It is my pleasure to welcome all of you to the 2020 IIAR Natural Refrigeration Conference and EXPO here in Orlando. Your IIAR Staff and Executive Committee have worked very hard to provide you with the largest technical program ever offered at an IIAR conference along< with many opportunities to network with all of your IIAR friends and colleagues.

The program this year has been expanded to include Seventeen (17) technical papers, Eight (8) workshops and Three (3) panels. The technical program offers a broad range of information that addresses many important environmental and refrigeration issues currently facing the industry. I can assure you that whether you are from the industrial or food retail sectors of refrigeration, the regulatory community or others, we have something her for you over the next several days.

I would also like to assure you that the safety and comfort of our conference guests is a fundamental concern of IIAR. We have worked closely with our conference partners, including the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel and Convention Center to implement appropriate safety measures to safeguard your health while attending the conference. Hotel rooms and public areas are thoroughly disinfected on a routine basis and hand sanitizer stations will be located in all public spaces and lobbies. We understand that many of you have significant concerns regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and we have taken all known precautions to ensure your safety during the conference.

Most of you may be aware that I have announced my retirement from IIAR, effective June 30, 2020. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the IIAR Staff members, the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, and most of all, the IIAR membership for all of your support and encouragement during my tenure as your President. It has been my honor to serve you and the IIAR organization over the past several years and I wish you all the best as you move forward to complete the mission of IIAR.

So, once again, welcome to the IIAR Orlando Conference. I look forward to seeing you around the meeting and hope you all have a productive and enjoyable conference.

Regards,

David L. Rule President, IIAR