Conference

2024 MCAFDO Annual Educational Conference & Heartland Food Safety Roundtable Meeting

March 5-6, 2024

Scott Conference Center, Omaha, NE

About the 2024 Conference

The 2024 Mid-Continental Association of Food and Drugs Officials (MCAFDO) Annual Educational Conference (AEC) will be held March 5-6, 2024.  MCAFDO will also help to co-host the Heartland Food Safety Roundtable discussion. View the draft Agenda below.

2024 MCAFDO Conference Agenda

The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) has reviewed and approved MCAFDO’s conference agenda for up to eleven (11) hours of continuing education credit. CEU forms will be distributed during the conference to individuals interested in obtaining CEUs.    

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Scott Conference Center - Boardroom Classroom

Registration Fees & Deadlines

Register now

The following are the corresponding registration fees for the Conference and/or Workshop events:

Early Registration
(Until Feb. 9th)
Late Registration
(After Feb. 10th)
2024 MCAFDO Conference$175$225

Walk-in registrations will be accepted at the door during the first day of the conference; however, they will be subject to payment at the late registration rate per person

Policies

Conference registrations made on/or after the determined cut-off date will incur an additional late fee of $50.00. Late registration fees for the MCAFDO Conference are as follows:

  • MCAFDO Conference  = $175.00 + $50.00 = $225.00

Please note registration fees will not be refunded after February 23, 2024.   Another individual may be sent in place of the original registrant.  To cancel registrations and/or arrange for registration fee refunds, please contact Scott Platt, Secretary/Treasurer at (515) 669-3953 or Scott.Platt@dia.iowa.gov.

Agencies or individuals wishing to pay via check or money order can submit payments directly to Scott Platt, MCAFDO Secretary/Treasurer, PO Box 329, University Park, IA 52595. Check or money orders shall be made payable to MCAFDO.   When submitting a single check for multiple individuals, please include a note, memorandum, or copies of individual registration invoices with the names of individuals whom payment is being issued for. 

Agencies or individuals may pay for registrations through the event registration website using a major credit card.  Registration payment(s) can be made at the time the online registration form is completed, or at a later date.  Individuals completing online registration will automatically be emailed an invoice for the registration fee(s).  Registration payments made/received after the determined early registration date will not be charged at the late registration rate provided the online registration is made before the deadline date (February 10th, 2024). 

Agencies or individuals wishing to pay for registrations via a Purchase Order Agreement (POA) should contact Scott Platt, Secretary/Treasurer, to make arrangements.  Scott Platt can be contacted at the following e-mail or telephone number: Scott.Platt@dia.iowa.gov or (515) 669-3953.

Conference or workshop attendees may also pay for registration fees at the door; however, advanced payment is encouraged.  MCAFDO will accept the following forms of payments at the door on the first day of the conference: credit card, debit card, cash, check, or money orders.  Credit card or debit card payments will be processed via AffiniPay or PayPal.

Mcafdo 2024 Agenda

2024 Heartland Food Safety Roundtable

The Heartland Food Safety Roundtable is anticipated to be held on Tuesday morning, March 5, 2024, from 9:00 am to 11:30 am.  The Heartland Food Safety Roundtable meeting consists of State, Local, Regional, and/or Federal regulatory personnel as well as representatives from industry such as food manufacturers (human food and animal food), retail food establishments, and/or food service establishments.  The Heartland Food Safety Roundtable is an open forum meeting for hot topics, issues, and updates in the world of food safety for local and national food industry and regulatory professionals.  Attendance of the Heartland Food Safety Roundtable is optional and registration is not required to attend this meeting. 

2024 Heartland Food Safety Roundtable Agenda

2024 MCAFDO Workshop(s)

MCAFDO will not be hosting a pre or post conference workshop in conjunction with the 2024 Annual Educational Conference.

Hotel Accommodations

A block of hotel rooms has been secured at the following hotels. Both hotels are within close walking distance from the Scott Conference Center. A valid credit card is required to make reservations:

Courtyard Omaha Aksarben Village Exterior

Courtyard Omaha Aksarben Village

1625 S 67th Street, Omaha, NE

No free breakfast

Book now

Complete information about amenities, dining, check-in/out times, etc. can be found on the Courtyard website.

