The American Cheese Society (ACS) is pleased to welcome Dr. Temple Grandin as the keynote speaker on Thursday, August 2, at its 29th Annual Conference, the “Cheese Rally in Raleigh,” held at the Raleigh Convention Center from Wednesday, Aug. 1, through Saturday, Aug. 4.
The educational conference will end with the popular Festival of Cheese that features 1,700 American cheeses available to sample and purchase, open to the public on Saturday, August 4.
Named one of Time magazine’s "100 Most Influential People in the World" in 2010, Grandin is a renowned professor, author, and consultant to the livestock industry. Her insights into animal behavior and innovations in livestock handling have revolutionized food-animal welfare.
On Thursday morning, Aug. 2, Grandin will share strategies on how to bridge the gap between agriculture and the public. She will finish the keynote address with an extended book signing of her books, including “Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals” and “Animals in Translation.”
Throughout her life, Grandin has inspired people around the world as a champion for individuals with autism and their families. This unique speech and book signing is open only to registered conference attendees. Thursday day passes or three-day full conference passes are available for purchase on the ACS website through Wednesday, July 18, or on-site at the Raleigh Convention Center beginning on Wednesday, Aug. 1.
The conference will end Saturday, Aug. 4, with the Festival of Cheese from 7 to 9:30 p.m., a tasting opportunity open to the public. A fascinating event for cheese connoisseurs and novices alike, the festival will allow participants to sample the more than 1,700 cheeses entered in the prestigious ACS competition.
In addition to the wide array of cheeses, festival goers can also sample craft beer, charcuterie, patés, preserves, and much more from carefully selected artisan producers. Tickets are available for $55 per person on Brown Paper Tickets or at the door on the day of the event. Volunteers who assist with Festival of Cheese set-up during the day on Saturday, August 4, will earn a free ticket to the event.
