New Speakers Added To The Line-up For ASTA Policy & Leadership Development Conference, June 20-23 in Washington, DC

Date Posted: Jun 15, 2021

Alexandria, VA (June 14, 2021) - U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Jewel Bronaugh and U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (IA-04) are the latest additions to the stellar speaker line-up for ASTA’s Policy & Leadership Development Conference (PLDC) to be held next week in Washington, D.C.

Bronaugh and Feenstra will join U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, officials from USDA and EPA, industry representatives, and more, to provide the latest updates and analysis of the critical current issues impacting seed, including trade, innovation, and domestic and international policy.

PLDC will be held June 20-23 at the Grand Hyatt Washington and offers both in-person and virtual attendance options.

Key sessions and speakers include:

Women in Seed (June 21)
- U.S. Senator Joni Ernst
- Shannon Latham, Vice President, Latham Hi-Tech Seeds; Member, Iowa State House of Representatives
Phytosanitary (June 21)
- Dr. Osama El-Lissy, USDA-APHIS Deputy Administrator, Plant Protection and Quarantine
Domestic Policy (June 22)
- Dr. Jewel Bronaugh, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture
- U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra
- Dr. Barb Glenn, NASDA CEO
- Ryan Quarles, NASDA Chairman and Kentucky Commissioner of Ag
International Trade (June 22)
- Jason Hafemeister, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, USDA
- Sharon Bomer Lauritsen, AgTrade Strategies, Former Assistant USTR for Agriculture, USTR
Sustainability (June 22)
- Patrick Delaney, Director of External Affairs, Senate Ag Committee
- Andrew Walmsley, Director of Congressional Relations, U.S. Farm Bureau
Innovation (June 22)
- Charles “Billy” Smith, Acting Division Director, Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division, Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. EPA
- Alan Pearson, Biotechnology Regulatory Services, APHIS USDA
- Dennis Keefe, Director, Office of Food Additive Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. FDA

For more information, including the latest agenda and speaker line-up, visit the conference webpage.

Special Events Scheduled During ASTA's Upcoming Policy & Leadership Development Conference June 20-23 in Washington, DC

Washington, DC (June 1, 2021) - The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) has put together a series of optional special events for members and guests during its upcoming Policy & Leadership Development Conference June 20-23 in Washington, DC.

On Sunday, June 20, join friends and colleagues for a trip to Mount Vernon, the home of America's first president, George Washington. With historical information provided on the way to the estate, your trip will then include a tour of the home itself, as well as the sprawling agricultural grounds and many insights into how Washington innovated and prioritized his agricultural endeavors. On the way back to the hotel, participants will have the option to be dropped in historic Old Town Alexandria for the evening.

On Monday, June 21, ASTA First Lady Shannon Latham will host an informal breakfast gathering of attending spouses/family guests in the Congressional Suite at the Grand Hyatt Washington. Get to know other families and catch up with old friends before the Opening General Session that morning. That evening, join ASTA friends and colleagues in a safe and enjoyable evening of catching up and networking during the Welcome Reception at one of DC's most picturesque roof top locations.

Finally, a "Monuments by Moonlight" Tour is offered on Tuesday, June 22. Join ASTA friends and colleagues for one of the most popular tours offered during conference years in DC. The tour will take you to some of the most famous landmarks in Washington, DC. with a tour guide who can customize this private ASTA tour to include the monuments the group desires most.

Registration is required for all spouses/guests in attendance.

ASTA Invites Members Of The Seed Industry To Make Your Voice Heard By Registering For The Policy & Leadership Development Conference June 20-23

Washington, DC (May 26, 2021) - The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is excited to welcome back members and friends, both in person and virtually, to their 2021 Policy & Leadership Development Conference, June 20-23 in Washington, DC.

According to ASTA, they have been steadily preparing to provide the best member experience, including great speakers, educational content, and networking opportunities, while keeping your health and safety top of mind.

First, hear from members of Congress, the Senate, USDA - even an anticipated keynote by the Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack - and then make your voice heard with the ASTA community in a series of advocacy appointments on the last day.

Come together with industry friends and colleagues for the first time since the pandemic arrived. So much has changed during the last 15 months and ASTA says it's never been a more important time to make the seed industry story heard on Capitol Hill and to get back up to speed on the latest in our business' strategic issues.

