CheeseCon 2025 - Must Attend Event for Dairy Professionals

By Blake Jackson

CheeseCon 2025, hosted by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) and the Center for Dairy Research (CDR), will offer a comprehensive program for dairy processing professionals, including CEOs, HR leaders, and sales teams.

Scheduled for April 15-17 in Madison, Wisconsin, the event promises valuable insights and networking opportunities.

“CheeseCon offers something for everyone in dairy processing, whether they work on the production floor or in the corporate headquarters,” said John Umhoefer, WCMA Executive Director. “In a landscape of constant change, industry’s corporate leaders, human resources pros and sales leaders will find cutting-edge insights from trusted resources and ample opportunities to connect at CheeseCon.”

A highlight will be the Keynote Lunch talk, "Dairy’s Health Halo: New Consumer Insights Offer Sales Opportunity," featuring Paul Ziemnisky from Dairy Management Inc. This session will explore the growing consumer demand for health-focused dairy products and strategies to capitalize on this trend.

The Opening Keynote Panel, "Mastering Change Management in Dairy’s Evolving Environment," will feature industry leaders like Heather Anfang and Bob Sarver, discussing how to navigate rapid industry changes. Betty Thompson from the Society for Human Resource Management will moderate the discussion.

HR professionals can attend "Navigating Inclusion: Supporting Dairy’s Diverse Workforce Post-Executive Order 14173," which will address the challenges of maintaining inclusive workplaces amid changing regulations.

Rebekah Sweeney will moderate a panel with experts from Great Lakes Cheese and Ecolab, offering strategies for attracting talent and ensuring long-term success.

Sales professionals, particularly those involved in dairy exports, will benefit from "Sustainable Trade: Exploring the Nexus of Sustainability and Dairy Exports."

This session will feature leaders from the U.S. Dairy Export Council, including Nicholas Gardner and Megan Sheets, and a panel discussion with Alfiya Thomas and Carly Arendt. They will discuss how sustainability initiatives and evolving trade policies are shaping the future of dairy exports.

CheeseCon is open to dairy processors, suppliers, government employees, and academics. Early registration is available until April 7, with on-site registration after that date. For more information, visit CheeseCon.org or contact events@wischeesemakers.org or (608) 286-1001.

Photo Credit: wisconsin-cheese-makers-association