WCMA Announces Keynote Speaker and Educational Seminars for 2026 CheeseExpo

Tom Tench, CEO of Glanbia Dairy Nutrition, will offer the Opening Keynote address on Wednesday, April 15 at 2026 CheeseExpo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, igniting two days of educational seminars to complement the show’s largest exhibit floor ever. Special early registration rates are available now at CheeseExpo.org for the event, hosted by Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) and the Center for Dairy Research (CDR). 

“As a global leader in dairy nutrition, Glanbia is positioned at the forefront of nutrition trends. We’re thrilled to welcome Tom for an informative look at the exciting opportunities available for whey proteins, high value bioactives, and cheese,” said John Umhoefer, WCMA Executive Director. 

Following the Opening Keynote on Wednesday, April 15, WCMA and leading industry education partners will offer three concurrent seminars, focused on the latest ideas and innovations tailored to dairy processors: 

• Leveraging Policy Change for Dairy Business Growth  

Rapid shifts in federal policy are impacting dairy businesses nationwide. WCMA will gather industry experts and advocates to take attendees beyond the headlines, offering clear, concise, and objective analysis of new Congressional and regulatory directions, as well as strategies to leverage this state of change for long-term growth. 

• Cutting Edge Cheese Research 

CDR’s world-class experts will focus on research into proper eye development in Swiss cheese made from concentrated milk, the use of waterless cookers, cheese made from A1 and A2 milk, and novel approaches to making cheese snacks. 

• Cutting Edge Food Safety: Environmental Monitoring & Pathogen Research  

Genomic sequencing and metagenomics are advancing environmental monitoring, while research into individual pathogens is assuring safe dairy products. Innovation for U.S. Dairy and CDR will gather industry QA leaders and scientists to describe advances. 

On Thursday, April 16, CheeseExpo attendees can choose from three additional sessions, covering a fresh slate of hot topics: 

• Navigating the New Milk: Milk Components and Profitability Through the Supply Chain  

WCMA will lead a deep dive into milk component growth, from advances in cow genomics and the influence of beef in dairy farm management, to the impact of higher butterfat and protein on milk prices, cheese quality, and consumer marketing. Dairy Management Inc. and the Center for Dairy Research join WCMA in this special seminar. 

• High Protein Yogurts and Beverages 

CDR will showcase cutting-edge research into high protein yogurt and dairy beverages, including stability challenges and sedimentation in shelf-stable or ESL beverages, as well as the impact of dairy ingredients on high protein yogurts.

• Dairy Sustainability: Evolving Conversations, Persistent Demand, and Strategic ROI 

The landscape of dairy sustainability is evolving, but demand and interest remain strong. This WCMA session will explore sustainability’s shifting language, re-prioritized expectations, and the increasing emphasis on the link between sustainability initiatives and tangible business ROI. 

Now through January 27, attendees can save 20 percent on most registrations. High-visibility sponsorship opportunities are also available for the Opening Keynote address and for seminar Q&A technology. For more information, contact events@wischeesemakers.org.