Highlights from the A&WMA Odor Management Conference in Bloomington, MN

The recent A&WMA Odor Management Conference in Bloomington, Minnesota brought together a dynamic community of professionals dedicated to advancing odour science, policy, and best practices. From engaging technical sessions to meaningful networking opportunities, the event underscored the growing importance of effective odour management across industries.

We were especially proud that St. Croix Sensory served as an Impact Sponsor of this year’s conference. Supporting events like this aligns deeply with our mission to advance odour measurement science, promote education, and foster collaboration across the industry.

A Warm Northwoods Welcome

To kick things off, we were delighted to host a Welcome Reception with a Minnesota Northwoods theme – complete with cozy vibes, rustic touches, and a bit of “up north” charm. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, meet new faces, and set the tone for a productive conference.

To everyone who joined us: thank you! We loved sharing that experience with you and we’re so “plaid” you joined us!

📸 Be sure to take a peek at some fun photos from the reception and relive a bit of that Northwoods spirit!

Advancing Odor Science

The conference featured a strong lineup of technical sessions, and we were honored to contribute several presentations:

SIFT-MS and the Future of Odour Assessment

Mike’s presentation, “Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry (SIFT-MS) Advancing Comprehensive Odor Assessment,”explored how cutting-edge analytical methods are expanding our ability to characterize complex odour profiles with greater precision and speed. As odour challenges become more nuanced, tools like SIFT-MS are playing a key role in advancing comprehensive assessment capabilities.

Strengthening Assessor Qualification

“Odour Threshold Determination: Development of a Secondary Reference Odour Mass for Assessor Qualification,” presented by St. Croix Sensory – Canada Laboratory Coordinator Alicia Tran, provided valuable insight into improving consistency and reliability in sensory measurement. Her work helps strengthen the foundation of odour evaluation by ensuring assessors are properly calibrated and qualified.

Shaping Policy and Practice

In addition to technical presentations, Mike also participated in the “Odor Management Policy” panel, contributing to important discussions about regulatory frameworks, implementation challenges, and future directions for odour policy. These conversations are critical as communities and industries work toward balanced, science-based solutions.

Thank You for Being Part of It!

We extend our sincere thanks to all attendees, partners, and organizers who made this conference a success. Events like the A&WMA Odor Management Conference continue to push the field forward through collaboration, innovation, and shared expertise.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many of you and look forward to continuing the conversation. Until next time… keep an eye (and nose!) out.

A group of eight people posing together with playful props in front of a colorful backdrop featuring a map of Canada. They are smiling and dressed in black vests, with several holding signs and props that include facial hair cutouts and playful messages.
Three individuals posing together in a rustic wooden setting, smiling at the camera. The man on the left is wearing a black vest and glasses, the woman in the center has gray hair and is wearing a beige sweater, and the man on the right is wearing a light-colored shirt and a black vest.
Two women posing for a photo with fun props in front of a colorful map of Canada. One woman is holding a large red lips prop and a sign that says 'Lumberjack', while the other holds a maple syrup bottle prop and a sign with a maple leaf.
Four people posing for a photo with playful props, including mustaches and lips, in front of a decorative backdrop featuring a map of Canada. The setting appears to be a lively celebration or event.
A group of people socializing at a gathering, with a buffet on the left side. Some individuals hold drinks while others are engaged in conversation. The setting features wooden decor and ambient lighting.
Three women smiling together indoors in a warmly lit setting, wearing name tags.
Two small cast iron skillets filled with tater tot hotdish, topped with tater tots, chopped onions, and garnished with fresh parsley. A sign indicating 'Tater Tot Hotdish' is placed next to the dishes, noting it contains gluten and dairy.
A flatlay of party props on a red and black plaid tablecloth, featuring speech bubbles with phrases like 'I make flannel look good' and 'So plaid you came', along with props such as glasses and a maple syrup bottle.
A table setting featuring a wooden circular holder displaying a trivia sign that reads 'YOU NOSE IT TRIVIA!' along with another decorative card, on a red and black checkered tablecloth, with wooden paneling and a hanging lamp in the background.
A colorful map of Minnesota displayed on a wall, featuring key locations, state symbols, and fun facts, surrounded by black and red checkered decor and festive balloons.
A speaker at a conference on odor management stands at a podium, addressing an audience. The presentation screen behind them displays the event title and logos of sponsors.
Presentation slide titled 'Selected Ion Flow Tube-Mass Spectrometry (SIFT-MS) Advancing Comprehensive Odor Assessments' featuring a Venn diagram illustrating the relationship between Sensory Analysis, Comprehensive Odor Profile, and Chemical Analysis. Presenter Sherrie Vicker, PhD Chemist, stands at a podium during the AWMA Conference on May 13, 2026.
Panel discussion on odor management principles, policy, and public impacts at a conference, with a group of speakers presenting in front of an audience.
A speaker presenting research conclusions at a conference, with a slide displaying key points about EN13725 panel responses and dimethyl sulfide as a candidate for odor analysis.
Two men posing for a photo at an event, both smiling. One man holds a package of Tim Tam biscuits, while both are wearing conference badges.
A festive arrangement of s'mores-themed gift bags with decorative red and black ribbons, featuring tags that say 'There's S'more to Come' alongside images of a campfire and s'mores.