Schedule of Events
All events take place at the Alliant Energy Center unless noted otherwise.
| Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 |
Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM CST
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Concurrent Seminar | Center for Dairy Research Technical Session: Optimizing Manufacture of Snack Cheese
From string cheese, cheese curds to baked cheese crisps and more, the snack cheese category has grown and is expected to continue to expand. This session will share innovative strategies to produce and manufacture different snack cheese formats. Learn about the snack cheese market and retail trends, and the research taking place focused on extending the shelf life of string cheese and on developing cheese crisps/puffs.
Speakers: Overall Snack Cheese Market
Overall Technologies Available
Location Mendota 3-4 Hosted by: Center for Dairy Research
Session Code: 2019
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Session Code: 2019
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2023040509:0011:00 001 | WED, APR 5 | |||||||||
| Thursday, Apr 06, 2023 |
Thursday, Apr 06, 2023
9:30 AM - 11:45 AM CST
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Concurrent Seminar | Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy and CDR Food Safety Focus: Pathogen Prevention, Training Resources and Traceability
The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy and CDR will lead an informative dairy food safety session with speakers and panelists from across the industry. The session will be broken into four focused topics:
Welcome: Food Safety Session
We’ll review recent dairy illness outbreaks and recalls and look at the root causes with an eye on prevention. Expert speakers will highlight the critical control areas of facility and equipment design, GMP’s, separation/zoning, sanitation, with a deeper dive into environmental monitoring and Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA)
Session Code: 1015
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Session Code: 1015
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2023040609:3011:45 002 | THU, APR 6 | |||||||||
| Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 |
Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM CST
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CheeseCon Tabletop Exhibits
The largest tabletop exhibit floor in the 36-year history of this national conference – more than 300 expert supplier partners from around the world – takes over CheeseCon Wednesday afternoon. It’s dairy industry's single best interaction of processors and solutions providers – all in one giant hall.
Session Code: 4000
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Session Code: 4000
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2023040510:3017:00 000 | WED, APR 5 | |||||||||
| Thursday, Apr 06, 2023 |
Thursday, Apr 06, 2023
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM CST
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U.S. Champions Awards Banquet
The cheese industry applauds all gold, silver, and bronze medalists from the U.S. Championship Cheese Contest.
H.P. MULLOY AWARD The H.P. Mulloy Award commemorates Horace P. Mulloy’s dedication to the art and science of quality cheesemaking. This award is presented biannually to the licensed cheesemaker earning the highest composite score from the Wisconsin State Fair and the U.S. Championship Cheese Contest. WISCONSIN MASTER CHEESEMAKER The Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker® program continues its tradition of excellence as this year's class of Masters are recognized for the completion of their studies. Made possible through joint sponsorship by the Center for Dairy Research and the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker® program is the only one of its kind in the U.S. Purchase ticket to attend. Location: Hall A
Session Code: 2015
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Session Code: 2015
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2023040618:0020:30 000 | THU, APR 6 | |||||||||
| Tuesday, Apr 04, 2023 |
Tuesday, Apr 04, 2023
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM CST
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Tetra Pak Welcome Reception
Connect with friends at CheeseCon's new Tetra Pak Welcome Reception.
Location: Atrium Sponsored by: Tetra Pak 
Session Code: 2016
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Session Code: 2016
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2023040417:0019:00 000 | TUE, APR 4 | |||||||||
| Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 |
Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM CST
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Concurrent Seminar | Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association Policy Panel: Milk Pricing Reform in Federal Milk Marketing Orders
Most dairy leaders agree: updates to federal milk marketing orders are essential to the long-term strength of our industry. Reaching consensus on the degree of change may be a more challenging matter. Hear from those steering this debate in Washington, DC in this all-star panel discussion led by Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association Executive Director John Umhoefer.
Opening Remarks
Hosted by: Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association
Session Code: 1002
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Session Code: 1002
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2023040509:0011:00 002 | WED, APR 5 | |||||||||
| Thursday, Apr 06, 2023 |
Thursday, Apr 06, 2023
9:30 AM - 11:45 AM CST
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Concurrent Seminar | CDR Technical Session: New Generation of Cheesemaking Approaches
CDR will highlight various emerging approaches to cheesemaking. This session will dive into some of these technologies and their potential impacts and applications for the cheese industry. CDR will also discuss concentrated milk and how to deal with potential issues, such as, coagulation and textural changes.
Speakers Waterless Cookers and Using Different Vats
Location: Mendota 3-4 Hosted by: Center for Dairy Research.
