It’s been yet another incredibly busy month in the CIFST National office, and time seems to be flying by.
Our annual Membership Renewal Drive is well underway, led by Milana Abramovich and her enthusiastic team of volunteers from across the country. If you haven't already done so, please remember to
renew online
as we move towards membership expansion and growth.
Meanwhile, our National Conference Committee is hard at work pulling together an innovative program for all in attendance at May's event in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Their goal is to ensure this year's event is one of the best yet. In the Conference section below, you'll find links to a preliminary list of speakers and topics which has now been posted to the website.
Elsewhere, students are hard at work from coast to coast preparing for the
National Product Development Competition
. I can't wait to learn about all the innovative ideas our future industry leaders have come up with. The 2018 CIFST National Conference will be a great opportunity to network amongst are ourselves, meet up with old friends and establish new ones.
And to those interested in presenting at this year's conference, I want to give a last-minute reminder that the deadline submit for our
call for abstracts
is this week. The
end of day on February 28
is your last day to get your abstracts in for consideration.
One of the most rewarding parts about being involved with CIFST is the friends and relationships gained working together on committees to make this organization a success. Recently, a call for expressions of interest went out to expand our Board of Directors. If getting involved as a volunteer at this level is something that interests you, please consider throwing your name in the proverbial hat. The form can be linked below.
Another rewarding part about being CIFST President is that I get to hear about all of our members' successes. On that note, if you know of anyone who deserves some recognition for the work they've been doing in the food and beverage sector, consider nominating them. Nominations for the
2018 CIFST Awards
are currently open. A link to information on each of the awards can be found in the Bits & Bites section below. A special ceremony to announce award recipients will take place at the National Conference.
Lastly, CIFST is working with the
Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA)
, to take part in this year’s
IFT18 Global Challenge
in Chicago. CIFST will be sending two students to take part, with all expenses paid. The students will take part in a forum with student leaders from around the world to discuss and find innovative solutions of global food issues. If interested, please send your resume and a
completed application
to myself at
Michael.Nickerson@usask.ca
by March 7, 2018 for review by a sub-committee of the Board.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate contacting me!
Warm regards,
Dr. Michael Nickerson
CIFST President
