Now is the time to invest in your team. AFDO can help!
Now is the time to help your team lay out their professional development plans. AFDO has a host of options for employees – from new to experienced – to fit every budget. There are offerings for you, too. Check out these training opportunities and pass them along to anyone you want to help succeed.
2024-2025
AFDO Annual Trainings
Download the printable brochure
Cost
Varies
AUDIENCE
Leaders
About this
In-person
training
The new Active Managerial Control workshop for industry is designed to challenge franchisees and operations leaders by exploring the relationship between food safety culture, food safety management systems, and operational excellence within your organization.
Active Managerial Control Workshop Curriculum
- Understanding Active Managerial Control
- Elevating Food Safety Culture
- Strengthening Leadership Skills
- Food Safety Management System
- Building Commitment
Who Should attend
Food safety industry leaders such as operations leaders, franchisees, and food safety managers.
Location
In-person
TBD
Cost
Varies
Dependent on location. AFDO will work with the workshop host to determine costs.
Training Dates
This course can be held in multiple locations throughout the country. If you are interested, please contact AFDO at afdo@afdo.org for suggested dates and locations.
Cost
Free
AUDIENCE
Inspectors
About this
Virtual
training
During Advanced Boot Camp, inspectors will hear live discussions on several topics. This live, virtual training expands on training information for inspectors including understanding food safety plans, identifying special processes, recognizing and shaping Food Safety Culture, and identifying what is involved in a foodborne illness investigation. This course will include interactive strategies to engage participants. Material is repeated each year for a new audience, but Day Three offers something new each year!
Registration opens in October
For more information visit: afdo.org/bootcamp/
This project is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award U2FFD007397 totaling $3,000,000 with 100 percent funded by FDA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/HHS, or the U.S. government.
Who Should attend
Retail and Manufactured food inspectors with MORE THAN TWO YEARS of on-the-job experience
Location
Virtual
Cost
Free
Training Dates
Advanced Inspector Bootcamp for Retail and Manufactured food inspectors
– January 9, 2025
Advanced Inspector Bootcamp for Retail and Manufactured food inspectors
– January 16, 2025
Advanced Inspector Bootcamp for Retail and Manufactured food inspectors
– January 23, 2025
January 2025
Basic Inspections and Investigations Course – Produce
Seat limit:
16
Technical
Training
Cost
Free
AUDIENCE
Inspectors, Regulatory
About this
In-person
training
This course provides basic and fundamental learning opportunities for new produce regulators who have responsibilities for conducting routine and non-routine inspections and may have responsibilities for conducting investigations and collecting product samples for analysis by a laboratory (when applicable). This course is fundamental to building a trained inspectional staff. It is not a pre-requisite for FD226, but NASDA and FDA feel it is extremely beneficial. As a result, we believe it is imperative for all produce safety inspectors to attend this course or to have previous regulatory experience in food safety. While it is most logical to take this course before FD226, it was not available when states first started training produce safety inspectors. Please help your staff back-fill their training by having them attend this course. This course will also benefit those who are responsible for training new inspectors in produce programs.
This hands-on training will benefit those who have learned from ORA LearnED web-based training courses and will include live activities and exercises. Topics will include a review of the basics of conducting an inspection, including equipment and tools; opening and closing interviews; observation skills; and how to prepare a defensible report. A brief overview of investigations and sampling techniques is covered.
Location: Hyatt Regency Columbus, 350 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Room rate: $122 plus taxes
Reservation Link: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/CMHRC/G-BIIP
Who Should attend
Produce regulatory inspectors with less than 6 months of experience.
Location
In-person
Columbus, Ohio
Cost
Free
FREE for Produce Regulatory Program participants
Training Dates
- January 14, 2025
- January 15, 2025
- January 16, 2025
Register Now: https://reg.bravuratechnologies.com/events/47000076/ae8c3cd7-475c-2bb7-92f0-2pqr33700561/open
September 2024
– May 2025
Basic Inspections and Investigations Course for New Manufactured and Retail Regulators
Seat limit:
18
Technical
Training
Cost
$
350
AUDIENCE
Inspectors
About this
Virtual
training
This course provides basic and fundamental learning opportunities for new food regulators who have responsibilities for conducting routine and non-routine inspections, conducting investigations, and collecting product samples for analysis by a laboratory.