The government restrictions on some of the former COVID-19 related protocols, capacity limits, and mask mandates have changed since the conference registration opened in March 2021, including:

The District of Columbia will have removed all capacity restrictions on events, restaurants, bars, museums - anything and everything that would have affected the event - as of June 11.
On May 17, the mask mandate in Washington, DC was eliminated for individuals who are fully vaccinated individuals (defined as having received their final shot at least two weeks prior to their travel).
On May 20, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts also lifted their mask mandate for vaccinated individuals inside their properties (Hyatt employees are still required to wear masks).

Register to come in-person, for all the networking, receptions, D.C. tours, and camaraderie that the June conference has always offered. Or register virtually to represent your company and get back up to speed on crucial seed policy development. One way or another, ASTA invites you to join them in June.

Registration information can be found here.

Speakers Announced For ASTA’s Policy & Leadership Development Conference, June 20-23 in Washington, DC

Alexandria, VA (May 19, 2021) - Don’t miss the American Seed Trade Association’s (ASTA) Policy & Leadership Development Conference (PLDC), June 20-23 at the Grand Hyatt Washington.

With all Washington, D.C. COVID-19 restrictions set to be lifted just in time for the conference, ASTA is excited to offer both in-person and virtual options for attendees.

Sessions will showcase policy and industry experts providing the latest updates and analysis of the critical current issues impacting seed, including trade, innovation, and domestic and international policy.

Key sessions and confirmed speakers include:

Women in Seed:
- U.S. Senator Joni Ernst
- Shannon Latham, Vice President, Latham Hi-Tech Seeds; Member, Iowa House of Representatives
Phytosanitary:
- Osama El-Lissy, USDA-APHIS Deputy Administrator, Plant Protection and Quarantine
International Trade:
- Jason Hafemeister, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, USDA
- Sharon Bomer Lauritsen, AgTrade Strategies, Former Assistant USTR for Agriculture, USTR
Innovation:
- Charles “Billy” Smith, Acting Division Director, Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division, Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. EPA
- Alan Pearson, Biotechnology Regulatory Services, APHIS USDA
- Dennis Keefe, Director, Office of Food Additive Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. FDA
Domestic Policy:
- Barb Glenn, NASDA CEO
- Ryan Quarles, NASDA Chairman and Kentucky Commissioner of Ag
- Doug McKalip, Senior Advisor, USDA
Sustainability:
- Patrick Delaney, Director of External Affairs, Senate Ag Committee
- Andrew Walmsley, Director of Congressional Relations, U.S. Farm Bureau

For more information, including the latest agenda and speaker line-up, visit the conference webpage.

Washington, DC To Lift All COVID-19 Restrictions In Time For ASTA's June Conference

Washington, DC (May 11, 2021) - On May 10, Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that most indoor facilities such as hotels, restaurants, office spaces, and schools can operate at 100% capacity as of May 21. And as of June 11, all other types of facilities, including bars, nightclubs, and large sports and entertainment venues can also fully open in our Nation's Capital.

This re-opening of Washington, DC is occurring just in time for ASTA's upcoming Policy & Leadership Development Conference, June 20-23 at the Grand Hyatt Washington.

ASTA is thrilled to be able to offer a more complete Washington, DC experience for our conference participants and to finally be able to convene our members in person again for a closer step toward a return to our normal meetings format.

If you haven't yet registered, or know a colleague who hasn't, register today.

While masks are still required to be worn indoors, ASTA is now able to accept a larger number of registrants. Meanwhile, all health protocols, including a spacious meeting room setup, daily self-health assessments, wellness kits, and more will still be in place to ensure a safe experience for all participants.

ASTA has recently added some sightseeing tours of area attractions, as well as a complete guide to the reopening Smithsonian Museums, art galleries, tourism sites, and the like.

For more information on the metrics that led to this reopening of Washington, DC, see the Mayor's announcement here.

New Sponsorships, Special Events, And Limited In-Person Space Left For ASTA's Policy & Leadership Development Conference

Washington, DC (May 5, 2021) - Thanks to continued loosening of restrictions related to tours, dining, and capacities in Washington, DC, a new spouse registration category as well as a series of special events including two new optional tours are being added to ASTA’s Policy & Leadership Development Conference this June 20-23.

