PDP

Description

The 2024 PDPW Managers Academy for Dairy Professionals^® is heading to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, January 9-11, 2024. The three-day executive-level professional development training and networking program is designed to expand the knowledge and skillset of dairy owners and managers, CEOs, industry directors, processors, marketers and distributors. 

Don't miss this highly anticipated annual program built to help you and your business build resilience. This year, look forward to three days of jam-packed training, including four executive-level tours that will have you thinking about your business in a whole new way.

January 9:
Gain a global perspective as Jacob Shapiro dives into the world of geopolitics. Learn how what is happening around the world will shape the next five years, and how it will affect dairy producers and other major agricultural commodities. In addition, hear from Jason Karszes about the best practices that make up the top 20% of dairy producers.

January 10:
Get off the farm and out of the office for these four thought-provoking tours. Learn about the challenges and unique business management approaches taken by Tietje Crawfish Farm, the South La Rail Rice Mill, Marucci and Fluker Farms.

Tietje Crawfish Farm:
Nothing says Louisiana like crawfish. During this stop, get up close and personal with the crawfish habitat and harvesting process. Owner Burt Tietje will dive into what it takes to raise and harvest crawfish, and the I-10 Crawfish Cooperative and marketing of food-grade crawfish.

South La Rail Rice Mill:
With limited market options, a small group of rice producers in 2009 took back their control and began investing their time and money into creating their own market access. After building a 6-million-dollar rail-loading facility, they have created market access for their product with exports to Mexico since 2012. Today, they navigate the challenge of finding and creating new markets as they continue to grow.

Marucci:
Founded by two former big leaguers and their athletic trainer, Marucci has become one of the best batmakers in the league. Witness the craftsmanship in action as we tour the facility, but also experience the unbeatable team culture and care that each person takes when creating these world-class bats.

Fluker Farms:
This isn't your average farm. Fluker Farms operates both a business-to-business and business-to-consumer model with their cricket products and other blends for feeding reptiles. Currently, Fluker Farms is in the process of establishing a succession plan for the third and fourth-generation incoming team members. Not only will you get to discover how they are setting up the next generation for success, but also how they are continuing to scale their business as they work with retailers like Petco and Walmart.

January 11:
On the final day, Dr. Richard Kyte will share strategies to increase employee engagement, retention and productivity. He’ll also outline how to effectively motivate employees and empower middle managers to lead more confidently and compassionately. Expect some pointers on embracing rapidly changing technology and the uncertain implications of artificial intelligence, as well as mitigating the subsequent increase in employee stress and anxiety.

For additional information, please call PDPW at 800-947-7379 or email mail@pdpw.org. 

Meeting Locations

Host Hotel:
Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center
201 Lafayette Street
Baton Rouge LA 70801
 
Call 800-955-6962 or book via the link below by December 26, 2023, for a special rate of $129/night for single or double rooms when you mention you are booking for PDPW Managers Academy.
Booking Website:
https://book.passkey.com/e/50699251
Monday is sold out. There is still room availability for Tuesday-Thursday.

Nearby hotels:
Courtyard by Marriott Baton Rouge  
260 3^rd St.
Baton Rouge, LA
1 block away from the convention center

Booking website: https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1701978483709&key=GRP&app=resvlink
They are offering a rate of $159 (you must stay 3 nights if you are arriving on Monday)

Hampton Inn & Suites Baton Rouge Downtown
462 Lafayette St
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
2 blocks away from the convention center

Booking website: https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=BTRDNHX&arrivalDate=2024-01-08&departureDate=2024-01-12&groupCode=CHHPDM&room1NumAdults=1&cid=OM%2CWW%2CHILTONLINK%2CEN%2CDirectLink
 

Training Sessions

Arrival Day - Monday, January 8

• Arrive at your hotel
• 6:00 p.m.     Welcome Reception

Day 1  -  Tuesday, January 9

• 8:15 a.m.     Registration
• 6:30 p.m.     Dinner

Day 2  -  Wednesday, January 10

• 8:00 a.m.     Training resumes with Executive-Level Tours

Day 3  -  Thursday, January 11

• 8:00 a.m.     Training resumes
• 3:15 p.m.     Conclusion

 

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Accredited Training

This training is accredited and approved for continuing education (CE) credits in the amount of:

• Up to 18.50 CEs in Dairy AdvanCE (DACE)
  • To learn more or secure CE credits, visit www.DairyAdvance.org.