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» News Room : Trade : Education is Key Focus of NCA's State of the Industry Conference

Education is Key Focus of NCA's State of the Industry Conference

Learning and Networking in Orlando, Fla.

Vienna, VA – The National Confectioners Association announces its annual State of the Industry Conference February 19 –21, 2004 at the J.W. Marriott Grande Lakes in Orlando, Fla.. This year's informative program includes business sessions for all attendees, concurrent sessions and round tables on valuable topics including t arget marketing, d iet and health, exporting to China and Asia, the political outlook for 2004, the future of the boxed chocolate category, predicting customer needs and building relationships with your consumer. The yearly industry performance review is also presented at the meeting.

The conference is a must-attend event for key personnel in the confectionery industry including:

• Owners, Presidents, CEOs and COOs
• Senior Management
• Sales and Marketing Managers
• Scientific and Research Professionals
• Public Relations and Communications Managers
• Industry Brokers and Suppliers

“There are so many topics of concern to the candy industry right now,” said NCA President Larry Graham. “The State of the Industry Conference provides a forum for us to come together, listen to current thought on the various issues, gather the latest news and science, and develop strategies for our individual companies and for the industry as a whole.”

The State of the Industry Conference is based on input from industry leaders and helps confectioners and related professionals learn new ways to increase profits, gain valuable confectionery trend information and be informed about how today's pressing issues affect the candy industry.

The J.W. Marriott Grade Lakes is a brand new conference and resort hotel in Orlando, Fla. featuring two properties, a J.W. Marriott and a Ritz-Carlton. The 500-acre estate features a rejuvenating spa, championship golf and is located just 10 miles from the famed Walt Disney World. As always, NCA will host its annual golf tournament at the resort, and a fun variety of other activities are offered.

For conference registration or more information about the conference, please visit NCA's eCandy Marketplace ( www.eCandy.com ), or call (703) 790-5750.

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NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos of the J.W. Marriott Grande Lakes can be obtained from the resort's photo/press gallery at http://www.grandelakes.com/photo.html.