Product Presentations

IFEC 2010 Conference Product Presentations
November 8 - 11, 2010
The Royal Sonesta Hotel
New Orleans, Louisiana

Why participate?
Product Presentations* are a valuable opportunity during the annual conference to showcase products and services to the people who inform foodservice decision-makers -- IFEC editors and publicists. There are a variety of presentation categories from which to choose. See the conference agenda for the days and times that presentation opportunities are offered.
*Product Presentations are open to members only.

How do I apply?
1. Read the Terms and Conditions below; submitting an application indicates you agree to comply with them. 

2. Read the category descriptions below to help you select the one that's right for you.
  
3. Fill out and submit the online application. 

Spelling counts
Your application is the original document from which we produce credits in printed conference materials.  Be sure you provide the correct names of products and sponsors, as well as trademarks, copyright symbols and punctuation marks. IFEC is not responsible for errors resulting from information you provide on your application.

When should I apply?
The sooner the better. Placements are based on the order in which applications are received as well as compatibility with other products.

What supportive materials are needed?
1.  A description of the product(s), including pack or portion size
2.  Storage and handling / preparation instructions
3.  Recipes, if you intend to provide them for your presentation
4.  Complete details for any special requests you will be making of the hotel

IFEC reserves the right to cancel presentations whose supportive materials are not submitted by August 15.

Application deadlines
August 15
Early-bird discount of 20 percent for applications submitted by July 15

Product Presentation Terms and Conditions
Accurate menu credits
Provide the correct spelling of products and manufacturers on the application and include any trademarks, copyright symbols and punctuation marks.  The application is the original document from which we produce menus and other conference materials.  IFEC is not responsible for errors that originate on your application.

Contact information
We need the cellphone number of the person who will be your onsite contact. This is in case we need to contact that person just before or during the conference.  Please provide the  name of that contact, whether it's you or a colleague, and cellphone number on the application. This is a required field.

Shipping
Sponsors agree to ship their products to the hotel for arrival on November 5, 2010.  In the case of product for Chef Showcase, you will be instructed to ship it to your participating chef by the date your chef requests.  Detailed shipping addresses will be provided for all destinations.

Deadlines
Sponsors agree to submit supportive materials by August 15 and operation details for Action Stations by October 1.  IFEC reserves the right to cancel presentations whose materials are not submitted on time.

Cancellations
Cancellations must be made in writing.  No refunds will be issued after August 15.

Too little or too late
IFEC reserves the right to cancel a presentation without refund when product arrives late or in insufficient quantity.  Sponsors agree to track their own shipments and have an IFEC member representing the product present at the conference and available by cellphone immediately preceding and during the conference.

Quantities required
225 servings of food and beverage products for meal occasions
225 units for badge pouches, gift bag and gift items
200 units for roomservice gifts

Too many cooks ….
IFEC administrators act as the liaisons between sponsors and the hotel kitchen and catering staff.  Sponsors agree to refrain from contacting any of the hotel staff directly – unless IFEC connects you.  For Chef Showcase, IFEC committee chairs act as liaisons. They will put sponsors in contact with chefs as appropriate.

About marketing collateral
Product brochures, sell sheets, recipe packs, etc., are not accepted as stand-alone product presentations. You are welcome to display these materials on a literature table that will be available throughout  the conference. Small notecards and tags attached to items in the gift bag, roomservice, table centerpieces or favors are acceptable.

One product, one time, one fee
There is a fee each time a product is presented, and the sponsor may present  the same product  just once, with these exceptions: 

The same product may be served as a Menu Item and also be included in the Gift Bag.  There is a separate fee for each.

Provided that no preparation is required, up to three flavors of the same packaged product, such as one bottled beverage brand or one brand of hot sauce, may be presented as a Product Flight in one meal occasion for a single fee.

Provided that no other product of the same category makes application, one brand of a staple product such as coffee, tea, mineral water, sweetener, table seasoning, and similar may be served as an Exclusive Placement at all meal occasions for one day for a single fee or for two days for a single fee.

In the Action Station category, up to three of the sponsors’ products may be presented for a single fee.

Please, no private events during IFEC activities!
Gifts, samples and hospitality suites not scheduled through IFEC are not permitted during the conference.  Also, we ask members to refrain from scheduling private dinners and/or engaging local chefs during times that conflict with IFEC activities.

Sponsorship Opportunities
Food Menu Item
Your product will be featured in a dish created by the hotel chef and served at a breakfast, lunch, dinner, refreshment break or cocktail reception. Send product for 225 servings.
Fee: $450 before July 15 / $540 from July 16 – August 15

Food Menu Item Using Your Own Recipe
Your product will be featured  in a dish using the recipe you provide. It will be  served at a breakfast, lunch, dinner, refreshment break or cocktail reception.  If your recipe calls for proteins or other costly ingredients besides your own, they will be charged to you at the hotel's cost. You must submit your recipe by August 15, 2010. Send product for 225 servings.
Fee:  $650 before July 15 / $780 from July 16 - August 15
       
Beverage Menu Item
Your non-alcoholic beverage will be served at a breakfast, lunch, dinner, refreshment break or cocktail reception.  For alcoholic beverages, you will provide the product and pay the hotel service charges as follows:  wine corkage, $10 per bottle;  mixed drinks, $1.75 per drink.  Send product for 225 servings.
Fee:  $450 before July 15 / $540 from July 16 – August 15

Product Flight
For serving in one meal occasion, you may provide up to three flavors of a packaged product that requires no preparation, such as three varieties of a beverage, condiment,  snack, and similar.  The key to placement in this category is that no kitchen preparation is needed.  Send product for 225 servings.
Fee:  $450 before July 15 / $540 from July 16 – August 15

