The International Association for Food Protection’s 2015 Annual Meeting heads to Portland later this week.

Top industry, academic, and government food-safety professionals will make their way to Oregon’s largest city get to information on current and emerging issues, find innovative solutions to new and recurring problems, and network with colleagues from around the world.

Association: International Association for Food Protection

Conference: IAFP 2015

Venue: Oregon Convention Center

Location: Portland, Oregon

IAFP 2015 begins Saturday evening with an opening session. Rhona S. Applebaum, Ph.D., vice president and chief science and health officer for the Coca-Cola Company, will discuss her “seven effective principles for every reason, season, and ‘special situation.'” Three other details worth noting:

The next generation. IAFP recognizes students are the future of the association and the industry.  Each year, IAFP provides the opportunity for full-time food safety students to attend the annual meeting through its Student Travel Scholarship program. Once onsite, students have plenty of opportunities to acquaint themselves even further. Not only is there a luncheon just for them, there’s also a job fair and student booth in the exhibit hall.

For four-legged friends, too. Almost 70 percent of U.S. households have a pet, so it’s fitting that Sunday’s “Safe Food for the Entire Family” symposium will tackle pet food safety. Three presenters will discuss issues and developments in light of recent recalls and pet illnesses.

Environmentally friendly transportation. All registered attendees receive a TriMet pass when they check in at registration. The pass is valid on MAX light rail, streetcars, and buses in the city of Portland—making it easy for attendees to get to hotels, the convention center, the airport, or other offsite venues.

Check out the meeting from the comfort of your own home through Facebook and Twitter (#IAFP2015).

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