EDA ANNUAL CONVENTION REGISTRATION
Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel
14 – 16 OCTOBER 2026 — BRATISLAVA · SLOVAKIA
EDA 2026
European Dairy: Local Roots and Global Competitiveness
Organisation of EDA 2026
Held under the auspices of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Slovak Republic
About the Convention
A gathering of Europe's dairy community, hosted in Bratislava.
The European Dairy Association (EDA) brings together the national associations of 27+ European dairy industries. The Annual Convention is its flagship event — a moment for members, officials and partners to align on the year ahead.
Together with Assifonte and and Slovak Diary Association (Slovenský mliekarenský zväz – SMZ), and under the auspices of the Minister of Agriculture of the Slovak Republic, we welcome the community to Bratislava in October 2026.
The Slovak capital sits where the Danube meets Central Europe — a fitting place to think about local roots and global competitiveness.
3
Days of programme
27+
Member countries
200+
Expected delegates
30+
Years of EDA tradition
A word from the organizers
"Dear Friends, on behalf of the Slovak Dairy Association, it is my pleasure to warmly invite you to enjoy the EDA Annual Convention 2026 in Slovakia. Although Slovakia represents only a small drop in the ocean of EU milk production, milk production and dairy processing are the most important sectors of the Slovak agri-food industry. The Slovak Dairy Association has represented slovak dairy producers for 35 years and has been a member of the European Dairy Association since 2004. We were delighted to accept the EDA ’s offer to host EDA Annual Convention in Bratislava and thus revisit the success of the 2009 EDA Annual Convention held in Slovakia. The main theme of the EDA Annual Convention in Bratislava, “European Dairy: Local Roots and Global Competitiveness,” is more than symbolic. Strong local roots, even in smaller countries, are what make the dairy sector exceptional and competitive on a global scale. We look forward to welcoming you to Bratislava. We have prepared a range of memorable accompanying events for you to experience Slovak hospitality and discover a modern city on the Danube with a rich history."
Programme
Three days, shaped around the EDA committees and the Convention day.
The detailed agenda is updated as it's confirmed. Select a day to see the current plan.
Wednesday
14 October 2026
Welcome Reception
Primate´s Palace, Hall of Mirrors
Thursday
15 October 2026
EDA ANNUAL CONVENTION REGISTRATION
Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel
Meeting TEC I (and/or WG’s)
MELODY SUITE
Meeting FEP I (and/or WG’s)
SYMPHONY SUITE
ASSIFONTE CD & GA
RHAPSODY SUITE
Lunch
FOYER
Meeting TEC II
MELODY SUITE
Meeting FEP II
SYMPHONY SUITE
EDA BOARD
RHAPSODY SUITE
We will take you to the Gala Dinner on sightseeing trains
Departures of three Blue Trains to the Gala Dinner
from Radisson Blue Carlton Hotel, Bratislava to Bratislava Castle at 18:30 each
Gala Dinner
Dress Code: Business Formal
RESTAURANT Hradná
Friday
16 October 2026
EDA ANNUAL CONVENTION REGISTRATION
Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel
EDA General Assembly
HARMONY HALL
EDA ANNUAL CONVENTION
Registration and coffee
EDA ANNUAL CONVENTION
HARMONY HALL
WELCOME
Albert de Groot, President, European Dairy Association
Marián Šolty, President, Slovak Dairy Association
OPENING
Richard Takáč, Minister of Agriculture and Rural development, Slovak Republic
Flavio Coturni, Head of Unit, DG TRADE, EU Commission
SESSION 1: European Dairy: Local roots and global competitiveness
Moderation:
Rose O’Donovan, Editor in chief, AGRA FACTS
Panellists:
Flavio Coturni, Head of Unit, DG TRADE, EU Commission
Christoph Till, Managing Director, Meggle SK/CZ/HU
Piercristiano Brazzale, CEO, Brazzale spa
Oisin Morrin, CEO, Tippagral France
Ukraine Dairy today: Resilience, Competitiveness and European Integration
Oleksandr Avramuk, General Manager, Lactalis Ukraine
Securing Europe's Dairy Future: Innovation, Preparedness and Resilience
Alex Henriksen, Managing Director East Europe, Tetra Pak
What’s on the mind of the CEO’s of dairy companies
Ludovic Meilhac & Karl Nilsson, McKinsey
Lunch Buffet
FOYER
European Dairy Executive Lunch (EDEL) - on separate invitation
CARLTON HALL
EDA ANNUAL CONVENTION
HARMONY HALL
Protection or Responsibility: Can Dairy Packaging Deliver Both?