This hands-on training will benefit those who have learned from ORA LearnED web-based training courses and will include live activities and exercises in a virtual setting. Topics will include a review of the basics of conducting an inspection, including equipment and tools; conducting the opening and closing interviews; observation skills; and how to prepare a defensible report. A brief overview of investigations and sampling techniques is covered.
A computer with a video camera is required for participation.
*If your organization would prefer a train-the-trainer level course for this learning opportunity, please contact afdo@afdo.org. If your jurisdiction would like this delivered in person to your organization, that can also be arranged.
Who Should attend
Manufactured and Retail food inspectors with less than 2 years of experience.
Location
Virtual
Cost
$
350
Training Dates
September 23-27, 2024 (All Course Spots Full)
January 27-31, 2025. Register Now: https://reg.bravuratechnologies.com/events/47000076/ae8c3cd7-475c-2bb7-92f0-2pqr33700585/open
May 5-9, 2025. Register Now: https://reg.bravuratechnologies.com/events/47000076/ae8c3cd7-475c-2bb7-92f0-2pqr33700589/open
March 2025
– April 2025
Communications Skills for Government Regulators – Certificate Program
Seat limit:
30
Power/Soft Skills
Training
Cost
$
149
AUDIENCE
Inspectors, Investigators, Leaders
About this
Virtual
training
These virtual classes are designed to impart knowledge that will change the participants’ behavior. Using polls, chat, and breakout rooms, the participants will employ their critical thinking skills.
Course Objectives:
- Practice communication techniques that they can apply immediately after the class
- Analyze case studies
- Solve problems
- Collaborate with other government regulators
AFDO sends certificates. Certificate information will include trainee name and 7.5 hours.
Who Should attend
Inspectors, investigators, and supervisors in boots-on-the-ground positions
Location
Virtual
Cost
$
149
Training Dates
This virtual course consists of five 90-minute sessions and will have activities and exercises. Must attend all five sessions in order to receive the Continuing Education Certificate:
- March 14, 2025 (12:00 to 1:30 p.m. ET), Talking to Decision Makers: What to Say and How to Say It
- March 21, 2025 (12:00 to 1:30 p.m. ET), Thinking on Your Feet: How to Shine Under Pressure
- March 28, 2025 (12:00 to 1:30 p.m. ET), Strategies in Meetings: Achieving Your Objectives
- April 4, 2025 (12:00 to 1:30 p.m. ET), Essential Writing Skills for Government Regulators
- April 11, 2025 (12:00 to 1:30 p.m. ET), Dangerous Documents: Avoiding Land Mines in Your Records and Emails
Register Now: https://reg.bravuratechnologies.com/events/47000076/ae8c3cd7-475c-2bb7-92f0-2pqr33700557/open
Environmental Sampling: A Tool for Solving Outbreaks at the Retail Food Level
Seat limit:
30
Technical
Training
Cost
Varies
AUDIENCE
Inspectors, Leaders
About this
In-person
training
This course is intended to provide hands-on experience with planning and conducting environmental sampling activities primarily in a retail setting.
Learn how to build a sampling team and plan for an environmental sampling exercise, target sampling areas based on specific pathogens, and how sampling can contribute to an overall environmental assessment of a facility. This one-day workshop includes a half-day of classroom and hands-on learning, followed by a half-day of putting those skills into action in a real kitchen/food production environment.
Who Should attend
Field-level staff who conduct environmental sampling/environmental assessments and supervisors/coordinators who plan sampling assignments and outbreak responses, particularly at retail facilities.