In-person registration is nearing a sell-out, with a maximum capacity of 80 people permitted in person, so potential registrants and spouses are encouraged to register as soon as possible to secure a spot.

A number of brand-new in-person and virtual sponsorships are available for this year’s event, from Advocacy Day sponsorships to wellness kits, video “commercial breaks” and much more.

Contact Jennifer Crouse for more information and to secure yours today.

ASTA Moving Ahead With Plans For Policy & Leadership Development Conference Scheduled For June 20-23 In Washington, DC

It's A Go: ASTA's Policy & Leadership Development Conference Will Be Live

Washington, DC (April 21, 2021) - After weeks of close monitoring of pandemic-related data and government restrictions, the ASTA Administrative Committee has officially re-confirmed that ASTA’s Policy & Leadership Development Conference (PLDC), June 20-23, 2021, will be held as a hybrid-virtual conference, including an in-person series of events at the Grand Hyatt Washington, D.C.

Register today and don’t miss opportunities to quickly and easily promote your company with the conference sponsorship program.

“We are thrilled to see that restrictions on indoor events in Washington, D.C. have been loosened to the extent that we can convene our members in-person for the first time since February 2020,” says Jennifer Crouse, ASTA’s Senior Director, Meetings & Services. “The hotel has partnered with us to offer a reduced room rate of $199 for members who are willing and able to come in person.”

ASTA is planning a series of important learning opportunities for both the in-person and virtual audiences, including several opportunities to hear from the new administration n Washington, D.C., as well as key regulatory officials, some new appointees, and other influential partner associations and organizations. Simultaneously, logistical plans are underway to maximize health and safety as well as a seamless virtual experience.

ASTA Provides Status Update Policy & Leadership Development Conference

Washington, DC (April 7, 2021) - At press time, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is still making plans to meet in person in Washington, DC. June 20-23 for its upcoming Policy & Leadership Development Conference (PLDC).

With a new administration, as well as many new members of Congress, in Washington, ASTA says it’s more important than ever for us to represent the seed industry with a collective voice to the legislators and policymakers who have such influence over your business operations.

Given current restrictions on indoor events in Washington, D.C., the association is closely monitoring developments on the operating status of our hotel and making preparations for a safe and enjoyable event.

In April, ASTA will make a final determination of the conference format, either hybrid virtual or entirely virtual, based in large part on our members’ ability to attend in person. ASTA’s Advocacy Day efforts will continue, regardless of the format.

If you opt for the in-person event, your registration is fully refundable to the virtual rate if the conference format should change. Register now.

ASTA's Policy & Leadership Development Conference Registration Now Open For June 20-23 in Washington DC

Washington, DC (March 2, 2021) - The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is excited to announce the opening of registration for the 2021 Policy & Leadership Development Conference - currently planned to be held in-person, June 20-23 in Washington, DC.

Don't miss this opportunity to finally get back together again with industry friends and colleagues and "Make Your Voice Heard" in Washington DC. with the lawmakers who impact our business.

Learn and collaborate on the crucial policy issues of the day, from sustainability and plant breeding to phytosanitary and trade
Join the ASTA Advocacy Day to represent your industry on Capitol Hill
Hear from major keynote speakers - announcements coming soon
Network with industry colleagues and friends
Advance the seed industry and influence ASTA's policy work with YOUR company's concerns as a key voice in the discussion
Provide mentorship and guidance to the next generation of the seed industry with the ASTA Leadership Development program participants

We hope to see you in Washington DC. where ASTA has partnered with the GBAC-STAR Certified Grand Hyatt Washington to create a safe and enjoyable experience for you and your colleagues, along with a newly-discounted hotel rate.

Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) represents over 700 companies involved in seed production, plant breeding and related industries in North America. ASTA is the leading voice of action in all matters concerning the development, marketing and movement of seed, associated products and services throughout the world. The association's broad membership offers varieties from alfalfa to zucchini and all production types including conventional, organic and biotech. ASTA promotes the development of better seed to produce better crops for a better quality of life.