The 2016 U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange was another resounding success with buyers, sellers, and stakeholders of U.S. Soy.
The event was held at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 30 through September 1.  Over 230 participants from 50 countries attended USSEC’s signature event known for its exclusive access to qualified international buyers and its strong focus on relationship building.
The U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange started on Tuesday, August 30 with the trade team invitational.  These meetings, pre-arranged by USSEC, provide USSEC international trade teams and suppliers’ buyers/sellers with an opportunity to forge relationships.
That evening, participants headed to the Indiana State Museum, for an opening reception.  The Indiana Soybean Alliance’s (ISA) Bennie the Bean and USSEC – America’s Soy Boy were in attendance, providing attendees with a chuckle.
The conference officially kicked off on Wednesday, August 31, with opening remarks from USSEC chairman Jim Miller and Midwest Shippers Association chairman Roger Mortensen.
Keynote speaker Seth Meyer, chairman of the World Agriculture Outlook Board – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of the Chief Economist, provided a global soy and grain supply and demand outlook.
Following his speech, the trade show officially opened.
Breakout sessions took place after lunch, featuring sessions on feed, food, and transportation.
On Thursday, September 1, the conference began with breakout sessions focusing on animal protein demand outlook, global aquaculture, specialty grains, inland intermodal rail service, and international trade.
Tim Quinlan, director and senior economist at Wells Fargo Securities’ Global Division, gave the closing keynote address, providing a world economic outlook through 2017.
The 2016 U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange was co-located with the Midwest Shippers Association’s Midwest Specialty Grains Conference and Trade Show.