Conference Highlights

Educational Sessions

Over 35 topical and timely sessions selected by the ACS Education Committee, including:

Pre-Conference Offering: Artisan Cheese Food Safety Workshop

A 6 hour in-person workshop intended for Artisan Cheese Producers who are preparing to create, or are already developing, a Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) compliant, preventive control (PC)-based, food safety plan for their facility. The goal of this workshop is to provide Food Safety Plan review and coaching sessions that guide attendees through each step in the development process.  Note that this session is held on Tuesday, July 18. There is an additional fee of $59 for this session. Tickets can be purchased during conference registration. 

Networking Sessions

Opportunities to connect and network with industry colleagues organized by theme. These are facilitated discussions.

Tasting Sessions

Tasting sessions are optional and take place during concurrent session blocks. All tasting sessions will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to 220 people. Doors will close at the start of the session and late entry will not be permitted.

Conference Bookstore

When you’re at the ACS Conference, make plans to check out our Conference Bookstore! You’ll find:

  • Great books on cheese, including publications by ACS members
  • Official Conference merchandise
  • ACS gear

Breaks & Author Book Signings

Get the most out of your conference experience while you meet other attendees and get your favorite books signed by the authors during our breaks between concurrent sessions.

Bookstore and Book Signing Requests

Are you an author of a cheese-related book? We welcome you to submit a request to have your publication considered for our Conference Bookstore. Requests must be received by May 5th. Please fill out our Bookstore Request and Book Signing Request Form if you are interested in selling your book at this year’s conference, or are interested in participating in a book signing. Please note that ACS gives priority to our conference speakers to participate in book signings.

Networking Salons & Supporting Trade Tables

Visit Networking Salons and Supporting Trade Tables each day to sample new foods, learn about great products and services, and network with Conference sponsors. Learn more about ACS sponsorship opportunities.

Solution Sessions

Attendees can learn about services and offerings directly from ACS Partners and Sponsors during these sessions. Interested in leading a Solution Session? Learn more about ACS sponsorship opportunities.

The Cheeseletes 5K

Back to where it all began! We are so excited that the ACS Conference is back to Des Moines, Iowa. It is where we held our very first race in 2016, before we were The Cheeseletes! Just like last year, we are doing an in person and a virtual 5k to accommodate everyone. Either pick the In-person race if you are attending the ACS Conference or choose virtual, and run with us in spirit. But like every year, we are all in this together! Sign up for the Cheeselets 5k here and stay connected via Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on beneficiaries, prizes, swag and more!