2023 IAFP Best Overall Affiliate Meeting Award
Jennifer Acuff, Fabiana Guglielmone, Jerri Lynn Pickett, Kristen Gibson (from left to right)
On behalf of the Officers of the Arkansas Association for Food Protection (AAFP), it’s my pleasure to announce that we were honored with the Best Overall Affiliate Meeting Award by the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP)! This recognition celebrates the outstanding teamwork and dedication showcased at the AAFP 15th Annual Meeting held in the fall of 2023.
The AAFP Annual Meeting was a standout event, bringing together industry, government, and academia to advance food safety through a diverse range of educational sessions and networking opportunities. With a record attendance of 200 affiliate members and 30 guests, the meeting demonstrated a strong commitment to inclusivity and collaboration. Key highlights of the meeting included a vibrant poster competition, technical sessions covering crucial food safety topics, and insightful discussions on industry trends and innovations. Attendees actively engaged with speakers, vendors, and each other, fostering a dynamic and interactive environment throughout the event.
We should all be incredibly proud to receive the Best Overall Affiliate Meeting Award from the IAFP. This achievement reflects our dedication to providing exceptional educational experiences and fostering meaningful connections within the food safety community. The success of the AAFP 15th Annual Meeting last fall underscores the organization's commitment to excellence and innovation in promoting food safety initiatives. I want to personally extend my gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and contributors who made this award-winning event possible, and I know the other officers feel the same. Now it’s time to look ahead to another fantastic educational conference set for September 24-26th, 2024!
Sincerely,
2023 AAFP President (Past President)
Jennifer C. Acuff, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Food Microbiology & Safety
Department of Food Science
University of Arkansas