Adela Putinelu, Senior Manager Government Affairs EMEA, Sealed Air
Women in Dairy: Connecting People. Growing Talent. Leading Change
Isabelle Pitter, Chief Procurement & Supply Chain Officer, Prolactal Austria
Support of Global Dairy Excellence by IDF
Gilles Froment, President, International Dairy Federation
SESSION 2: Dairy delivering nutrition excellence across the world
Moderation:
Kinga Adamaszwili, European Dairy Association
Set-the scene:
Pietro Paganini, Competere
Panellists:
Daniela Martini, Associate Professor, Università degli Studi di Milano
Miquela Hanselman, Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs, National Milk Producers Federation (USDEC)
Martin Polovka, Food and Nutrition Specialist, National Agriculture and Food Centre, Slovakia
Closing remarks
Albert de Groot, President, European Dairy Association
Slovak National Collection of Wines – wine tasting (venue)
Registration
Registration is closed.
Partners
Supported by the companies that move European dairy forward.
The Convention is made possible by its partners across four tiers. Click any logo for company details and website. Partnership opportunities are still open – contact the organiser.
G Gold Partners
S Silver Partners & Supporting Member of SMZ
A Animal Health Partner
B Bronze Partners & Supporting Members of SMZ
The Venue
An Exceptional Setting for an Extraordinary Gathering
Welcome Dinner, 14 October 2026
Primate´s Palace, Bratislava - Hall of Mirrors
Discover the elegance of Primate's Palace, a stunning neoclassical landmark in the heart of Bratislava. Built in the late 18th century, this historic palace is famous for its Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Pressburg was signed, and its rare collection of English tapestries. With its soft pink façade and rich history, the Primate’s Palace offers visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of the past—an essential stop for anyone exploring the city.
Primaciálne námestie 1, 814 99 Bratislava
Annual Convention, 15 - 16 October 2026
Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel, Bratislava
Luxury accommodation in the heart of the city at the most prestigious address. With its impressive history, the Radisson Blu Carlton hotel has stood as a symbol of elegance for centuries. Located in the historic center of Bratislava, near the Danube riverfront, it offers a unique experience of connecting with the rich cultural spirit of the city.
Hviezdoslavovo námestie 3, 811 02 Bratislava
Gala Dinner 15 October 2026
Hradná Restaurant, Bratislava Castle
Set within the iconic Bratislava Castle, Hradná Restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience in a truly prestigious setting. Overlooking the city with breathtaking panoramic views, it blends historic grandeur with modern elegance. Guests can enjoy exceptional cuisine that turns every visit into a refined culinary journey—perfect for special occasions or an elevated evening in the heart of Bratislava.
Bratislava Castle, Námestie Alexandra Dubčeka 1, 811 01 Staré Mesto-Hrad
Slovak Wine Tasting, 16 October 2026
National Wine Salon of the Slovak Republic, Apponyi Palace
Welcome to The Slovak National Collection of Wines! Taste 72 Slovak wines or try a guided wine tasting with a professional sommelier who will explain everything about Slovak viticulture. The premises of our historical cellar and our Slovak wines are the perfect choice for fiendly meeting.
National Wine Salon of the Slovak Republic, Apponyi Palace, Radničná 1, 815 18 Bratislava, Slovakia
Accommodation
% special rates
Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel
The Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel, Bratislava is ideally located on Hviezdoslav Square in the heart of the historic city center, within walking distance of key landmarks such as St. Martin’s Cathedral and the Danube River. Guests can enjoy dining in the historic Savoy Restaurant, signature cocktails in the renowned Mirror Bar, and relax in the Carlton Savoy Fitness & Wellness Center. With origins dating back to the 13th century, the property has evolved from a historic inn into one of the city’s most prestigious hotels. Throughout its history, it has welcomed notable figures such as Thomas Edison, Alfred Nobel, and Theodore Roosevelt. After a complete renovation, the hotel reopened in 2001 as part of the Radisson Hotel Group, blending its rich heritage with contemporary standards. Today, it remains a landmark venue for both leisure and business events in Bratislava.
% special rates
Hotel Park Inn by Radisson
In between majestic mountains and splendid castles, you'll find a sprawling capital full of life and excitement. Within walking distance of our Bratislava hotel, you'll find the city's most beloved attractions. Enjoy walks along the vast Danube River, explore the grand St. Martin's Cathedral, or spend an evening absorbing culture at the opera house. Among medieval towers and 20th century architecture, you'll also find Bratislava Castle, the eye-catching blue church of St. Elisabeth, and numerous other sights worth a visit. From our ideally located hotel in Bratislava you can take in the vibrant, one-of-a-kind atmosphere as you stroll through the cute cobblestone streets.
% special rates
Hotel Devín ****
The iconic Hotel Devín**** in the historical centre of the capital city of Slovakia offers a harmony of pleasant atmosphere and elegance of the past with modern facilities and excellent services. Thanks to its exceptional location in the right on the Danube waterfront, generous space and charming designs, your event will be trully unforgettable.