Overview
The USDA National Food Safety Outreach Program (FSOP) invites you to participate in the 2023 National Project Directors' Meeting. Over the two-day program, the Lead Regional Coordination Center (LRCC) and four regional centers (Southern (SC), North Central (NC), Northeast (NECAFS), and the Western (WC) will host FSOP grant awardees from around the country, both virtually and in person, as they discuss their accomplishments and success stories.
Despite being a hybrid meeting of virtual and in person, we hope that you will benefit from this meeting and enjoy hearing about all the incredible work performed around the country by so many dedicated food safety educators. We hope that you join us!
This work is supported in part by USDA NIFA grant no. 2018-70020-28930 and 2021-70020-35740. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.





Program & Abstracts
The full detailed agenda and abstract compilation with full author recognition can be found in the Program & Abstracts (PDF). Hint: Use your browser's FIND function within the PDF to locate specific authors or abstracts. (Abstract Compilation starts on page 17.)
Agenda-at-a-Glance
Select the preferred day below to see a summary of the schedule for that day.
Morning refreshments
Welcome and Overview
Northeast Center to Advance Food Safety
AM Break with Refreshments
Western Regional Center to Enhance Food Safety
Group Luncheon
North Central Region
PM Break with Refreshments
Breakout Sessions
Poster Session and Reception
Morning refreshments
Welcome and Association Updates
Southern Center for FSMA Training
AM Break
Southern Center for FSMA Training
Meeting Adjourns
Boxed Lunch Provided
Registration
What does the in-person registration include?
In-person registration provides participation in the meeting, a printed program and abstract book, light morning, mid-morning, and afternoon refreshments, a served lunch and a poster session social (Wednesday), and light morning refreshments with a boxed lunch (Thursday).
The deadline to cancel is Monday, May 8th
What does virtual attendance include?
Virtual registration provides access to the live-stream of the presentations, participation in Q&A via chat, and the program and abstract book PDF. Please note that virtual participation does not include streaming of the breaks, lunch, breakouts , or Poster Session.
The deadline to register is Tuesday, May 30th
Venue

Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
2900 Bayport Drive
Tampa, FL 33507
PH: (813) 874-1234
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Hotel Fraud Alert
The Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay invites you to experience an unmatched and picturesque property of over 35 waterfront acres. Relax and renew in nature, whether you are here for business or a weekend getaway.
Discounted Group Rate | ||
Room Type | Standard King | Double-double |
Rate | $179.00 | $179.00 |
- The rate being offered to attendees is exclusive and may not be used in conjunction with any advertised or unadvertised promotional specials existing or yet unreleased.
- This discounted room rate is available one day prior the symposium (based on hotel availability)
Group Rate Booking Deadline: May 1, 2023
Travel
Browse below for some helpful information about transportation to and from the meeting.
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
7 minutes | 3.5 miles
St. Pete/Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
21 minutes | 14.7 miles
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
1 hour | 53.6 miles
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
1 hour 30 minutes | 90.8 miles
Attractions
If you're looking for things to do and see while you are visiting the Tampa Bay Area, we have plenty of information and tips for your adventures! Here are some suggestions:

The Florida Aquarium
Rated among the best aquariums in the U.S., The Florida Aquarium welcomes visitors to experience a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial animals – including sea turtles, sharks, lemurs, otters – with the goal of building awareness and inspiring conservation action.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a 335-acre animal theme park located in Tampa, Florida, United States, with the entire park landscaped and designed around themes of Africa and Asia. Owned and operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, the park opened on June 1, 1959.

The Dali Museum
Visit an unparalleled collection of works by renowned artist Salvador Dalí, from iconic melting clocks to imaginative visual illusions and avant-garde symbols. Shop, play, wander and quench your curiosity for all that is Salvador Dalí and beyond.

Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)
MOSI is the intersection of science, technology and innovation in the Tampa Bay region where conversations and learning happen, knowledge is exchanged and new ideas are celebrated. MOSI's Institutional Vision is to be recognized as a thought leader and catalyst contributing to a thriving Tampa Bay region through science, technology and innovation.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Voted Tampa’s Best Family Attraction and 11-time winner of TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award, ZooTampa offers unforgettable adventures for all ages. Enjoy an amazing, lush tropical setting with naturalistic habitats that provide up-close connections with animals from around the world.
For a full list if things to do in the Tampa area, check out the Visit Tampa Bay website.