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CFBN Events

connect. convene. facilitate.


We continue to closely watch the guidance of local, regional, and national government restrictions to best shape our future in-person and event offerings. In the meantime, we continue to offer a collection of virtual and hybrid events designed to create opportunities for connection, networking, and knowledge sharing amongst our industry! Our hope is to provide opportunities for our industry to connect via conversation, education, and virtual networking to keep innovation happening and keep our industry mobilized! Use the links below to connect to those events and STAY TUNED - we are working with all of our members to build out more content for the the coming months!   

Upcoming CFBN Events:

    • 27 Mar 2025
    • 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
    • Virtual
    • 14
    Register

    Did you know that the food manufacturing industry is one of the top most cyber attacked industries globally?  In fact, the food and agriculture industry faced over 160 cyberattacks in 2023, causing supply chain disruptions. With increasing digitization and legacy IT systems, there's a real risk of cybercriminals finding their way in.  But here's the good news: you can take action to safeguard your business and yourself!

    Join CFBN and Fifth Third Bank on March 27th for a crucial conversation about cybersecurity in the food industry. We're bringing together top experts to help you understand the risks and learn practical strategies to protect yourself and your business operations.


    Why is this event vital for you?

    • Protect Your Business & Yourself: Learn how to minimize vulnerabilities and avoid devastating consequences like food safety risks, supply chain disruptions, and data tampering.
    • Stay Ahead of the Curve: Understand the evolving cyber threat landscape and how to adapt your security measures both personally and for your business.
    • Gain Expert Insights: Hear from industry leaders who bring decades of experience in cybersecurity.
    • Network with Peers: Connect with fellow food industry professionals and share best practices.
    • Practical Solutions: Get actionable strategies you can implement immediately to strengthen your cybersecurity posture personally and professionally.

    This isn't just about business—it's about protecting your livelihood and ensuring the integrity of the food supply. Discover how to prevent "the scariest thing to happen to your business" and build a more secure future.


    PANEL

    DAVID ANDERSON

    Principal and Cybersecurity Consultant

    CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP)


    David is a Principal and Cybersecurity Consultant in the CLA National Digital group with a strong focus on Offensive Cybersecurity. He has over 12 years of experience in the field, performing penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and social engineering engagements. David's expertise also includes project management for cybersecurity engagements across a diverse range of industries.

    David has firsthand knowledge and experience using leading edge hacking/testing methods:  External and internal network penetration designed to gain access to high value targets / Social engineering techniques designed to assess security related to the human element / Techniques for email phishing that result in remote access to company networks, bypassing improperly configured firewalls and proxy systems / Domain and network management.


    LORI ANELLO

    Chief Information Security Officer

    Fifth Third Bank

    Lori Anello is the Chief Information Security Officer at Fifth Third Bank.  In this role, Lori has overall responsibility for Fifth Third Bank’s information security program.  Focused on protecting the customers, employees and information of a bank with over $207 Billion in assets, Lori and her team are implementing and maintaining programs and solutions designed to take advantage of the latest and best technologies and capabilities in the cybersecurity industry. 

    Lori oversees the implementation of security strategies that require multi-industry collaboration, regulatory compliance planning and management of infrastructure.  She brings over 35 years of diverse information technology, cyber security leadership and IT management experience to this position.


    KARRIEANN COUTURE

    Managing Director

    AON

    Karrieann Couture, Managing Director, leads Aon’s Cyber/E&O Claims Advocacy and Legal Team in providing zealous advocacy to clients navigating the claims process following a cyber incident or a third-party claim. Karrieann also serves as a trusted advisor for clients when it comes to cyber, technology, media, and professional liability exposures.

    Prior to joining Aon, Karrieann led the Cyber/E&O claims team at CNA, ensuring best-in-class customer service, providing claim handling oversight and support, and driving technical excellence. Karrieann also held claim leadership positions in Professional Liability and Management Liability and practiced as an insurance coverage and litigation attorney.

    Karrieann served as an Executive Council Member for CLM Cyber Claims College, where she participated in overseeing the curriculum and taught courses.  She has also spoken at various industry events and has published articles.


    ROD KAHL

    Director of Cyber Security 

    ACP CreativIT


    Rod Kahl leads ACP CreativIT’s Cyber Security practice, defining strategy and delivering innovative security solutions for clients. With decades of experience spanning IT, network security, and penetration testing—including work with the Department of Defense—Rod takes a proactive approach to securing environments beyond just "checking the box." Rod is CISSP certified and specializes in identifying vulnerabilities, leveraging AI-driven security tools, and forming strategic partnerships to enhance ACP’s security offerings. His focus remains on protecting businesses with forward-thinking, efficient security strategies. Mindsight is now part of the ACP CreativIT Family of Technology Solution Providers. 




    This event is in partnership with: 



    We appreciate the participation of:





    • 4 Apr 2025
    • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Webinar
    Register

    Learn how to leverage CFBN’s resources to become an expert networker. Following networking best practices (and using CFBN’s Member Tools & Perks) can help you improve your communication skills, grow your business, and build your career. 

    Having the right connections can be a big advantage – that’s why networking is such an important skill, and why CFBN exists. In general, building up your networking skill set takes time and practice. Unsure how to get started?  Don’t worry –  CFBN’s list of best practices will set you on the path to networking success. The more you apply these simple guidelines to your networking efforts, the better your results will be.





