A quick follow-up with two links:

First, Purdue's Dept. of Food Sciences, along with GSA, hosted a previous event on millets, the "GSA North American Roundtable Summit on International Year of Millets" on 27 October 2023. It was the cover story in the GSA Global Eye publication (#26, Oct. 2023) at https://globaleyedigital.com/Newspaper/2023/26/GE-26.pdf

We were unaware of this event until recently. It does not appear to have been covered in other media. If FAO is still updating the record of events during the IYM at https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/events/list/en for historical interest, this event should be added.

Second, an interview of Prof. Senay Simsek by the head of GSA, Dr. Vijay G. Prabhakar, includes mention of the above roundtable, as well as a brief discussion of the upcoming Millets Expo (which at the time of the interview, was still scheduled for early November). See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9HKt953JIE beginning at 29:56


DO, EL, MI, US
NAMA


On Fri, Nov 1, 2024 at 11:17 PM Don Osborn <don@milletsalliance.org> wrote:
The GSA Global Millets Expo at Purdue, originally scheduled for early November was moved back to 5-6 December 2024. Unfortunately it is already too late to register, but if anyone on the list will be attending, it would be most interesting to hear how it goes..

The webpage is the same as before, with new information on location etc., but no details on the program (when accessed today, 11/1):
https://ag.purdue.edu/events/department/foodsci/2024/11/gsa-global-millets-expo.html

I did some digging to find out more.

First of all, the conference sponsors indicated by logos on the flyer are:
* Fusion Systems and Services (Schaumberg, IL) https://fusionsystemsinc.com
* Global Eye International Institute of Leadership NFP (address in Chicago) https://www.guidestar.org/profile/93-4298548 ; (launched in NY) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rt9W-3GS8c0
* Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) https://www.millets.res.in/
* Amaze Foods LLC (a US-based company that appears to have been recently founded by Naveenchandra Karna, per mention in the digital monthly, Global Eye, #44, 23 Oct. 2024, p. 25  https://globaleyedigital.com/Newspaper/2024/44/GE-44.pdf )
* GSA Global Eye (a monthly digital newsmagazine with subscribers in India & North America) https://globaleyedigital.com/ 
** (GSA is apparently Global Strategic Associates, per https://www.facebook.com/theglobaleye/ , altho the editor of Global Eye, Dr. Vijay Prabhakar also is connected with Global Strategic Alliance, Inc. in Chicago https://www.alignable.com/chicago-il/global-strategic-alliance-inc-chicago-il )

Further background on this event, including the role of Prof. Senay Simsek, Food Science, Purdue University, can be read in an article entitled "Turkish American Woman Breaks the Ceiling in the Academic World of Food Sciences," featured in the same edition of Global Eye mentioned above (#44, 23 Oct. 2024, p. 20, https://globaleyedigital.com/Newspaper/2024/44/GE-44.pdf  ). An excerpt from the article pertaining to the conference is copied below, again, for your info:

"Embrace the Future of Food at the GSA Global Millet Expo 2024!

"Join us for the GSA GLOBAL MILLET EXPO 2024, hosted by SENAY SIMSEK at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana in collaboration with The Global Eye International Institute For Leadership NFP, Chicago, Illinois on December 5th and 6th, 2024! THIS EXPO WILL GIVE THE MANUFACTURERS OF MILLET PRODUCTS TO SHOWCASE THEIR PRODUCTS AND EXPLORE COLLABORATE PARTNERSHIPS WITH AMERICA"S TOP 20 FOOD MANUFACTURERS WHO ARE INDUSTRIAL PARTNERS WITH PURDUE"S FOOD SCIENCE DEPARTMENT. This extraordinary event will unite researchers, industry leaders, and enthusiasts to explore millet's potential as a superfood and its role in sustainable agriculture. Attendees will engage in enlightening discussions, discover groundbreaking research, and foster collaboration to address global challenges like food insecurity and climate change. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a movement that champions healthy eating and innovative farming practices.

"Register now at gsaglobalmilletsexpo@gmail.com and help cultivate a sustainable future through the power of food!"


This conference at Purdue seems most notable for the participation of the IIMR, an institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), that we understand is getting substantial funding from the government of India.

One lesson I get from researching the other sponsors of this event, is that we may expect interesting initiatives on millets from entities we have not previously encountered. 

More as we learn about it...

Don

DO, EL, MI, US
NAMA


On Sat, Sep 7, 2024 at 1:05 AM Don Osborn <don@milletsalliance.org> wrote:
Just came across a webpage for this event - GSA Global Millets Expo, at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, on 8-9 November. (in 2 months' time):

GSA probably stands for Graduate Students Association. The event page is under the Department of Food Science (of the College of Agriculture at Purdue). A forward link to registration is apparently forthcoming.

The description on the webpage:(copied below) does not include any details about the program

"Welcome to the Global Millets Expo at Purdue University, a premier event uniting government bodies, universities and key stakeholders from around the world to elevate the global presence and availability of millet, a group of ancient grains with deep roots in African and Asian agriculture. These small-seeded grasses are not only highly nutritious but also incredibly resilient, thriving in harsh climates with minimal water compared to traditional staples like wheat and rice. As the world faces growing challenges in food security, sustainable agriculture, and malnutrition, millets offer a promising solution. This expo aims to harness the rising global interest in these climate-resilient and gluten-free grains, particularly in regions like the United States, where millet has been underutilized. Join us in exploring the immense potential of millet to revolutionize agriculture and contribute to a more sustainable and secure food future."

Does anyone know more about this? Or have contacts at Purdue - Food Science who might be able to provide more info?

Don Osborn, PhD
(East Lansing, MI, US)
North American Millets Alliance