Session Code: 1004
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Session Code: 1004
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2023040609:3011:45 001 | THU, APR 6 | |||||||||
| Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 |
Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM CST
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Chr. Hansen Reception & Champion Cheese Auction
Overview:
Session Code: 2000
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Session Code: 2000
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2023040517:0019:00 000 | WED, APR 5 | |||||||||
| Thursday, Apr 06, 2023 |
Thursday, Apr 06, 2023
9:30 AM - 11:45 AM CST
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Concurrent Seminar | CDR Technical Session: Advances in Whey Processing
Learn about some of the exciting advances in whey processing. Hear how these technologies can help the dairy industry take advantage of crossflow filtration to modify whey products for a range of interesting and useful purposes.
Location: Mendota 5-6 Hosted by Center for Dairy Research
Session Code: 1005
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Session Code: 1005
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2023040609:3011:45 003 | THU, APR 6 | |||||||||
| Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 |
Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM CST
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Concurrent Seminar | Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy Technical Session: Implementing Sustainable Practices Now
Dairy processors discuss how they are incorporating sustainability into their long-term strategic planning (materiality) and implementing measures across their operations and milksheds. Dairy company sustainability experts will discuss the tools that have been custom built for U.S. dairy processors to understand and measure GHG across their operations and how they are measuring and reporting on a number of different sustainability metrics both on-farm and in-plant on behalf of U.S. dairy.
Moderator:
Hosted by: Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy
Session Code: 1001
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Session Code: 1001
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2023040509:0011:00 000 | WED, APR 5 | |||||||||
| Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 |
Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM CST
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Collegiate Contest Awards Ceremony
Overview: Hundreds of students attending CheeseCon for the Collegiate Dairy Products Evaluation Contest move from the visiting exhibits to our main stage to celebrate the students and schools that performed best!
Session Code: 5016
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Session Code: 5016
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2023040515:3016:30 000 | WED, APR 5 | |||||||||
| Thursday, Apr 06, 2023 |
Thursday, Apr 06, 2023
9:30 AM - 11:45 AM CST
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Concurrent Seminar | U.S. Dairy Export Council: Market Outlook and Opportunities for Cheese Exports
U.S. exports of dairy products, particularly cheese, continue to set records and are poised for future growth. USDEC experts join with Wisconsin-based resource partners to share the outlook for dairy exports as well as new market research, sales support, grant support and additional tools to advance growth of U.S. dairy sales overseas.
Moderator:
USDEC Custom Research: Cheese “Tastes Good” Research Defines Favorable Sensory Attributes in Key Target Markets
Session Code: 1003
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Session Code: 1003
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2023040609:3011:45 000 | THU, APR 6 | |||||||||
| Thursday, Apr 06, 2023 |
Thursday, Apr 06, 2023
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM CST
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Interactive Workshop | Learning the Art of Technical Cheese Grading
Join Jim Mueller, Chief Judge from the U.S. Championship Cheese Contest, and other expert cheese evaluators for an informative, hands-on exploration of defect evaluation in commodity and specialty cheeses. You’ll learn the unique characteristics of numerous cheese types and discover the exacting art of distinguishing (and scoring) great cheeses and good cheeses.
Leader Jim Mueller Expert Evaluators Larry Bell Tim Czmowski Chad Galer Kory Hyvonen Mariana Marques de Almeida Randy Swensen Sandy Toney Eric Vorpahl Julie Winans Location: Mendota 5-6 Hosted by: Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association
Session Code: 1012
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Session Code: 1012
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2023040613:3016:00 000 | THU, APR 6 | |||||||||
| Tuesday, Apr 04, 2023 |
Tuesday, Apr 04, 2023
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM CST
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Sold Out - Young Professionals Reception
Young professionals in the industry are invited to an exciting network event.
Purchase ticket to attend.
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2023040419:0021:00 040 | TUE, APR 4 | |||||||||
| Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 |
Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM CST
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Collegiate Dairy Products Evaluation Contest
Overview:
Dairy student teams from across the United States gather at CheeseCon to evaluate dairy products and vie for the title of Collegiate Champion. Visit the action live on site and catch a glimpse of the future of the dairy industry! Location: Mendota 5-7 Hosted by: Collegiate Dairy Products Evaluation Contest
Session Code: 2010
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Session Code: 2010
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2023040509:0013:00 000 | WED, APR 5 | |||||||||
| Thursday, Apr 06, 2023 |
Thursday, Apr 06, 2023
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM CST
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Complimentary Keynote Lunch | Dairy Management Inc. is Driving Innovation and Dairy Growth
Overview:
Session Code: 1006
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Session Code: 1006
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2023040612:0013:15 000 | THU, APR 6 | |||||||||
| Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 |
Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM CST
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Opening Keynote Exclusively sponsored by KSS/RELCO
Sustainability Now: Implementing, not Discussing, Sustainable Practices in Dairy
The drive toward industrywide adoption of sustainable production of dairy products is an imperative with a new generation of consumers, and a requirement from a growing number of commercial dairy buyers. Leading dairy businesses will describe their activity to develop and reach sustainability targets and how the U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment is advancing measurement and reporting on the industry’s behalf. Leader:
Session Code: 1000
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Session Code: 1000
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2023040508:0008:50 000 | WED, APR 5 | |||||||||
| Tuesday, Apr 04, 2023 |
Tuesday, Apr 04, 2023
12:00 PM - 7:00 PM CST
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2023040412:0019:00 000 | TUE, APR 4 | |||||||||
| Tuesday, Apr 04, 2023 |
Tuesday, Apr 04, 2023
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM CST
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WCMA Job Fair
Meet the industry's next generation at WCMA's Job Fair. Dairy processors and manufacturers will highlight job opportunities and students will share their resumes. Don't miss this great event!
