Upcoming CFBN Events:

Switch to Calendar View

• Rooftop Networking & Mid-Year Trend Update

  • When
    5 Jun 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Edelman, 111 N. Canal St. Chicago, IL 60606
  • Spaces left
    75

  Register

  

  Elevate your networking game with the Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network's Rooftop Networking event on June 5th hosted by our friends at the world-famous Edelman!

  
  

  Prepare to be captivated by breathtaking panoramic views of Chicago's iconic skyline and the shimmering Chicago River, creating an unforgettable backdrop for forging valuable connections. Conveniently located near major train stations, this prime location ensures seamless access for all industry professionals. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, where food and beverage experts converge to share insights and opportunities.

  Agenda

  5:00 PM Doors Open
  5:30 PM Welcoming Comments
  5:40 PM Edelman’s Trends Update and Q&A

  6:10 PM Datassential’s Trends Update and Q&A

  6:40PM Networking
  8:00PM Event Ends

  
  

  Panel

  

  ALISON BORGMEYER, MS, RD

  Chair, U.S. Food & Beverage

  Edelman

  Alison brings nearly 25 years of experience across the food, beverage, commodity, ingredient, Agribusiness and restaurant/QSR sectors. Alison is a unique hybrid with an earned lens first and foremost, but with scientific creds having become a registered dietitian later in her career.  In her time at Edelman, she’s operationalized the firm’s Food & Beverage offering while launching Edelman’s first test kitchen in Chicago. Alison brings an encyclopedia-like brain for all things food and beverage from soil health, crop science, animal and land stewardship to how foods and beverages end up on our plates.

  
  

  RENEE LEE WEGE

  Trendologist and Senior Publications Manager

  Datassential

  
  

  Renee (literally) grew up in the restaurant industry and is an expert and lover of all things related to food, drink, and the color pink. Through the course of nearly 10 years with Datassential, Renee has researched, written, and edited hundreds of food and beverage trend reports and is a regular co-host and presenter on Datassential’s Simply Smarter webinars, where she’s shared her expertise with peak audiences of 2,000-plus industry members. When she's not researching, writing, or spotting trends, Renee polishes her presenting prowess with Toastmasters and serves as the Vice President of Public Relations with Toastmasters of Lincoln Park. 

  
  

  This  event is in partnership with:

  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Making The Most of Your Membership: Networking Best Practices

  • When
    6 Jun 2025
  •  
    11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    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.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• The Flavor of Collaboration: Tackling Industry Challenges

  • When
    18 Jun 2025
  •  
    12:30 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    McCormick FONA, 1900 Averill Road, Geneva IL 60134
  • Spaces left
    87

  Register

  Join us for a dynamic gathering of contract packagers and manufacturers, food & beverage brands, and industry suppliers as we explore the key challenges currently facing our industry. Through engaging discussions and shared insights, we’ll tackle the challenges we face as the supply chain and retail channels once again undergo changes and upheaval.

  Touring Innovation. Then, experience the science and creativity behind flavor development with an exclusive tour of McCormick FONA, consistently rated as one of the Best Places to Work in the US. See firsthand how cutting-edge technology and expertise come together to create the flavors that shape the food and beverage industry.

  Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and gain a fresh perspective on the future of contract packaging and manufacturing—one flavorful insight at a time!

  AGenda

  12:30 PM   Doors open

  1:00 PM     Welcome Remarks (CFBN and CPA Overviews)

  1:30 PM     Panel Discussion: Impacts on the Supply Chain today

  2:30 PM     Break

  2:45 PM     Panel Discussion:  Managing Volatile Supply Chain issues

  3:45 PM     Tour of facility and Networking session with all participants

  5:00 PM     Additional Networking

  6:00 PM     Event Ends

  
  

  
  

  SPEAKERS

  
  

  
  

  

  ERIC GREENBERG

  Principal Attorney - Eric F. Greenberg, P.C.

  Adjunct Faculty

  Food & Drug Law at Chicago Kent College of Law

  
  

  Bio to come

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  TJ WIDUCH

  Director of Specialty Flavor Operations

  McCormick FONA

  TJ has nearly 40 years in the taste solutions industry. He oversees end-to-end Supply Chain for all Flavors, Seasonings, and Ingredients for McCormick North America.   This includes overseeing three manufacturing facilities and more than 4,000 different product SKUs.    He began his career at FONA in 1987, serving roles in all aspects of manufacturing operations. At FONA he also held roles on the commercial side, from Account Executive to Sales Leader to Business Unit director to Executive Vice President.  He led the growth of several business units as well as leading growth globally establishing entities in UK, China, and Latin America.  In 2019, TJ transitioned back to Supply where he focused on serving customers, on time, in full, with premium quality. When McCormick & Co acquired FONA in 2020, TJ was a crucial leader in the transition and has continued to lead by scaling a customer-centric approach and service to McCormick Flavor Solutions.  He continues to lead manufacturing for the Specialty Flavor Value Stream. 

  
  

  

  LACEY YOUNG

  Plant Manager - Geneva, IL

  General Mills

  
  

  Bio to come

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  MORE SPEAKERS TO BE ANNOUNCED

  
  

  This event is in collaboration with:

  

  
  

  

  Show details