EPG Solutions
Mars, Incorporated/UC Davis
Guests enjoy poster presentations in the Great Hall of The National Academy of Sciences
Chocolate-making demonstration
Jennifer Collins and Michelle Weese of Mars, Inc.
Challenge:
As a follow up to the 2004 Cocoa Symposium, design and execute the 2006 Theobroma Cacao: The Tree of Change cocoa symposium, comprising a multi-disciplinary international group of scientists to discuss groundbreaking cocoa research over the course of two days.
EPG Impact:
EPG staff designed the first cocoa symposium in 2004, and guided the process on developing a two-day symposium in 2006 to explore more aspects related to the cocoa crop - special emphasis was placed on exploring the issues facing the cocoa-growing regions of West Africa, East Asia and the Americas. In addition to the symposium presentations, the event featured chocolate tastings from the early American Revolution as well as noted research being conducted around the world through poster presentations.
Staff managed the entire design, production and execution of the symposium which occurred February 9-10, 2006 at The National Academies, Washington. DC. The event hosted more than 300 people with planning activities including: directing an international steering committee; managing hotel arrangements; managing more than 50 international presenters and their communications; management of sponsor relations; developing all event materials, including maintaining an event website; managing registration; orchestrating press conference logistics; ground transportation; special event dinner venues; marketing and promotion; food and beverage; and poster presentations.
For more information, please feel free to visit the event website at: www.cocoasymposium.com.