Location: Upper Level Lounge
Session Code: 2007
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Session Code: 2007
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2023040415:0017:00 000 | TUE, APR 4 | |||||||||
| Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 |
Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM CST
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Recognition of WCMA Leadership Training Graduates
Overview: During our complimentary lunch, meet rising stars in the dairy industry as WCMA puts the spotlight on industry personnel who have completed leadership training with WCMA.
Session Code: 2006
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Session Code: 2006
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2023040512:3013:00 000 | WED, APR 5 | |||||||||
| Thursday, Apr 06, 2023 |
Thursday, Apr 06, 2023
1:15 PM - 4:00 PM CST
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Visit the New Center for Dairy Research!
Take a complimentary bus ride courtesy of C.D. Smith to the new Center for Dairy Research on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus for the opportunity to tour the world's largest dairy research center, right here in Wisconsin. Up to 200 attendees can sign up on-site to participate. Meet with CDR staff and participate in various guided tour spots throughout the building including the sensory booths, culinary applications lab, and state-of-the-art pilot plant. Total time at CDR for each participant will be about 75 minutes.
Lobby Departures from Alliant Energy Center – two buses at 1:15 p.m., two busses at 1:45 p.m. Hosted by: Center for Dairy Research
Session Code: 3002
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Session Code: 3002
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2023040613:1516:00 000 | THU, APR 6 | |||||||||
| Tuesday, Apr 04, 2023 |
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Session Code: 123
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Session Code: 123
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2023040400:0000:00 000 | TUE, APR 4 | |||||||||
| Thursday, Apr 06, 2023 |
Thursday, Apr 06, 2023
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM CST
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2023040607:0018:00 000 | THU, APR 6 | |||||||||
| Thursday, Apr 06, 2023 |
Thursday, Apr 06, 2023
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM CST
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U.S. Champions Reception exclusively sponsored by Ecolab
Cheesemakers, buttermakers, yogurt makers and dairy ingredient gurus gather to celebrate their wins in the 2023 United States Championship Cheese Contest.
Session Code: 3001
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Session Code: 3001
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2023040617:0018:00 000 | THU, APR 6 | |||||||||
| Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 |
Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023
12:30 PM - 4:30 PM CST
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Ideas Showcase at the Tabletop Exhibits
Overview: Supplier experts take to our two education stages throughout the afternoon, imparting quick-hitting, impactful information to dairy processors. It’s a tool chest of ideas presented right on the exhibit floor. Location: Hall A
Session Code: 2005
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Session Code: 2005
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2023040512:3016:30 000 | WED, APR 5 | |||||||||
| Thursday, Apr 06, 2023 |
Thursday, Apr 06, 2023
9:00 PM - 11:59 PM CST
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Custom Fabricating & Repair Afterglow Reception
Our banquet attendees relax and mingle with their peers in quality dairy production. The perfect ending for an evening of celebration.
Session Code: 2004
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Session Code: 2004
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2023040621:0023:59 000 | THU, APR 6 | |||||||||
| Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 |
Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM CST
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Session Code: 2001
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Session Code: 2001
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2023040507:0008:00 002 | WED, APR 5 | |||||||||
| Thursday, Apr 06, 2023 |
Thursday, Apr 06, 2023
8:00 AM - 9:15 AM CST
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WCMA Recognition Breakfast exclusively sponsored by DSM Food & Beverage
8:00-9:15 a.m. | Hall A
Session Code: 4004
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Session Code: 4004
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2023040608:0009:15 000 | THU, APR 6 | |||||||||
| Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 |
Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023
6:45 AM - 5:30 PM CST
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2023040506:4517:30 001 | WED, APR 5 | |||||||||
| Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 |
Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM CST
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Complimentary Lunch
Everyone at CheeseCon can enjoy a complimentary lunch right on the exhibit floor during the Tabletop Exhibits. Enjoy networking with thousands of friends, new and old.
Session Code: 2003
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Session Code: 2003
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2023040511:0013:00 000 | WED, APR 5 | |||||||||
| Tuesday, Apr 04, 2023 |
Tuesday, Apr 04, 2023
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM CST
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Session Code: 5000
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Session Code: 5000
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2023040412:0017:00 000 | TUE, APR 4 |