Exclusive Placement for One Day
Provided that no other product of the same category makes application, one brand of a staple product or ingredient such as coffee, tea, mineral water, sweetener, table seasoning, and similar may be the exclusive brand at all meal occasions for one day. Applicants for this placement will be notified of acceptance after applications close on August 15. Fee: $1,200 before July 15  / $1,440 from July 16 – August 15 

Exclusive Placement for Two Days
Provided that no other product of the same category makes application, one brand of a staple product or ingredient such as coffee, tea, mineral water, sweetener, table seasoning, and similar may be the exclusive brand at all meal occasions for two days. Applicants for this placement will be notified of acceptance after applications close on August 15.     
Fee: $2,200 before July 15 / $2,640 from July 16 – August 15           

Chef Showcase
A leading local chef will create two dishes that feature your product and serve them for tasting at the Chef Showcase event on opening night, Monday, May 8. You are responsible for providing table signage for your chef’s station and for paying the chef’s food costs and any other expenses unique to your presentation. You will be advised of how much of your product to send to the chef. (Note: In this category only, you are NOT shipping to the hotel, you are shipping directly to the chef working with your product.)
Fee:  $1,200 before July 15 / $1440 from July 16 – August 15

Action Station
You will be assigned your own station from which to present up to three products in a method and style of your design.  Just one station will operate per meal occasion.  You are encouraged to produce engaging activities and creative displays with your own signage and you may have a spokesperson on hand.  Examples include bringing in a chef to demonstrate techniques for handling your products, having your chef prepare and serve tastings, or your own mixologist making cocktails. Or you might set up your branded equipment for dispensing product or maybe involve attendees in a hands-on activity.  

You will be responsible for hotel charges for special requirements, such as culinary attendants, equipment hook-ups and rentals. If you wish the hotel staff to execute your recipes rather than your own chef, please apply for "Action Station Using Your Recipes."  Please plan on 225 servings. NOTE: You must send complete details of the operation of your station by October 1.
Fee:  $1,500 before July 15 / $1,800 from July 16 – August 15
         
Action Station Using Your Recipes
You will be assigned your own station from which to present up to three products in a method and style of your design.  Just one station will operate per meal occasion.  You are encouraged to produce engaging activities and creative displays with your own signage and you may have a spokesperson on hand. If you wish the hotel staff to execute your recipes, there is a limit of two recipes.  You will be responsible for hotel charges for special requirements, such as culinary attendants, equipment hook-ups and rentals and the cost of proteins or other expensive ingredients called for in your recipes. Send product for 225 servings.  NOTE: You must send your recipes by August 15 and complete details of the rest of your station's operation by October 1.
Fee: $1,700 before July 15 / $2,400 from July 16 – August 15

Special Event
You may present your own activity or event built around your products or message.  Examples include a morning walk, an exercise break, entertainment during a cocktail reception, or an after-hours event.  You are responsible for any costs associated with your event.  Please consult with IFEC before submitting your proposal.
Fee:  $1,500 before July 15 / $1,800 from July 16 – August 15

In-Room Gift
You may have your product  delivered to attendees’ hotel rooms.  You are responsible for providing the product and any accompaniments, paying the charge of $2.50 per room drop and for any other special services, such as assembly or packaging.  Marketing collateral is not acceptable as a gift, however a notecard or gift tag may be attached to the gift.  Send 200 items.
Fee:  $450 before July 15 / $540 from July 16 – August 15
 
Table Centerpiece or Favor
You may provide  centerpieces for dining tables or favors for each place setting. Marketing collateral is not acceptable as a stand-alone centerpiece or favor, however a small card or tag may be attached. You will be asked to provide 18 – 20 centerpieces or 200 favors.
Fee:  $450 before July 15 / $540 from July 16 – August 15

Items for Gift Bag
You may provide a gift or small sample for distributing to attendees in a gift bag.  Useful items such as small gadgets, tools and utensils for kitchen, office and travel are encouraged.  Marketing collateral is not accepted as a stand-alone gift, but a notecard or gift tag may be attached to the gift.  Send 225 units.
Fee:  $450 before July 15 / $540 from July 16 – August 15

Bag for Gifts
You may provide bags custom-printed with your logo and IFEC’s for holding sponsors’ gifts for attendees.  Suitable bags include canvas totes, fabric backpacks and other types of carry-alls large enough to hold approximately 15 items.  Please consult with IFEC on bag size.  Send 225 bags.
Fee:  $225 before July 15 / $270 from July 16 – August 15

Badge Pouch
You may supply badge pouches imprinted with your logo.  Please consult with IFEC on badge size. Send 225 pouches.
Fee:  $225 before July 15 / $270 from July 16 – August 15

Computer Center
You may sponsor a computer lounge or business center for use by attendees from the Monday afternoon through the Wednesday evening of the conference.  You will be responsible for equipment rental, internet access and custom signage.
Fee:  $225 before July 15 / $270 from July 16 – August 15

Program Speakers
You may sponsor a speaker or panel selected by the Program Committee.  Your sponsorship will be acknowledged from the podium and in print in conference materials.   Please consult with IFEC for program information.
Fee:  $500 before July 15 / $600 from July 16 – August 15

Printed Program
You may sponsor the printed conference program, the menus and sponsors brochure or the hand-held agenda.  You will be credited on the front and back covers of the piece.
Fee:  $500 before July 15 / $600 from July 16 – August 15

See the conference agenda for the days and times of sponsorship opportunities