Location: DeVos Center – Ballroom A – Street Level Download the presentation here

Location: DeVos Center – Ballroom A – Street Level We used to agree on facts, even when we disagreed on how they should be applied or exactly what they meant. Not anymore. Today, we live in a post-truth world where an online influencer may have more social credibility than leading scientists. In this session, Charlie Arnot, CEO of the Center for Food Integrity, will explain how we got here and more importantly how we can make the science-based information we rely on, relevant and meaningful to an increasingly skeptical public. The session will include workshop activities using real life examples like the growth in cottage foods and home-based restaurants. Come prepared to learn and work as we apply the trust building principles to these challenging topics. Download the presentation here 

Location: Amway – Governors Room – 2nd Floor A welcome from the Body Art Committee Chairs

Location: Amway – Pantlind Ballroom – 2nd Floor This session will delve into consumer education issues regarding trust and food safety. Moderated by Benjamin Chapman, PhD, with speakers Mitzi Baum, M.Sc., and Brittanny Saunier, the format will include succinct introductions followed by a round table discussion. Topics will span challenges, new research findings, and strategic next steps in consumer risk communication and education within the food safety domain. Download presentation #1 Download presentation #2 Download presentation #3

Location: Amway – Gerald R Ford Ballroom – 1st Floor Join us for an essential discussion addressing the economic hurdles facing the legal cannabis industry in the United States. Explore the intricate balance between regulatory requirements, market dynamics, and consumer safety, with a focus on mitigating barriers to entry and long-term sustainability. Gain actionable insights into fostering a single robust framework that promotes economic viability and market growth. This session is designed to include different vantage points while offering a collaborative platform to strategize and implement effective solutions for a thriving, regulated cannabis industry.

Location: Amway – Imperial Ballroom – 1st Floor Learn about the Produce Safety Rule as it applies to both the Retail and Manufactured Food Programs. Download the presentation here

Location: Amway – Ambassador West – 2nd Floor Whether you are newly enrolled in the Retail Program Standards, have dabbled in the Standards, or have successfully met and verified one or more Standards, you may also have this question that keeps coming up for jurisdictions: “How do I maintain conformance with the Retail Program Standards when our workforce and priorities are ever changing?” This session will equip you with tools, resources, and information needed to support your jurisdiction’s success with the Retail Program Standards now and in the future.

Location: Amway – Senator Vandenberg – 2nd Floor Join us to hear from your state and local health colleagues as they share their lessons learned from outreach responses, including some unique products, environments, and investigational approaches. Download presentation #1 Download presentation #2

Location: DeVos Center – Ballroom A – Street Level Engage with a distinguished panel of food safety culture practitioners as they share practical strategies and nuanced perspectives during this expert panel session. Drawing from extensive experience and research, the panel will offer valuable insights into fostering a resilient food safety culture within organizations. Prepare to delve into substantive discussions that explore effective implementation methods and address challenges faced by industry and regulatory professionals. Download the presentation here

Location: Amway – Governors Room – 2nd Floor Irradiation of packaged ink is an effective method of controlling pathogens in tattoo ink and permanent makeup ink. Under MoCRA, safety substantiation is required. Using a validated process is necessary to assure the safety of inks. The validation requirements for gamma, e-beam and x-ray irradiation sterilization of tattoo and Permanent makeup will be discussed.

Location: Amway – Pantlind Ballroom – 2nd Floor USDA reports that 44.2 million people didn’t have enough to eat and didn’t know where their next meal would come from in 2022. Even more people – 1 in 5 in the United States – turn to food banks, food pantries, and other food programs to feed their families. The need for nourishing, safe food is great. How do we rise to the challenges? Share your innovative approaches, ask questions, and learn from each other in a discussion with a variety of experts who work to end hunger.

Location: Amway – Imperial Ballroom – 1st Floor Are you taking advantage of the workshops offered? Workshops are available to help bring stakeholders together in your state and improve aspects of produce safety practices. Hear an overview of these training opportunities to help you determine the next workshop in your state. Download presentation #1 Download presentation #2 Download presentation #3

Location: Amway – Governors Room – 2nd Floor The tattoo community has embraced a disposable model, and this has resulted in huge benefits for public safety and worker safety. Piercing studios can also be disposable, however, there are some key differences from tattoo studios. This presentation addresses different strategies for disposable piercing studios, and the ways studio owners and health officials can collaboratively work on compliance that benefits public health. View the presentation here

Location: Amway – Imperial Ballroom – 1st Floor Mushrooms are a hot topic for both produce and retail food programs. How are wild-foraged and farm-raised mushrooms are handled under the Produce Safety Rule and how is it determined whether mushrooms are an approved source for retail programs. Download presentation #1 Download presentation #2 Download presentation #3

Location: Amway – Governors Room – 2nd Floor Discussion of the effect of MoCRA on Tattoo and Permanent makeup shops, and other professions that use cosmetics in their practice. Although not directly responsible for MoCRA compliance, the artist / shop owner will feel the effects of the changes. The presentation will focus on the effects of MoCRA on professionals.

Location: DeVos Center – Ballroom A – Street Level Has this ever happened to you? You walk into a food establishment, and see something you know you are supposed to know, but you don't? Then it hits you ... this overwhelming stress, and you quickly try to figure it out so you aren't embarrassed. Or, have you ever found yourself looking at a food product, scratching your head, and saying, “What in the world is this?” If you've ever felt this way, then this is the session for you! This interactive experience explores innovation, technology, and new products from around the world. Adding to the excitement, there is a “pushing the limits” section: The challenge is to think of new ways to integrate innovations and new technologies into the food safety landscape while protecting public health.

Location: Amway – Governors Room – 2nd Floor Discussion of the dynamics of body art facility inspection... What does a shop owner do when the inspector shows up? What is "professional behavior" on the part of the inspector? Keeping calm and in the moment is best.

Location: Amway – Imperial Ballroom – 1st Floor Download presentation #1 Download presentation #2

Bus Pickup: Amway – Lobby – 1st Floor

A Taste of Pure Michigan

Embark on a gourmet journey as you dash from table to table, sampling an array of delectable dishes from the Grand Rapid’s Downtown Market's finest vendors. Pair your culinary adventures with refreshing beverages, including craft beers, fine wines, artisanal cocktails, mocktails by the teenage bartender and specialized pop. Groove to the rhythm of live music, adding a dash of fun and festivity to your dining experience.