Location
In-person
TBD
Cost
Varies
Dependent on location. AFDO will work with the workshop host to determine costs. Workshops can often be supported through appropriate grants, cooperative agreements, and/or registration fees.
Training Dates
This course will be held in multiple locations throughout the country. If you are interested, please contact AFDO at afdo@afdo.org for suggested dates and locations.
January 2025
Food Safety Culture for Regulators with Frank Yiannas
Seat limit:
50
Technical
Training
Cost
Varies
AUDIENCE
Leaders, Regulatory
About this
In-person
training
Note: This course requires an application. Accepted applicants will be notified at least 9 weeks before the course, at which point an invoice will be issued. Selection will be based on a variety of criteria, including position, geographic and programmatic diversity, and location. This course is only available to federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial regulators.
This workshop will teach regulators how to evaluate and strengthen the food safety cultures of an organization or establishment they regulate and how to make their regulatory practices and programs more effective.
They will gain a better understanding of food safety culture, what it is – and what it is not. They’ll also learn about must-know organizational and behavioral science principles and how to use them to influence human behavior and enhance employee compliance for the better. The attendees will receive practical, real-world applications.
Apply Now: 2025 Food Safety Culture for Regulators with Frank Yiannas Application Survey
Location: Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville, 210 Molly Street, Nashville, TN 37201
Rate: $210 plus taxes
Who Should attend
This course has been developed for food safety regulatory program leaders, supervisors, and emerging leaders who want to better understand food safety culture to help drive change in their current role and be equipped for their next promotion or challenge.
Location
In-person
Nashville, Tennessee
Cost
Varies
$1,200 for Non-members plus travel expenses
$300 for Members plus travel expenses
Training Dates
- January 8, 2025
- January 9, 2025
February 2025
Implementing Risk-Based Inspections and Auditing for Retail Food Establishments – Industry Only
Seat limit:
48
Technical
Training
Cost
Varies
AUDIENCE
Industry
About this
In-person
training
This two-day instructor-led training course is designed to build upon food safety training and further enhance the knowledge, skills, and abilities of food safety professionals in conducting risk-based inspections. Course topics include food microbiology, communication techniques, assessing active managerial control (AMC), strategies used to focus inspections, and determining corrective actions.
Location: Hilton Houston Post Oak by the Galleria, 2001 Post Oak Boulevard, Houston, TX 77056
Rate: $179.00 plus taxes
Reservation Link: AFDO Risk Based Inspections Training – Houston (hilton.com)
Who Should attend
Industry food safety professionals, Quality Assurance managers, and third-party food safety auditors who want to understand risk-based inspection concepts and applications taught to regulatory food safety professionals.
Location
In-person
Houston, Texas
Cost
Varies
Non-Member: $1,395
Member: $995
Training Dates
- February 11, 2025
- February 12, 2025
Register Now: https://reg.bravuratechnologies.com/events/47000076/ae8c3cd7-475c-2bb7-92f0-2pqr33700590/open
Cost
Free
AUDIENCE
Inspectors
About this
Virtual
training
Inspector Boot Camp covers both power skills and technical skills, using interactive strategies with participants.
Technical skills are split into days of training specifically for retail-level inspectors (restaurants, grocery stores, etc.) and a separate day for manufactured-level inspectors (food processing facilities). The goal of this training is to provide state and local regulators with access to valuable training early in their food safety careers in order to build knowledge and experience.
Registration opens in October
For more information visit: afdo.org/bootcamp/
Who Should attend
Retail and Manufactured food inspectors with LESS THAN TWO YEARS of on-the-job experience
Location
Virtual
Cost
Free
Training Dates
Inspector Boot Camp for Retail and Manufactured food inspectors
- January 8, 2025 (12:30 to 4:30 p.m. ET)
Inspector Boot Camp for Manufactured food inspectors ONLY
- January 15, 2025 (12:30 to 4:30 p.m. ET)
Inspector Boot Camp for Retail food inspectors ONLY
- January 22, 2025 (12:30 to 4:30 p.m. ET)
April 2025
Instructor Skills Training (IST) for Regulators and Industry
Seat limit:
21
Power/Soft Skills
Training
Cost
Varies
AUDIENCE
Industry, Regulatory, Trainers
About this
In-person
training
Note: This course requires an application. Accepted applicants will be notified at least 9 weeks before the course, at which point an invoice will be issued. Selection will be based on various criteria including position, geographic and programmatic diversity, and location.
