WMU Food Marketing Conference previews conference speaker lineup

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The Food Marketing Conference (FMC) at Western Michigan University is set to gather food industry professionals from around the globe in Kalamazoo on March 26 and March 27, 2024.  Last year, the conference attracted over 1,000 attendees. Its new “live-hybrid” format encourages engagement and interaction, and offers conference attendees the opportunity to fully participate from anywhere in the world.

As a strategic collaboration with WMU’s top-ranked supply chain management program, The FMC covers key topics pertinent to success in the food industry, including leadership and strategy, health and nutrition, private brands, consumer trends and the massive impact technology is having on food marketing and supply chains.

“Bringing the conference back home to Kalamazoo last year was a rousing success that was well-received by the attendees and the community,” says Dr. Russell Zwanka, associate professor of marketing and director of the conference. “This year, we are building upon that success with the best lineup of speakers of any conference in the country. Top CEOs, and industry leaders who run merchandising and marketing for the best retailers and consumer packaged goods companies in the world, will be presenting. Alongside them will be experts in technology and lifestyle trends. The conference is a powerful experience that unites speakers who can share success strategies and tactics in every arena.” 

One of the key features of the conference is student participation in sessions. “Students give updates on our best-in-class programs, introduce speaker sessions and actively engage with the industry professionals. Our students bring the energy to the FMC,” says Zwanka.

The conference is supported by a deep network of WMU alumni, represented in both the Food Marketing Advisory Board and Supply Chain Management Advisory Board. An active corporate sponsorship program underwrites the cost of the conference and provides more than $100,000 in scholarships annually for Western students.

The conference features over 33 speakers, covering a wide range of topics, including “Sales Never Sleeps,” a session from Victor Antonio, world-renowned motivational speaker, who will have the crowd on their feet and inspired.

Returning this year is A Taste of Western Michigan, a signature event that highlights opportunities to engage in local organizations focused on food innovation, food insecurity and connecting local food producers to potential markets.

To attend or sponsor the conference, visit the conference website.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.