Join us for our next event in the 2021 Innovation Series.  The Innovation Series is the longest running series in CFBN's programming - originated in partnership with Fifty Gazelles as our opening offering via the "Innovation Breakfasts" originally hosted at Blue Dog in the West Loop.  Today, this virtual series tackles a series of innovation topics of interest to all of us in the food and beverage industry.  Our attendees join us every other month on the second Thursday to explore where food is headed, what companies are making a true impact in the market, and who is helping to change the way we all do business!

UPCOMING EVENTS & CONVERSATIONS:

• Thursday, July 8th: Rebuilding & Reinventing
• Thursday, September 9th:  Technology Innovations
• Thursday, November 11th:  State of the Industry (Next Generation Leaders)

Taste the Trends: 2021 - Rebuilding & Reinventing

Our Master Agenda for the CONFERENCE:

• 11:00AM - 11:45AM Welcome & Opening Conversation 
• 11:50AM - 12:30PM  Fireside Taste and Chat - Farmer’s Fridge Lunchbox
• 12:30 - 1:00PM Breakout Sessions (session run concurrently)

OPENING CONVERSATION:

We all know that the food & beverage industry was directly impacted by the rapid and unexpected changes in restaurant and at-home consumption over the past year.  As we continue to recover and re-engage in our day to day lives, the full re-opening of restaurants, cafes, and related foodservice businesses is at the heart of our cities and communities. Join us to explore how evolving tastes, changing menus, and innovation across companies will help foodservice and the larger food industry rebuild in 2021 and beyond! Join us for Taste the Trends: 2021 - Rebuilding & Reinventing. 

• • Robert Bishop, Growth Solutions Manager, KeHE
  • Kelley Fechner, MBA, Director of Customer Solutions, Datassential
  • Zach Ramos, Vice President and General Manager, Foodservice, Kellogg’s Away From Home
  • Paula Seenstra, Director of Design and Packaging, McDonalds Corporation
  • Matt O'Shea, Publisher, Sosland Publishing (Moderator)

FIRESIDE "TASTE ALONG" & CHAT FARMER'S FRIDGE: 

One trending food company who didn’t miss a beat and took the challenges of the pandemic head-on was Farmers Fridge. From securing their space in Target and Jewel-Osco throughout Chicagoland to their partnership with Dunkin Donuts, the team at Farmers Fridge is taking innovation and trends to a whole new level.

Join us for this exclusive Fireside "Taste Along" and Chat with CEO and Founder Luke Saunders. Enjoying a sample lunchbox including the recently launched Red Chile Braised Pork Bowl by Chef Rick Bayless and tasty chips and guacamole. 

Featuring:  

• • Luke Saunders, CEO & Founder, Farmer's Fridge
  • Donna Berry, Owner, Editor & Consultant, Dairy & Food Communications, Inc. 

featured breakout presentations:

SESSION 1:  innovation by collaboration

It’s incredible what can be accomplished when leaders of food and beverage companies collaborate for the good of others. Hear from the experts at Edlong about how industry partners recently joined forces to create an innovative philanthropic path to donate consumer-ready products throughout Illinois to community members who needed it most and what future projects are on the horizon. 

• • Lisa Drawer, Global Marketing Director, Edlong
  • Lourdes Mato, Dairy Research Scientist, Edlong
  • Monica Gotomo Kapoor, Product Development Manager, Edlong
  • Brendan Kitt, Director of Food Acquisition, Greater Chicago Food Depository
  • Alan Reed, Executive Director, CFBN & Bigger Table (Moderator)

SESSION 2:  taste the trends

With Chicago fully re-opening and the beautiful summer weather here, people are eager to dine out and excited to try unique flavors and food trends. This pent-up consumer excitement to try new menu items and innovative products and flavors will surely encourage restaurants and the larger foodservice sector to think outside the box. Find out what tastes and trends are the ones to crave!

Featuring: 

• • Chef Sabrina Mirabella, Culinary R&D Manager,  CSSI
  • Valerie Cansler, VP, Client Service South, Curion Insights
  • Andria Long, CEO, Andria Long & Company (Moderator)
  • Nedra Sims Fears, MBA, Exectutive Director, The Greater Chatham Initiative

SESSION 3:   WHAT'S HAPPENING AWAY FROM HOME

Many away-from-home (AFH) channels were essentially shut down during the pandemic, but innovative companies found a way.  Hear about trends like ghost kitchens, curated snack boxes, and exciting direct-to-consumer pop ups that accelerated in the past year, and how other AFH locations are coming back as the world reopens.

Featuring: 

• • Arwen Kimmell, Director of Innovation Marketing, JPG Resources 
  • Jesse Íñiguez, Co-founder & Director of Coffee Operations, Back of the Yard Coffee
  •  Joel Warady, President, Catalina Crunch (Moderator)

REGISTRATION OPTIONS & INFORMATION:

This is an interactive virtual event featuring multiple content sections and a "taste along" sample box for those interested! All pre-registrants have the following registration options:

• Content Only:  FREE to CFBN members or $5 for non-members, access to the event day-of and the recording post event only.

• Content + Sample Box: FREE to CFBN members, $10 non-members
• • Pick up your delicious Red Chile Braised Pork Bowl by Chef Rick Bayless and tasty chips and guacamole lunchbox at 2000 W Fulton St F-310, Chicago, IL 60612 on Wednesday, July 7th between 2-5PM CT
  • Please note:  Registrations must be received prior to 6/30/21 to reserve your lunchbox

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY!

We also offer the opportunity for 1:1 networking with your peers - choose this feature to be able to be randomly paired with another attendee for a 10 minute engagement session!