    • 9 Apr 2025
    • 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Perkins Coie 110 N. Wacker Dr. Suite 3400, Chicago
    Register

    The Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network will be hosting a crucial conversation focused on the current challenges of managing global food and beverage supply chains. With increasing issues including rising costs of raw ingredients, labor, and now tariffs, a panel of industry experts will gather to discuss strategies for navigating these challenges and delve into key industry shifts, including how companies can build more resilient and adaptable supply chains, diversifying sourcing, utilizing technology for better visibility, and strengthening supplier relationships.

    The event will also examine critical industry shifts that are expected to shape the future of food and beverage. Participants will gain valuable insights into how to implement innovative solutions, such as enhanced traceability systems, localized production and distribution models, and predictive analytics to anticipate and mitigate potential risks.  It will serve as a forum for networking and knowledge-sharing, empowering attendees to address the evolving challenges and emerging opportunities within the global food and beverage sector.

    AGENDA

    5:00PM   Doors Open

    5:30PM   Panel Discussion

    6:30PM   Q&A

    6:45PM   Networking

    8:00 PM   Event Ends

    Panel

    RANDY BRIDGEMAN

    Corporate M&A Attorney

    Perkins Coie


    Randy Bridgeman represents businesses and their owners in sale transactions, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and general corporate matters throughout a wide variety of industries. He frequently serves as the client’s primary outside counsel, quarterbacking all its legal matters and utilization of legal resources. While Randy represents clients in a wide range of industries, he has worked extensively in the food and beverage sector, including beverage alcohol. He also represents companies with domestic and overseas operations in such sectors as gaming, transportation, industrial manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, waste management, and financial services.

    He has extensive experience in representing management groups in various strategic transactions, counseling them on equity liquidation strategies and issues as well as executive employment matters.



    SIMON CLARKE

    Managing Partner

    Argon & Co

    Simon Clarke is the Managing Partner at Argon & Co US a leading global management consulting firm specializing in strategy and operations transformation. He leads the supply chain planning practice and can draw on his experience both in consulting and 25 years in the food and beverage industry with The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc.

    Argon & Co has a presence spanning 17 offices worldwide and a team of over 700 experienced consultants, the firm is dedicated to helping clients achieve strategic and operational excellence. Argon & Co combines deep technical expertise, operational experience, and broad business knowledge to provide comprehensive consulting services across various operational functions, including operations strategy, sustainability, operational performance, new product development, procurement, supply chain planning, manufacturing, logistics, digital and IT, finance, SG&A, human resources, and data and AI.


    DAVID G. FORGUE

    Partner

    Barnes, Richardson & Colburn


    David is a Customs and international trade attorney at Barnes, Richardson & Colburn in Chicago. He has practiced Customs and international trade law for almost 30 years and represents companies across the globe. He is from Chicago and has a political science degree and a law degree from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign.




    More Speakers to be Announced.........


    This event is in collaboration with: 




    • 1 May 2025
    • 7:00 AM - 9:30 AM
    • CoLaboratory, 1210 W. Lake St. Chicago IL 60607
    Register

    Building on the success of our recent return of our Innovation Breakfasts, the Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network (CFBN) invites you to another engaging event designed to connect, inspire, and propel the industry forward. This breakfast will delve into the dynamic landscape of healthy food innovation, exploring the latest consumer insights, trends, technologies, and strategies shaping the future of consumer wellness.


    What to Expect:


    • Expert Insights: Hear from leading innovators and thought leaders who are revolutionizing the healthy food space. Discover cutting-edge approaches to product development, ingredient sourcing, and consumer engagement.
    • Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow industry professionals, including entrepreneurs, researchers, and manufacturers, fostering valuable collaborations and partnerships.
    • Trend Spotting: Gain a first-hand look at the emerging trends driving consumer demand for healthier food options.
    • Inspiration & Innovation: Leave with actionable insights and inspiration to fuel your own innovation efforts and contribute to a healthier food ecosystem.


    Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation shaping the future of healthy foods in Chicagoland and beyond.

    Agenda

    7:00AM Doors Open

    7:30AM Panel Discussion

    8:15AM Q&A

    8:30AM Networking

    9:30AM Event Ends


    PANEL

    EMILY STUCKER

    Vice President of Menu & Marketing

    Farmer's Fridge

    Emily is a food industry expert with nearly 15 years of experience across brand management, retail, product development, and operations. From the Fortune 500 to start-ups, she has worked across a wide variety of companies and roles focused on bringing new products to life in the food space.

    In her current role, Emily leads the menu and marketing teams at Farmer's Fridge, a Chicago-based food-tech company on a mission to make it simple for everyone to eat well. She oversees the entire product development process from innovation to commercialization at scale, to ensure the menu is full of the healthy and delicious meals, in addition to leading the organization's marketing department.


    JANET HELM, MS, RDN

    Food and Nutrition Consultant

    Founder of Food at the Helm


    Janet Helm is a registered dietitian and culinary professional with 20+ years PR agency experience helping food and beverage brands and agricultural commodity boards intersect with food culture, tell their story, engage stakeholders and deploy influencers.

    As the former Chief Food and Nutrition Strategist for Weber Shandwick, she has helped turn milk from a commodity to a brand with the iconic got milk? milk mustache campaign, helped tart cherries burst out of the pie shell and onto the superfruit stage, and repositioned pork as “the other white meat” and a lean, center-of-the plate star.

    As an experienced food and nutrition strategist and marketer, Janet recently started her own consultancy Food at the Helm. She is a sought-after speaker on food trends at national conferences and has discussed the latest nutrition topics in the media, including segments on Good Morning America, Today and CNN.  



    More Speakers to Come



    This event is in collaboration with:




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