IAOM attendees gather for the opening evening reception sponsored by Bühler.
The opening evening reception drew a full house to greet familiar faces and share stories before the conference and expo opened the next day.
Andrew Ruggiero and Andy Sharpe of Bühler pause for a photo during the opening reception.
The International Milling Education Foundation (IMEF) breakfast and keynote address kicked off the opening day. The philanthropic partner of the 1,800-member IAOM, the IMEF also hosted a silent auction fundraiser during the conference.
Peter Levangie, chief executive officer of Bay State Milling, delivered the keynote address of the International Milling Education Foundation (IMEF) breakfast. He touched on a range of issues such as health and wellness concerns, climate change, technology advances and artificial intelligence.
IAOM President Steve Matson cuts the ribbon to open the expo. Also pictured from left, Ron Galle, immediate past president; Jennifer Harnish, treasurer; Fran Churchill, vice president and incoming president; and Melinda Farris, chief executive officer.
IAOM attendees begin their tour across the expo floor to meet equipment and services suppliers and see their latest offerings.
SWISCA demonstrates its ROMIL during a product showcase at the expo.
Tom Reed of REPCO and IAOM Allied Trades Committee chairman, right, was honored with the Thaddeus B. Bownik Award, which recognizes outstanding service to the milling industry and to the IAOM. Presenting the award is David Jansen, Siemer Milling Co. and nominating committee chairman.
Pictured in a slide during the awards banquet, Dr. Subramanyan Bhadriraju, distinguished professor, Department of Grain Science and Industry, Kansas State University, received the George B. Wagner Memorial Award, which honors contributions to sanitation and food protection. Michael Hoar of Riviana Foods, Inc. presented the award.
Darryl Tateishi of DT Grain Processing Systems, Inc., received the Donald S. Eber Award, presented for long and dedicated service as an IAOM District secretary-treasurer in the Niagara District. Presenting the award are Drew Stewart, Mike McDonald, Danny Rowe and Aaron Black.
Halsey Elliott of General Mills was recognized with the Aspiring Miller Award, which is given to millers under 30 years of age for their exemplary performance at their mill. Elliot is the first woman to receive an IAOM award in the association’s 128-year history. Arnold Cozart of General Mills presented the award.
The Gold Medal Award, which is IAOM’s highest award, was presented posthumously to Joel Hoffa, a past IAOM president whose milling career spanned nearly 50 years. Hoffa died Dec. 17, 2023, at the age of 67 after a lengthy cancer battle. Presenting and accepting the award on behalf of Hoffa’s family was Jeff Gwirtz of JAG Services Inc., right, who is pictured with Steve Mosier, Grain Craft.
Justin Barrett of Ardent Mills, second from right, received the 2024 Milling Operative of the Year award for his over 20 years of leadership and innovation in milling with an unwavering dedication to mentorship and collaboration. Pictured from left are Scott Martin of Ardent Mills, Fran Churchill of Kansas State University and incoming IAOM president, Barrett, and Dan Flavin, Sosland Publishing Co.
The IAOM’s 129th Conference & Expo is scheduled for April 29-May 1 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, US — Millers, suppliers and allied industries from across the globe gathered for the 128th International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) Conference & Expo from April 15-19 in Salt Lake City. From the opening reception through the awards banquet, attendees were treated to connections, education, equipment and celebrations of the milling industry.
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