The course provides individuals with an overview of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to deliver effective training. The course is activity-based, participant-driven, and consists largely of facilitated discussions and activities in both small and large group settings.
As a major focus, the course requires participants to practice the following skills that are essential for successful delivery of training:
- Demonstration: Physically showing how something is used or done.
- Facilitation: Leading or orchestrating group activities or interaction to reach consensus, gain knowledge, or achieve a goal.
- Presentation: Disseminating information verbally and/or visually.
Learners will be asked to complete the following Pre-Course and In-Class work:
- Pre-course assessment (multiple choice and true or false questions based on course content).
- Selection of a PPT presentation from a list of several AFDO-provided presentations.
- Using the provided PPT presentation (including the embedded notes), prepare a 10-minute presentation to be delivered during the first day of the IST course.
- Learners will also need to rework their provided PPT presentation after the second day of class to present an improved 10-minute presentation during the third half-day of class.
Apply Now: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MB2ZWGP
Location: Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District, 201 West Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Room Rate: $147.00 plus tax (or current Prevailing Government Per Diem Rate)
Reservation Link: Select your room (ihg.com)
Who Should attend
Anyone who conducts meetings or trainings
Location
In-person
Savannah, Georgia
Cost
Varies
Regulators — $400 (AFDO Member) / $750 (AFDO Non-Member) plus travel expenses
Industry — $750 (AFDO Member) / $1,250 (AFDO Non-Member) plus travel expenses
Training Dates
2½-day in-person session
- April 9, 2025 (full day)
- April 10, 2025 (full day)
- April 11, 2025 (half-day ending at 12:00 p.m. local time where the class is held)
February 2025
– February 2025
Process Improvement for Regulators and Industry – A Training Practitioner Certificate Experience
Seat limit:
16
Power/Soft Skills
Training
Cost
Varies
AUDIENCE
Industry, Regulatory
About this
In-person/Virtual
training
This course will take a deliberate approach to improving business processes by efficiently identifying, analyzing, and refining each existing process to improve them and then how to respond to changes in business rules or data, compliance, or regulations. Our approach is straightforward, not overengineered, or overcomplicated. Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to facilitate and lead discussions using the Process Improvement tools they learned to complete desired or necessary projects within their organization such as:
- Adoption of new regulations
- The implementation of new software
- Changes to licensing structures or fees
- The implementation of new products or processes
- Adaptability to any situation
Note: This course requires an application. Accepted applicants will be notified at least 9 weeks before the course, at which point an invoice will be issued. Selection will be based on various criteria, including position, geographic and programmatic diversity, and location.
The 4-hour virtual meeting on February 11, 2025 will be from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET. There will also be four monthly calls following the course.
Apply Now: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PXM58KB
Once approved, a registration link will be sent.
Location: Hilton Houston Post Oak by the Galleria, 2001 Post Oak Boulevard, Houston, TX 77056
Rate: $128.00 plus taxes
Reservation Link: AFDO Process Improvement Course – Texas (hilton.com)
Who Should attend
The course is designed for regulators and industry. Participants will be provided with the tools necessary to facilitate and lead their organization in new and/or complex projects.
Location
In-person, Virtual
Houston, Texas
Cost
Varies
Regulators — $400 (AFDO Member) /$750 (AFDO Non – member) plus travel expenses
Industry — $750 (AFDO Member) /$1,250 (AFDO Non – member) plus travel expenses
Training Dates
- February 11, 2025 (Virtual meeting)
- February 18-21, 2025 (In-Person Meeting
Cost
Free
AUDIENCE
Leaders, Regulatory
About this
In-person/Virtual
training
Note: By application only. Please email pkennelly@afdo.org for more information or to express your interest.
