Judging by attendees' reactions, the first ProductInnovationXchange (PIX), Prepared Foods' dynamic, strategic sales event, was a resounding success. Held at the Carefree Conference Resort in Carefree, Ariz., PIX offered customized, confidential strategic product development discussions between senior executives in R&D and marketing at food and beverage companies and a select number of value-added ingredient suppliers.

These ingredient vendors were evaluated by developers, and ultimately, the meeting-evaluation process will serve to shorten the product development process. Attendees already have expressed positive reviews of the show, as well as their plans to return to the 2005 PIX:

“Focused, productive, well organized: best event we've ever attended.” “We got more information in our meetings than we would have walking a trade show.” “This is a better way to connect and build relationships, excellent way to connect with suppliers' senior R&D executive team.”

A video of this year's event can be found at the PIX website: www.pi-xchange.com. PIX 2005 is scheduled for April 24-27, 2005, at the Carefree Conference Resort in Carefree, Ariz. Reservations are strictly limited. To reserve a spot, please contact the event director, Layne Skoyen, at 952-736-9373 or e-mail lskoyen@

pi-xchange.com.