WMU Food Marketing Conference brings innovation to the main stage worldwide

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The Western Michigan University Food Marketing Conference (The FMC) will welcome 1,000 industry professionals to downtown Kalamazoo Tuesday and Wednesday, March 26-27, to hear speakers and attend sessions and events focusing on innovation, technology, consumer trends, emerging talent, strategic leadership and more.

The event at the Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center will feature CEOs, presidents and directors of business from all areas of the food industry, as well as an update about WMU's food marketing program, which provides talent to the leading companies that attend the conference.

Last year, in-person seats sold out well in advance of the event, and the conference team is poised for a repeat in the demand based on the quality of this year’s speakers.

“We are absolutely pumped about returning to Kalamazoo again this year and bringing some incredible food industry talent to The FMC,” says Dr. Russell Zwanka, director of Western’s food marketing program and the conference. “With CEOs, vice presidents and directors of business sharing their perspectives, we will be covering all facets of the food industry. Of course, our special sauce is the presence of our food marketing students, who introduce sessions, participate in panels and bring the energy and talent synonymous with our WMU food marketing program.”

2024 conference highlights

• A pre-event reception sponsored by Mark Anthony Brands and Constellation Brands.
• An opening night reception sponsored by E. & J. Gallo Winery and Founders Brewing, featuring a signature beer made exclusively for The FMC.
• A speaker lineup boasting Victor Antonio, globally-renowned sales expert, and top executives from Amazon, Circana, Kimberly-Clark, Kellanova, Kroger, Meijer, NielsenIQ, SpartanNash and many more.
• A Taste of West Michigan, a returning event that offers tastes and plates from Can-Do Kalamazoo, Kalsec and local chefs.
• An in-person, as well as virtual hybrid option, to bring the conference to the global food industry.

Annually, the conference raises more than $100,000 for student scholarships and experiential learning.

“Our program benefits from our rock-solid connection to the food industry,” says Zwanka. “The FMC provides us the resources for student success through scholarships, experience-driven learning, category management certifications, a student presence at conferences and our annual industry tour.”

The conference also includes a food marketing program update, which details the alignment of the academic program with employer needs as well as innovations in teaching and learning. Conference attendees represent many employers who hire WMU students on a regular basis. Notably, the food marketing program has 100% of its students working full time quickly after earning their degree, and 100% of students feel that their experiences prepared them for their career—among many other strong success indicators (2022-23 Career Outcomes Report).

• Visit the conference webpage to view the agenda, register and find sponsorship opportunities.
• To arrange media coverage, contact Stacey Anderson at (269) 387-6936.

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