Dr. Brad Morgan, Chef Michael Erickson, Hannah Boeh, Lori Pace and Donna Moenning will be the featured speakers at American Meat Science Association’s (AMSA), 69th Reciprocal Meat Conference (RMC) Transparency in the Meat Industry: Where We Are, Where We’ve Come and Where Are We Going – a panel discussion sponsored by Kemin. The event will be held June 19-22, 2016 at the Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas.

Topics to be discussed among the panel will focus on the following:
· A Clear View of Transparency and How it Builds Consumer Trust: Donna Moenning, senior program manager for The Center of Food Integrity, will provide research on the most effective practices for building consumer trust. Based on research conducted that explored which attributes are most important to consumers when it comes to trust-building transparency – policies, practices, performance or verification. Moenning will also provide insight on consumer views of transparency and where they want company information conveyed.

· How Consumers View the Conversation from a Social Media Perspective: Lori Pace, proud owner and shameless promoter of ADayinMotherhood.com, will provide insight to how a single mom can have such an impact on how consumers view the products they serve their families. Pace has an overwhelming social media following, giving parenting advice while striving to provide nutritious choices for her family.

· Health and Transparency: What is being said about the meat industry from a nutritionist’s point of view? Hannah Boeh, doctoral student in Human Nutrition at Kansas State University, will provide insight to the world of nutrition and how all protein sources can be part of a healthy, well balanced diet. She will discuss how there is not a one-size fits all solution for everyone and what individuals should be mindful of when formulating their version of a ‘healthy, well balanced diet.

· The Demand for Answers: Not everyone makes the same choice so the more we know about the food we eat, the safer and more trusting we become to a brand or product. As a chef and high school teacher; Michael Erickson will share the knowledge he has gained from interacting with consumers and students when it comes to educating them on where and how their meat is produced.

· Understanding Both Sides of Our Industry: Academia and industry, though both are part of the meat industry, they play very different roles. As a past Academic turned industry leader, Dr. Brad Morgan, Senior Director of Protein of Performance Food Group, will provide insight on hurdles we face communicating from both sides of the meat industry with the general public.