ANFP’s Annual Conference & Expo (ACE) took place last week in St. Louis, MO. The three-day conference was jammed packed with education, tours, hands-on culinary tables, cooking demonstrations, an expo and an opportunity to network, collaborate and interact with other CDMs and industry professionals from around the country. Below are some additional highlights from the conference.
Volunteer Luncheon – Each year at ACE we are given the opportunity to honor our hardworking volunteers during the volunteer luncheon. We also recognized many chapters that received awards for bi-annual chapter achievement, communications, government affairs and membership. Additionally, we recognized our Diamond award nominees and finalists. All award recipients will be listed in the next issue of Edge.
Diamond Award – During the Honors Gala, Iowa ANFP was announced as this year’s Diamond Award recipient. Iowa ANFP focused on the well-being of animals in relief areas for hardship-laden elders during the state’s long winter months. Through their efforts, such as fundraisers, care packages and supply donations, the chapter made a positive impact that will have a lasting effect on the communities and the individuals that reside in the state. Congratulations Iowa ANFP!
Chapter Best Practices – ACE also provides an opportunity for chapter leaders to meet face to face to discuss challenges and hear solutions from other chapter leaders as well. This year, attendees were presented the opportunity to ‘crowdsource’ ideas to help improve the many aspects of chapter management. Various topics were discussed including meeting planning, member and volunteer recruitment, leadership development and member engagement. Look for more information and ideas that came from this session, in the coming months.
MO ANFP – A special acknowledgement and thank you to the MO ANFP chapter for their generous hospitality and making our members from all over feel welcome in St. Louis! Thank you!
For those that were not able to attend, please mark your calendars for ACE 2020, June 15-18, where we will celebrate ANFP’s 60th anniversary!