GREENFIELD, Mass. -- The Organic Trade Association here will hold its first conference and trade show May 17 to 19, 2001, at the Austin Convention Center, Austin, Texas.
Event offerings will include educational forums, OTA's annual membership meeting, OTA committee meetings, an organic-only trade show and myriad social events.
Businesses that produce or sell organic products will be able to shop for products and services and attend educational sessions specifically tailored to the needs of the organic industry. Businesses that do not yet offer organic products will also find helpful resources and business opportunities, including information on the organic market, according to Holly Givens, communications director for the OTA.
Educational seminars will be offered both Thursday, May 17, and Friday, May 18, at the Austin Convention Center. There will be special social events Thursday and Friday evenings. The trade show itself will open at noon on Friday, May 18, and will run through Saturday, May 19. Other events on Saturday will include OTA's annual meeting, keynote address, industry dinner and dance.
"The program promises something for everyone in the industry," said Katherine DiMatteo, OTA's executive director. "The primary aim will be to enable industry participants to share information and network with colleagues, to discuss critical industry issues, and to find new business contacts and opportunities," she added.
Eurich Management Services, Lansing, Mich., is managing the trade show for OTA. Persons seeking information on how to exhibit, attend the conference and trade show, or receive a schedule of events should contact Eurich Management Services, 3721 W. Michigan Ave., Suite 200, Lansing, MI, 48917 (phone: 517-327-9207; fax: 517-321-0495). For information on how to sponsor an activity, contact OTA: phone: 413-774-7511; fax: 413-774-6432; e-mail: info www.ota.com).