Residence Inn Omaha Aksarben Village Hotel

Residence Inn Omaha Aksarben Village

1717 South 67th Street, Omaha, NE

Free breakfast

Book now

Complete information about amenities, dining, check-in/out times, etc. can be found on the Residence Inn website.

Reservations can also be made via telephone by mentioning the group code/name “Mid Continental Assn of Food & Drug Officials”

A group rate of $110 per night (subject to change based upon the current Government Per Diem rate), plus tax (18.16% + $3.55 per night development fee), is available for single occupancy rooms. The estimated room cost per night with tax and development fees is $133.53. The hotel may elect to apply extra charges per person for two or more guests sharing the same guestroom.  Group room rates are available from Sunday, March 3, 2024 to Thursday, March 7, 2024.  The cut-off date for making hotel reservations is Monday, February 5, 2024.  Reservation requests received after the cut-off date may be accepted on a space-available basis, or at the rate available at that time. 

Guestroom types will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.  Payment for room, tax, and all incidental charges is due in full upon checkout. Please check with the hotel to determine methods of accepted payment and room cancellation requirements.  Guests desiring special consideration for late checkout should inquire with the hotel desk on the day of arrival and/or departure.  Additional fees may be applicable depending upon the hotel’s individual policies.

Travel Authorization

MCAFDO Educational Conference Only – March 5-6, 2024

Arrive – Monday, March 4, 2024

Depart – Wednesday or Thursday, March 6-7, 2024

Travel Funding Opportunities

MCAFDO has re-applied for the FDA’s Scientific Small Conference Grant.  If awarded, MCAFDO intends to offer scholarship funding to eligible State and/or Local (non-federal employees) agencies to aid and assist with travel costs.  Upon request and availability of funds, eligible agencies and/or individuals can request reimbursement for travel costs in conjunction with the 2024 MCAFDO Conference and Workshops.  Scholarships for reimbursement of travel costs include expenses such as lodging, mileage, airfare, baggage fees, taxi fees, and similar travel expenses.  Reimbursements cannot be issued for meals, conference registrations, membership fees, and/or incidental expenses.  If you, or your agency, plan to utilize the travel reimbursement opportunity, please take time to complete the 2024 MCAFDO Travel Scholarship Application.  Requests for travel reimbursement will be handled on a first-serve basis and availability of funding.  MCAFDO does not guarantee a request for full funding can be honored. 

2024 MCAFDO Travel Scholarship Application

Airport & Ground Transportation

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There are 2 airports near the conference site in Omaha. More detailed information can be viewed below:

Omaha Eppley Airfield is the closest airport option in proximity to the 2024 MCAFDO Conference site.  Omaha Eppley Airfield is approximately twelve miles from the Scott Conference Center and Courtyard and Residence Inn hotels.  The estimated travel time from Omaha Eppley Airfield to the conference site and hotels is 20 to 30 minutes depending upon traffic. There are a number of ground transportation services to the hotel sites such as taxis, rental cars, shuttles, ride share, etc. 

Use the following web links to access additional information about ground transportation services available at Omaha Eppley Airfield:

Google Map directions from Eppley Airport to the conference location

Lincoln Airport is a second airport option in proximity to the 2024 MCAFDO Conference site.  Lincoln Airport is approximately fifty-three miles from the Scott Conference Center and Courtyard and Residence Inn hotels.  Estimated travel time from Lincoln Airport to the conference site and hotels is 50 minutes depending upon traffic. There are a number of ground transportation services to the hotel sites such as taxi, rental car, shuttles, ride share, etc. 

Use the following web links to access additional information about ground transportation services available at Lincoln Airport:

Google Maps directions from Lincoln Airport to the conference location

Scott Conference Center Food

Lunch will be provided on Wednesday, March 6th in conjunction with the final day of the 2024 MCAFDO Annual Educational Conference and this cost will be included in the conference registration fee. Other dining options vary depending on your hotel selection. 

