FAQs

Who plans this event?

AFIA's Purchasing & Ingredient Suppliers Committee oversees the planning of the conference. We want to thank them for all their hard work and dedication to providing a fantastic program. The goal is for PISC to continue to be where business gets done! 

What are the registration costs? 

The early-bird fees are $650 for members, $2,250 for nonmembers and $175 for spouse/guest if you register by Jan. 12, 2024. The regular registration fees are $775 for members, $2,550 for nonmembers and $250 for spouse/guest, if you register by Feb. 16, 2024. Late registration rates are $950 for members, $2,750 for nomembers and $300 for spouse/guest, if you register after Feb. 16, 2024.  

Registration will include admittance to all the education sessions, two breakfasts, two receptions and unlimited private meeting and networking opportunities. Badges are required for admittance. 

Who attends? And why should I attend? 

WHO: The program is designed to benefit all feed, ingredient and pet food professionals so anyone interested in the current state of the animal food industry should attend. Every year, past attendees recommend PISC as the best meeting for buyers and sellers of ingredients. We invite you to view the 2023 and 2022 registration lists.

WHY: PISC will help identify the tools to drive your business! PISC provides market analysis, perspectives on the animal food industry, hot topics and a host of other valuable information you will find useful in running your business.

What can you expect at PISC? 

PISC’s goal is twofold: first, to offer timely information by providing tools to help you conduct your business better; and second, to bring together the buyers and sellers of feed and pet food ingredients for face-to-face opportunities. 

Where can I book a hotel room?

AFIA is pleased to offer registrants a limited number of hotel rooms at a preferred rate of $249 per night (plus 16.75% tax). The block rate guarantees complimentary internet access in your guest room. Please contact the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk directly using this link or call (210) 224-1234 to reserve under the group name “Purchasing & Ingredients Suppliers Conference (PISC).” The AFIA has a limited number of rooms blocked. The block is available through Feb. 10, 2024, or until it fills up. To secure your room within the block, be sure to book before Feb. 10, 2024. 

Please be aware that fraudulent companies have been calling attendees claiming to represent us and the Hyatt. 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 Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk.

Are sleeping accommodations included in the registration fee? 

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 register 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 2024. Instead, we invite you to take advantage of viewing it via our event app or the registration list here. The PISC event app will be available for download in February 2024. 

What is the registration cancellation policy?

The AFIA offers a 90% refund if you notify the AFIA of cancellation in writing by Jan. 20, 2023. A 50% refund is available when received prior to Feb. 17, 2023. No refund is available after Feb. 17, 2023. The off-site activies are non-refundable after Feb. 20. Refunds will be processed within 30 days after the event. The AFIA reserves the right to cancel any conference it deems necessary. The AFIA will not be responsible for airfare, hotel, damages or other costs incurred by registrants.

Registration is transferrable to a colleaugue in your company if you cannot attend.

Is there a Product Suppliers Showcase this year?

PISC will not be hosting a product suppliers showcase this year. Instead, we urge everyone to take advantage of our sponsorships to maximize full potential of putting your company name and logo for all to see.

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, receptions and networking hours at the event to maximize the benefits. 

As a new buyer or seller, how can one connect with each other?

We recommend everyone to download this year's PISC app. Look for an email with a link to download the app in February. There will be a chance to search for who is a buyer or seller and connect via the app to schedule apointments. In compliance with GDPR and privacy policy, we will not be sharing any contact information and will utilize the app for all connections.

Is there a scholarship for this event?

Yes, the AFIA is once again offering a “Buyers to PISC” program this year. The AFIA is targeting member-company professionals in buying roles who normally would not have the opportunity to attend this annual event. Five individuals will receive complimentary registration to the 2024 PISC in San Antonio in addition to other paid travel expenses. If you are interested, please click here for details and the application or contact the AFIA at jmorse@afia.org. Deadline to apply is Feb. 1, 2024.

Is the conference approved for ARPAS credits?

The PISC agenda has been approved for 6 ARPAS credits. 

What is the dress code?

The dress code for this event is business casual. March temperatures in San Antonio have an average high of 75 degrees Farenheit and a low of 53 degrees Fahrenheit. Please be mindful that hotel meeting rooms tend to stay on the colder side to accommodate the number of people. We suggest packing accordingly.

Are committee meetings being held in San Antonio?

Yes, there will be a few spring committee meetings will be taking place in conjunction with PISC in 2024. Please contact your committee staff liaison for more information. 

Do I have to register for the conference to participate in the off-site activities?

Yes, all attendees, spouses and guests must be registered for PISC in order to participate in golf, goat yoga, or the AgriTour. AFIA reserves the right to deny registration to the conference or the activities. 

Who may register as a spouse/guest?

A guest registration is designed for a spouse or family member of the primary registrant. Fellow employees or customers of a PISC attendee are not considered guests. Registered guests will have "guest" on their PISC badge and will not appear in the offical attendee list.

Do all spouses/guests have to register for the meeting?

If your spouse/guest wants to participate in any PISC programming which includes meals, receptions, general sessions along with the optional activities, then yes, your spouse or guest will need to register. 

Who do I notify about a food allergy?

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

What if I need a disability accommodation?

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 Feb. 23, 2024.

How do I get a copy of AFIA's antitrust policy?

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

How do I get a copy of AFIA's code of conduct policy?

By registering for this event, you agree to sign and abide by the AFIA Code of Conduct policy. 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 San Antonio promotional photos and text used on this website are for marketing purposes only and were provided by Visit San Antonio and the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk.