Urner Barry’s Executive Conference has quite the impressive history, and who better to speak on what this conference is really about than Russ Whitman.

Russ is Senior Vice President and veteran Poultry Market Reporter here at Urner Barry and has been a staple figure of the Executive Conference, having emceed the event for over 20 years. If you’re wondering how you’ll benefit from attending the Executive Conference, you can expect a combination of professional and personal growth.

“You take a relationship that may already exist and deepen it. You experience good food, good company, and the finer things in life. You learn and network together,” said Russ.

The Executive Conference actually began with no intention of becoming an international protein conference at all. In 1976, Urner Barry moved their offices to Bayville, New Jersey, and the owners at the time wanted to invite clients to come see the new digs and celebrate the next chapter in the company’s history.
This modest gathering would eventually grow into the annual Executive Conference.

Over the years, the conference has had notable speakers of stature. Not only were there leading industry professionals, but war heroes, professional athletes, and celebrity guests. Upon speaking with Russ about some of the most memorable speakers and moments at the conference, he noted that every attendee of the show likely has a unique, unforgettable experience that really stuck with them. For Russ—with his passion for sailing—his most memorable speaker was Gary Jobson, a world class America’s Cup sailor.

“Although we have had many celebrity speakers in attendance, some of the most memorable and eye opening have been those that are here to motivate. It’s the stories of heroics and overcoming tremendous challenges that are met with standing ovations and leave attendees in awe.”
Just one of the many heroes to take the stage at the Executive Conference was Captain Florent Groberg, who was awarded a Medal of Honor for his heroic acts risking his own life to protect the lives of others from suicide bombers.

“At the core of it all, agriculture is red, white, and blue,” said Russ. “These are the people here to work hard through the toughest conditions in order to feed the masses.”
Professionals come to the Executive Conference to learn how to run their business more efficiently and profitably and end up leaving inspired.

“It’s one thing to have a title and play a role, but the people attending the Executive Conference are the people most passionate about their jobs. Working in the food industry is more than just working for a paycheck—it’s working to feed the world.”

Making the event possible are numerous sponsors that ensure a world-class experience for attendees.

“The glamour and prestige of the show is etched into attendees’ minds. If it weren’t for the help of our sponsors, there’s no way we could put on an event of the caliber of the conference that our attendees have come to expect. Many of our sponsors have been with us since the formative years of this conference and we can’t thank them enough!”

Urner Barry’s 2022 Executive Conference will be held at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, May 1-3. Register today and don’t miss out on this historic event.

Click the button below for more details and to register for the Executive Conference.

Stephanie Goldzman
Urner Barry
1-732-240-5330 ext 279
sgoldzman@urnerbarry.com