2026 Food Marketing Conference Agenda

Stay tuned as information for sessions, events and more are added here leading up to The FMC 2026!

Tuesday, March 24

9 to 11:30 a.m. | Conference check-in

Pick up your conference badge in the lobby of the Radisson Plaza Hotel.

10:15 to 11 a.m. | Student-only session

Maddie Paciorek, Katelyn Wandel and Shayna Krawczyk

11:00 to 11:45 a.m. | Welcome lunch

Lunch will be served in the Radisson Plaza Hotel.

12:00 to 12:10 p.m. | Conference kickoff

Speaker: Dr. Russell Zwanka, director of the food marketing program at Western Michigan University

12:10 to 12:30 p.m. | Keynote speaker Mike Stigers

Keynote speaker: Mike Stigers

Topic: Being Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

12:30 to 1:05 p.m. | Panel

Panel participants: Brad Bogolea, Keith Rothstein and Justin Honaman with moderator Kevin Coupe

Topic: The Intersection of Business and Technology

1:05 to 1:25 p.m. | Keynote speaker Dave Peacock

Keynote speaker: Dave Peacock

Topic: The Messy Middle: What Needs to Change Between Manufacturers and Retailers

1:25 to 1:55 p.m. | Networking break

1:55 to 2:15 p.m. | Keynote speaker Kristin Crouse

Keynote speaker: Kristin Crouse

Topic: CPG 2026: Growth, Disruption and Opportunity

2:15 to 2:50 p.m. | Panel

Panel participants: Tina Browen, Ashley Roehm and Liz Zolcak with moderator Leslie Sarasin

Topic: Strategic Innovation: Differentiated Brands, Stores, Products and the Distracted Customer

2:50 to 3:10 p.m. | Keynote speaker Deb Conklin

Keynote speaker: Deb Conklin

Topic: Current Market Dynamics Impacting Natural, Organic and Specialty

3:10 to 3:40 p.m. | Networking break

3:40 to 4:15 p.m. | Panel

Panel participants: Clare Galvao, Gil Phipps and Jenn Martin with moderator Tricia Greyshock

Topic: The Evolution of a Value-Oriented, Protein Seeking, Informed Consumer

4:15 to 4:35 p.m. | Keynote speaker Orr Orenstein

Keynote speaker: Orr Orenstein

Topic: The Merging of Technology and the Future

4:35 to 5:00 p.m. | Keynote speakers Doug Vandevelde and Bruce Brown

Keynote speakers: Doug Vandevelde and Bruce Brown

Topic: Managing Through Change

5:00 to 7:00 p.m. | Opening night reception

Sponsored by Gallo and Founders Brewing Company.

Wednesday, March 25

7:30 to 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast

Breakfast will be served in the Radisson Plaza Hotel.

8:30 to 8:50 a.m. | Food marketing update and awards

Speaker: Dr. Russell Zwanka, director of the food marketing program at Western Michigan University

8:50 to 9:10 a.m. | Keynote speaker Greg Ferrara

Keynote speaker: Greg Ferrara

Topic: How an Independent Mindset is a Winner for All

9:10 to 9:45 a.m. | Panel

Panel participants: Carrie Jones-Barber, Anthony Kyles and Tyler Schutz with moderator Jerrold Coakley

Topic: Trends, Gen and Tech

9:45 to 10:20 a.m. | Panel

Panel participants: Ban George, Joey Matos and Tyler Lowell with moderator Amanda Lai

Topic: Health and Wellness 3.0

10:20 to 10:50 a.m. | Networking break

10:50 to 11:25 a.m. | Panel

Panel participants: Deepak Jose, Pat Witte and Gary Seagraves with moderator Lynn Petrak

Topic: It’s AI’s Future, We’re Just Living in It

11:25 to 11:40 a.m. | Keynote speaker Sreten Gajic

Keynote speaker: Sreten Gajic

Topic: Leading Through Change

11:40 a.m. to noon | Keynote speaker Stephanie Gallo

Keynote speaker: Stephanie Gallo

Topic: The Gallo Evolution: Driving Transformation Through Innovation

Noon | Closing lunch

Lunch will be served in the Radisson Plaza Hotel.