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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:

    • 5 Apr 2024
    • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Virtual
    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.



    • 11 Apr 2024
    • 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    • BMO Office, 320 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL
    Register

    We Do Not Inherit the Earth from Our Ancestors; We Borrow It from Our Children 


    Environmental sustainability continues to be a driving force in consumer choices and business operations. Companies are embracing eco-friendly practices, incorporating sustainable materials, optimizing supply chains for reduced carbon footprint, and committing to achieving net-zero emissions. Sustainability isn’t merely a trend but a fundamental aspect that increasingly influences brand perception and consumer loyalty. In other words, industry is moving towards a new business case for Food and Agriculture sustainability.

    CFBN is proud to bring together key players in the Food & Agriculture sectors to advance the conversation around environmental sustainability. Starting with the core question of What is industry doing today, and why does it make good, long-term business sense? we will also dive into key questions including:

    • What is the outlook for regenerative agriculture and upcycled foods?
    • What can be done to help the food industry make the transition to a circular economy?
    • How can we as an industry better address food waste?
    • What developments are occurring in green packaging materials?
    • What is the future evolution of plant-based foods?

    Join CFBN, sponsor BMO, and industry experts for this unique Forum for Food & Agriculture stakeholders to learn from each other, hear from experts, share challenges and successes, and strengthen cross-sector collaboration in order to drive a more sustainable future for our industry.


    AGENDA

    1:00pm Doors Open/Registration
    1:30pm Welcome/Opening Speaker
    2:00pm Food & Beverage Industry Panel
    3:00pm Agriculture Panel
    4:00pm Interactive Activity
    5:00pm Networking
    6:00pm Event Close


    PANELS

    Food & Beverage Industry Panel

    (Moderator) ALAN REED

    Executive Director

    Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network


    BETH CONERTY

    Regional Innovation Officer

    Illinois Fermentation Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Tech Hub


    LOULA MERKEL

    Chief Business Officer

    Comet Bio Sciences


    Agriculture Panel 

    (Moderator) Dr. KIMBERLEE K. KIDWELL, Professor

    Associate Chancellor for Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Office of the Chancellor


    TIMOTHY BRENNAN

    Vice President

    Farm Foundation


    TYLER STROM

    Executive Director

    Illinois Agri-Food Alliance


    YING WANG

    U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action


    ERIC HASSEL

    Vice President, Measurement

    Innovation Center for US Dairy



    More speakers to come....


    This event is in partnership with:


    • 17 Apr 2024
    • 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • CoLaboratory, 1210 W. Lake St. Chicago, IL
    Register

    Join Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network as we bring back our popular Innovation Series for 2024 and go Behind the Golden Arches!

    CFBN is thrilled to welcome McDonald’s Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Michelle Gansle.  We will talk with Michelle and dig into the role of insights and data at McDonald’s as well as some of the changes expected in 2024 and how they are driven by consumer trends and data.  We will also have an open Q&A session where audience members can ask the questions that are on their mind!  Don’t miss this enlightening and informative event.

    It’s undeniable that McDonald's has masterfully adapted its business in the US and globally over the years. From marketing strategies to storefronts to menu and mascots, McDonald's has skillfully pivoted to match modern trends and consider consumer needs, wants, and desires in every era. And things don't appear to be changing any time soon -- 2024 will bring with it plenty of advances to the restaurant known for its Big Mac, Egg McMuffins, and Happy Meals. They are the #1 fast-food chain globally for good reason! 

    And, of course, you can count on great networking, terrific food and drink, and a great evening. 

    AGENDA

    5:00pm  Doors Open/Registration

    5:30pm  Fireside Chat Begins

    6:15pm  Q&A with Audience

    6:30pm  Networking 

    8:00pm  Event Close


    SPEAKER


    MICHELLE GANSLE

    Chief Data & Analytics Officer

    McDonald's

    Michelle is a Global Insights, Analytics & Data Science professional, specializing in Insights, strategy, innovation and analytics with 30 years of experience in Marketing, Insights and Analytics. Her superhero powers include: connecting dots, resources and people to imagine and activate a better future for the communities she serves – both personally and professionally.

    Michelle has worked for and with several global Fortune 500 Companies including Dell Computers, Clorox, Nestle, Mars and McDonald’s.  Her Professional highlights include: 2020 Quirks Market Researcher of the Year award, reimagining the future of insights, developing best in class foresight and front end innovation processes, managing vision and strategy to drive simultaneous consumer, customer and company growth, developing marketing plans and programs to drive sales, managing launches across multiple countries, developing creative strategy that delivers a strong ROI, and uncovering shopper insights that drives both retailer and category growth.


    • 3 May 2024
    • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Virtual
    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.



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