FAQs

Who plans this event?

The Executive Leadership Summit is planned and overseen by a special taskforce that is selected by the Chair of the Board of Directors and CEO. We thank them for all their hard work and dedication to providing a fantastic program. 

What is ELS?

The American Feed Industry Association’s Executive Leadership Summit is an exclusive forum of commercial, integrated and supplier stakeholders in the U.S. animal agriculture food production system. It is our hope that this special, invitation-only event will foster an exchange of ideas and expand understanding of issues affecting U.S. meat, milk, egg and fish production, processing and distribution industries today and into the future. Only the top leaders of animal food industry companies–those individuals who ultimately approve and implement their companies’ marketing and public affairs policies–are invited to the summit. The program is designed to include spouses, with special events also dedicated to social networking.

What is the Rising Leaders Program?

The American Feed Industry Association is hosting its first ever Rising Leaders Program prior to the Executive Leadership Summit (ELS) on Wednesday, Oct. 11. This premiere event is designed to recognize up-and-coming leaders in the animal food industry who have proven exceptional qualities in leadership in their field. These rising leaders will have an exclusive experience in hearing from fellow industry collegues and successful senior executives through speaker sessions and a workshop. These emerging leaders will also have a chance to brush up on their presentation skills before joining those attending the ELS and giving them a chance to network with industry leaders and the AFIA Board of Directors. They will also be welcome to register for ELS. There is no additional charge to attend the Rising Leaders Program.

What does the spouse/guest fee include?

Registered spouses/guests are invited to all meal functions, speaker presentations and the networking outing. On Thursday, Oct. 12, registered spouses/guests are invited to join the AFIA for a morning out to the Coastal Museum. Take a tour of the Salt Marsh, which is a unique environment with a fascinating tale that is often overlooked. The us will leave at 9 a.m. and return around noon. More details to follow.

Where can I book a hotel room?

The AFIA is pleased to offer registrants a limited number of hotel rooms at a preferred rate of $269 per night (plus 10% tax and a $3.00 a night Chamber Commerce Fee). There is also a resort charge of $30 per night (plus 10% tax). The block rate guarantees complimentary internet access in your guest room. Please contact the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort directly using this link or call (843) 842-8000 to reserve under the group name “American Feed Industry Association.” The block is available through Sept. 11, or until it fills up. To secure your room within the block, be sure to book before Sept. 11. 

Please be aware that fraudulent companies have been calling attendees claiming to represent us and the Omni. The AFIA does not work with a housing bureau for this event and we do not endorse any of these companies. Reservations should only be made directly with the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort.

Does the registration rate include hotel accommodations?

No. Once registered, you must contact the hotel to make your hotel reservation. We recommend you use this link to take advantage of the special room block set-up for conference attendees.

How do I register?

To register, click the yellow button on the top right corner of the webpage. For your convenience, a list of registrants will be shared with attendees prior to the event. A printed registration list will not be available in 2023. Instead, we invite you to take advantage of viewing it via our event app. 

What are the registration costs? 

The early-bird fees are $1,399 for members, $799 for trade association CEO's and $499 for spouses/guests if you register by June 30. The regular registration fees are $1,699 for members, $899 for trade association CEO's and $599 for spouse/guest, if you register by Sept. 11. Late registration rates are $1,999 for members, $999 for trade association CEO's and $699 for spouse/guest, if you register by Oct. 13.  

Registration will include admittance to all the education sessions, two breakfasts, two lunches, two receptions and dinners. Badges are required for admittance. 

What is the registration cancellation policy?

A 90% refund is available if you notify the AFIA of cancellation in writing by Aug. 28, 2023. A 50% refund is available when received prior to Oct. 2, 2023. No refund is available after Oct. 2, 2023. The AFIA reserves the right to cancel any conference it deems necessary. The AFIA will not be responsible for airfare, hotel or other costs incurred by registrants.

Is there a 1-day registration option?

We do not offer a one day registration option. Instead, we urge you to participate in all general sessions and reception at the event to maximize the benefits. 

What is the closest airport to the resort?

The Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort is approximately six miles from the Hilton Head Airport (airport code: HHH).

The Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort is approximately 42 miles from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (airport code: SAV).

What is the dress code?

The dress code for this event is resort casual. October temperatures on Hilton Head Island have an average high of 77 degrees Farenheit and a low of 58 degrees Farenheit. Resort casual for men includes button down or polo shirts, khakis, linen pants or dress slacks and loafers, with sport jackets being optional. Resort casual for ladies includes linen pants, breezy blouses, skirts and dresses. 

Who do I notify about a food allergy?

There is a space during the registration process to let the AFIA know about a food allergy. You may also email register@afia.org. 

What if I need a special accommodation for a disability?

This meeting is open to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age or disability. If you are a person with a special dietary need, or who requires reasonable accommodations due to a disability, and/or who requires alternative means of communication (such as Braille, large print, sign language or language interpretation), please contact the meetings department at register@afia.org, no later than Oct. 2.

How do I get a copy of AFIA's antitrust policy and Meeting and Event Code of Conduct?

By registering for this event, you agree to abide by the AFIA Antitrust Compliance and Confidentiality Policy along with a Meeting Code of Conduct. For a copy of the policy, please click here, visit the registration desk onsite or contact us at register@afia.org.

What are the terms and conditions of registering?

By registering for the AFIA’s conference, you agree that any photos or videos taken throughout the conference or at any networking events may be used for AFIA’s communications and marketing purposes. You agree to abide by the AFIA Antitrust Compliance and Confidentiality Policy and by registering are aware of AFIA's legal notice. Registrants will receive a name badge that must be worn for entry into all speaking sessions, exhibit halls, meals and social functions. The AFIA reserves the right to deny entry into the conference or to cancel any conference it deems necessary. The AFIA will not be responsible for airfare, hotel or other costs incurred by registrants. Should you have any concerns about these terms, please contact AFIA at snovak@afia.org.

Photo credits 

All photos used on this website are for marketing purposes only and were provided by the Hilton Head Island CVB, the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort or free photo stock.