Join us for an afternoon symposium at Frain Industries’ manufacturing facility. Learn more about how AI will reshape the manufacturing industry through panel discussions on automation with CPGs, co-manufacturers, cybersecurity experts, and more. Networking sessions and a tour of Frain’s OEM showroom to follow!
AGENDA
1:00PM Welcome Remarks by CFBN, CPA and Frain
1:15PM CPA and the state of the Contract Packaging Industry
1:20PM CFBN and the Regional Network Success
1:30PMTech on the Table - AI reality driven today
2:30PM Break
2:45PM Panel Discussion: Cybersecurity - The Pros and Cons
3:45PM Networking Session
4:00PM Tour of Frain's OEM showroom
5:00PM Networking
FEATURED SPEAKERS
George Forrester, CIC,
Partner
The Baldwin Group
George Forrester specializes in cybersecurity risk, machinery manufacturing, machinery safety, and packaging and processing equipment. He works closely with organizations across the manufacturing, contract packaging, and food and beverage sectors to address complex operational and risk-management challenges.
George helps companies strengthen operational resilience, reduce machinery-related and cyber-driven exposures, and align their insurance and risk strategies with rapidly evolving safety, equipment, and regulatory standards. His consultative approach combines deep industry knowledge with practical risk-transfer solutions to support long-term business continuity and growth.
Pedrom Rejai
Founder
Elevate Growth Partners
Pedrom Rejai is the founder of Elevate Growth Partners. He was raised in the Midwest, and earned a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Nebraska. Pedrom began his career in manufacturing with Cargill and Unilever, working on products such as cornstarch, Dove Bar Soap, and Hellmann’s Mayonnaise. After completing is MBA at the University of North Carolina, he led sourcing strategy and capital projects for Unilever North America’s $1.2B portfolio, and later oversaw the end-to-end supply chain for Unilever International across the Americas, a $400M business.
In 2025, Pedrom founded Elevate Growth Partners, where they create self driving operations through process setting and automation for food companies to relieve the headaches of supply chain and operations
More speakers to be announced.....
Event Hosts:
Ron Puvak
Executive Director
Contract Packaging Association (CPA)
Ron Puvak has been in the packaging industry for over 48 years. In 1976 he began his career as a Research Technician managing projects in Material Strength studies, Fracture Analyses and Technology Training. Later he was promoted to Technical Sales Representative with responsibilities for the development and promotion of inspection systems to the packaging industry. Next, he assumed the roles of Regional Manager – Europe, New Product Marketing Director and finally New Business Development Director.
An active member of the International Society of Beverage Technologists (ISBT). In 2014 Ron was elected to be the President of ISBT. In addition, he has been a member of the Society of Plastics Engineers Blow Molding.
Mariam Parker
Executive Director
Chicagoland Food and Beverage Network l Bigger Table
Mariam Parker has devoted her career to the food and beverage industry as a culinary expert, integrated marketer, and business builder. At the core of her work is a deep commitment to fostering relationships that elevate brands, people, and communities. Her work and insights have been featured in SXSW, Food Network, Rolling Stone, Forbes, and Thrillist. In 2026, she joined the Chicagoland Food and Beverage Network as Executive Director, where she focuses on broadening and growing the network, providing more value to members, and launching exciting, new programs and events.
This event is presented in collaboration with:
We thank the following companies for their participation:
