Food Protection Trends - November/December 2022 - 479

interrupted official business by bursting
into the room holding (and distributing)
cardboard computer screens over their
faces that demonstrated everything that
can go wrong during a Zoom call, including
distractions from kids and pets, eating
and drinking on screen, inappropriate
attire (complete with robe and shower
cap), and even blank screens. The
Affiliate managed to 'coordinate screens'
by again generously donating to the
IAFP Foundation. Thank you, FAFP, for
your contributions of laughter and your
donation to the Foundation.
IAFP's popular Silent Auction returned
after a two-year hiatus, allowing
our Members, Affiliates, sponsors, and
attendees from around the globe to donate
and bid upon unique and desirable
items, often from their respective locale.
This lively event generates valuable
revenue for the IAFP Foundation while
providing attendees the chance to take
home one or more great souvenirs. Nearly
100 items were on display this year, including
gift baskets; bourbons, whiskeys,
and wines; designer jewelry; a Series 7
Apple watch; historic food safety-related
books; handmade charcuterie boards;
Dr. Fauci bobblehead figures; designer
clutch purses; and other fun and enticing
treasures, all being auctioned to the
highest bidders for a great cause. We
are pleased to announce that more than
$7,000 in contributions was received from
this year's Silent Auction! A huge thank
you to those who donated items and to
all the competitive bidders who increased
bids until the last few moments!
Wednesday afternoon's Closing
More than 500 attendees closed out
the meeting by attending Wednesday
evening's Awards Banquet, enjoying a
delicious meal and honoring more than
two dozen IAFP Members who were
recognized for outstanding contributions
to the food safety profession over the past
year. This year's recipients are listed on
page 480. President Petran closed the
evening and her term in office by extending
her thanks and appreciation to all who
helped and supported her throughout her
presidency, before officially passing the
gavel to her successor, Michelle Danyluk.
President Danyluk then provided a few
" Canadian tips " about attending IAFP
2023 in her home country before closing
out the Association's first full onsite meeting
in three years.
Session featured the John H. Silliker Lecture,
this year presented by Dr. Katherine
" Katie " Swanson, (retired), KMJ Swanson
Food Safety Inc., in Mendota Heights,
Minnesota. Dr. Swanson spoke on " The
Power of Diverse Perspectives for Effective
Food Safety Management. " Her lecture
focused on incorporating essential diverse
viewpoints to achieve actionable, effective
results in everything you do professionally
and personally. A summary of Dr. Swanson's
presentation appears on page 498. IAFP
gratefully acknowledges the generous
contribution made by Mérieux NutriSciences
toward funding this significant
lecture series.
Demands and ongoing challenges due
to the COVID-19 pandemic are not going
away, forcing us to live a 'new normal.' But
this year's increased attendance and the
dedication from attendees to risk traveling
again to take part in this year's Annual
Meeting proves how loyal and committed
our Members and others are to their
professions. Though social distancing, fist
bumps, and face masks were still seen
among some of the 3,000 participants, it
was reassuring to witness that most food
safety professionals felt more comfortable
than a year ago. People were greeted
with smiles, handshakes, and even hugs
by peers, co-workers, and friends. IAFP
extends its sincerest thanks to our steadfast
Members, non-Members, sponsors,
exhibitors, and the countless volunteers
for their allegiance and support throughout
another demanding year. The IAFP staff
worked long and hard the past 12 months
to create a seamless meeting for our
attendees.
We achieved great heights at IAFP
2022 to cross that final Pittsburgh bridge
to food safety and connect with thousands
of professionals from around the
globe, creating a positive result leading
up to IAFP 2023 in Toronto, Canada, July
16-19. We hope you will plan to elevate
yourself to hit the top floor and get a bird's
eye view of food safety at our next leading
food safety conference!
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November/December Food Protection Trends 479
Food Protection Trends - November/December 2022

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