 square feet of dynamic retail and restaurant space.

For more information, Visit Thompson Palm Springs Hotel.

Hotel Reservations

Information on hotel reservations and rates will be coming soon.

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 21, 2026, with a $100 processing fee. After January 21, 2026, cancellation fees increase to $500 and become non-refundable after February 20, 2026. 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.  

Registration will open soon. Please reach out to Mariel Nelson at [email protected] if you have any questions.

(Please register by January 16, 2026, to qualify for advance registration fees.)

Advance Registration Fees before January 16, 2026:

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

After January 16, 2026:

• Member ‎$1,795‎
• Non-Member* ‎
  • Manufacturer/Bottler ‎ ‎$1,895‎
  • Supplier ‎$2,095‎
• 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 Sponsorships

Promote your company at this event with partial level digital bay ads.  This is a fantastic way to give your company special recognition and to help create a memorable game of golf!  The cost for sponsorship is $250 per member.  There is a maximum of 10 sponsorships allowed. Please check the appropriate box on the registration form if you’d like to take advantage of this great opportunity!  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 Outing 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!   

• 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 Mariel Nelson ([email protected] ) by February 5^th if you would like to take advantage of this opportunity.
• The Associate Member Caucus will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday. Matters of interest to Associate members will be reviewed, including nominations for two Supplier seats on the Board for fiscal year 2027.
• The General Session (open to all registered attendees, including spouses) begins at 8:30 a.m. Breakfast is not provided.
• 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.
• A golf outing will be offered to attendees who wish to participate for an advanced registration fee. Transportation will be provided. Please meet in the lobby at 12:00 noon.
• 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 entertainment.

TUESDAY

• Tuesday’s activities begin with a Continental Breakfast at 8:00 a.m. The General Session runs from 9:00 a.m. until 11:15 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 Mariel Nelson at VI Headquarters 678-298-1179 and remember, it’s not too early to register!

For a comprehensive list of dining options in Palm Springs, click HERE. 

VI is also offering the following activity for an advanced registration fee.  As VI must make firm commitments, please sign up for any activities by January 31, 2026.   

Topgolf Outing (Monday, March 9) 

12:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. 

Cost Per Person: $175, includes transportation and lunch 

Minimum number of participants needed: 15  

VI has arranged a group outing to Topgolf for a fun afternoon of golf, drinks, food, and friendly competition! Pre-registration is required and includes transportation to and from Topgolf.  Meet in the lobby on March 10 at 12:00 p.m. for VI provided transportation.  

For those unfamiliar, Topgolf is a fun, high-tech activity where players hit microchipped golf balls toward targets on the ground, earning points based on accuracy and distance. As a high-tech version of miniature golf, Topgolf is suitable for all skill levels, with interactive games and real-time tracking of your shots. Golf clubs are provided so players can travel light, and relax with an outstanding food and beverage menu, climate-controlled hitting bays, and music.  Check out the video HERE to learn more!  

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

Attendees

When registration opens, you will be able to view the attendee list here.