Dining near the conference center

 A list of nearby dining options approximate to the hotels and conference center can be found at the following TripAdvisor web link:

TripAdvisor link to restaurants near the conference center

The Bistro at Courtyard Omaha Aksarben Village

Link to The Bistro website

The Bistro features food and beverage selections for breakfast choices in the morning and meal and beverage options for evening meals. Free breakfast is not offered at this hotel.   The Bistro is open from 6:30 am to 9:30 am, and then 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Monday through Thursday. 

Residence Inn at Aksarben Village

Link to the Residence Inn website

Residence Inn Aksarben Village offers a free hot breakfast for registered guests between the hours of 6:30 to 9:30 am, Monday through Friday.

Lunch on Wednesday march 6th

Lunch will be provided on Wednesday, March 6th in conjunction with the 2024 MCAFDO Annual Educational Conference and this cost will be included in the conference registration fee. Please communicate any special dietary needs at the time you register, or contact Hunter Galusha at (402) 471-6813 or Hunter.McClellan@nebraska.gov.

The anticipated lunch menu for Wednesday, March 6th is the following:

  • Tuscan Chicken (pan-seared chicken breast covered with a parmesan cream sauce with sundried tomatoes capers, and spinach)
  • Roast Beef (slow-cooked roast beef covered with beef gravy)
  • Red Roasted Potatoes
  • Green Beans
  • Maple Bourbon Glazed Carrots
  • Tossed Garden Greens
  • Chef’s choice assorted desserts
  • Coffee and/or tea

Complimentary

MCAFDO Membership

Complimentary MCAFDO Membership for all 2024 attendees

MCAFDO 2024 annual membership fees will be waived with your paid MCAFDO conference and/or workshop registration.  Annual memberships purchased before registration for the conference and/or workshop events are not eligible for refunds.

Silent Auction

2024 MCAFDO Silent Auction

Each year MCAFDO hosts a silent auction to aid in raising funds.  Proceeds from the silent auction have recently been used to make a charitable contribution to the AFDO Endowment Fund and to defray conference costs.  Help make this year’s silent auction a huge success by donating a souvenir, keepsake gift, or novelty item, or by bidding on any item in the auction.  Have fun and show your support! 

About Winning

  • All bids will close at a designated time during the afternoon of Wednesday, March 6th, 2024.
  • Silent auction items will be awarded to the highest bidder for that item.
  • Bidders may pay for silent auction items via cash, personal check, or credit/debit card (via AffiniPay or PayPal).

FAQ

Explore our frequently asked questions about the conference. If your question is not answered here, feel free to send us a message and we’ll do our best to help you get the answers.

MCAFDO will strive to provide reasonable accommodations to all attendees with disabilities or special needs. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the conference or workshops due to medical conditions, physical limitations, particular learning challenges, or dietary restrictions please include this information on your registration form. You may also notify Hunter Galusha, MCAFDO President, at the following before the meeting: (402) 471-6813 or Hunter.McClellan@nebraska.gov.

Conference or workshop attendees may pay for registration fees at the door; however, advanced payment is encouraged.  MCAFDO will accept the following forms of payments at the door on the first day of the conference: credit card, debit card, cash, check, or money orders.  Credit card or debit card payments will be processed via AffiniPay or PayPal.

Please note registration fees will not be refunded after February 23, 2024.  Another individual may be sent in place of the original registrant.  To cancel registrations and/or arrange for registration fee refunds, please contact Scott Platt, Secretary/Treasurer at (515) 669-3953 or Scott.Platt@dia.iowa.gov.

Agencies or individuals wishing to pay via check or money order can submit payments directly to Scott Platt, MCAFDO Secretary/Treasurer, PO Box 329, University Park, IA 52595. Check or money orders shall be made payable to MCAFDO.   When submitting a single check for multiple individuals, please include a note, memorandum, or copies of individual registration invoices with the names of individuals whom payment is being issued for. 

Agencies or individuals wishing to pay for registrations via a Purchase Order Agreement (POA) should contact Scott Platt, Secretary/Treasurer, to make arrangements.  Scott Platt can be contacted at the following e-mail or telephone number: Scott.Platt@dia.iowa.gov or (515) 669-3953.

Funding for the conference was made possible, in part, by the Food and Drug Administration through grant 5 R13 FD006894-05.  The views expressed in written training materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does any mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organization imply endorsement by the United States Government.