The course is designed to provide insight into key knowledge points that Food Program Managers need to effectively implement their programs. Topics include media relations, emergency response, integrated food safety systems, budgeting, human resources, legal and regulatory authorities, compliance, and enforcement.
Who Should attend
New, existing, and future program leaders currently employed by federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies.
Location
In-person, Virtual
Dallas, Texas
Cost
Free
Training Dates
There will be three 4-hour virtual course meetings followed by an 8-hour in-person course throughout 2025.
- January 2025 (virtual course)
- March 2025 (virtual course)
- May 2025 (virtual course)
- June 21, 2025 (in-person course at the AFDO Annual Education Conference in Dallas, TX)
Specific dates will be announced in the coming months. Some travel funding support may be available for the in-person course date.
October 2024
– April 2025
Root Cause Analysis for Retail Food Safety
Seat limit:
15
Technical
Training
Cost
$
250
AUDIENCE
Industry, Regulatory
About this
Virtual
training
This virtual course consists of four 4.5-hour sessions and will have activities and exercises.
This course develops the skills needed to define the problem, collect data, determine the “why” of the violation or outbreak, and identify solutions by applying the concepts of root cause analysis to reduce risk factor violation occurrence and enhance foodborne illness outbreak investigations.
Root Cause Analysis is a critical part of the food safety problem solving process. This analytical process breaks down the system into its components enabling an understanding of the effect of each component on others and/or the system. Root cause analysis techniques assist in identifying possible causes and determining actual causes.
Course Objectives:
- Enhance problem-solving effectiveness by providing a model for analyzing problem situations more deeply (e.g., foodborne illness outbreaks)
- Clarify the difference between analytical and creative thinking, and when each is most useful
- Promote the ability to provide problem-solving support in situations where one is not an expert in the process or technology involved
- Expand the range of tools available for analysis of problems
Who Should attend
Experienced food safety regulators and investigators or industry members
Location
Virtual
Cost
$
250
Training Dates
- October 28- 31, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT. Register Now: https://reg.bravuratechnologies.com/events/47000076/ae8c3cd7-475c-2bb7-92f0-2pqr33700536/open
- January 13-16, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT. Register Now: https://reg.bravuratechnologies.com/events/47000076/ae8c3cd7-475c-2bb7-92f0-2pqr33700586/open
- April 14-17, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT. Register Now: https://reg.bravuratechnologies.com/events/47000076/ae8c3cd7-475c-2bb7-92f0-2pqr33700587/open
October 2024
– February 2025
The Power of Microsoft Outlook
Seat limit:
30
Power/Soft Skills
Training
Cost
$
49
AUDIENCE
Open to anyone
About this
Virtual
training
This virtual course will teach you to create a new work radar screen that will sharpen your focus and elevate your results each day. The course will include:
- Outlook Tune-Up – Technical changes that will improve performance.
- Master Your Inbox – Instantly turn information into action instead of leaving it in a pile of email.
- Calendar Mastery – Manage your time or someone else will. Improve meetings and planning.
- Task Management – Prioritize, delegate, and follow up on tasks for you and your teams.
- Learning to Plan – Control your future and help your teams look beyond the horizon for success.
- Goal Setting – Learn how to sustain long-term efforts and stay emotionally connected to your goals.
Who Should attend
Anyone who uses Outlook via the desktop application
Location
Virtual
Cost
$
49
Training Dates
- October 18, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. EDT. Register Now: https://reg.bravuratechnologies.com/events/47000076/ae8c3cd7-475c-2bb7-92f0-2pqr33700571/open
- February 7, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. EDT. Register Now: https://reg.bravuratechnologies.com/events/47000076/ae8c3cd7-475c-2bb7-92f0-2pqr33700574/open