Leadership in 2021 will be more about thriving than surviving, and connecting is key.  Throughout 2021 CFBN and Kincannon & Reed are partnering to bring you opportunities to connect, learn, and grow through the Connection Series.  Join us for an opportunity to explore all that the food industry has to offer, network with leaders, and share best practices with your peers.

Each event in the series will offer attendees an opportunity to hear from industry leaders on the primary topic.  Following that brief opening presentation, these events offer focused small-group and individual networking around the topic areas.  Join into any group to network with your peers, or connect 1:1 with your fellow attendees in private networking chats.  This is a clear virtual solution to the networking we've all been missing!

Join us for our NEXT event in the series, Tuesday, JUNE 15th:

The Workforce Shift

The pandemic brought striking changes into the workplace and how business is done.  Join us to explore how our companies and organizations are shifting and addressing new employee expectations, consumer requests, and the "new normal" of our work-day locations as Chicago begins rapidly reopening!

Opening Conversation Featuring 

• Greg Benefield, Managing Director, National Food & Beverage Segment Leader, Marsh
• Michael Fassnacht, Chief Marketing Officer, City of Chicago; President & CEO, World Business Chicago
• Babatu Short, Vice President of Human Resources, HARIBO of America, Inc.
• Margaret Sofio, Chief People Officer, Blommer Chocolate Company

Following our opening discussion, join your industry peers for Networking in one of our Four moderated discussion sessions 

Breakout 1: Interacting in the New Office

There will be new layouts, norms, and expectations.  How does the new “Hybrid Office” change leadership styles and team dynamics?  As an employee what should I become aware of?  As a leader, what should I be considering that I am not today?   

Panelists: Babatu Short, Vice President of Human Resources, HARIBO of America, Inc. and Lisa Johnson, Managing Director, Kincannon & Reed

Breakout 2: The Business Shift

Post pandemic, we are not doing business the same.  Interacting with customers is different and this is impacting everything from production, delivery, supply, and sales.  Come and share your experiences and learn from others on the adjustments being made, while remaining profitable. 

Panelists: David Kopsch, GRP, Principal, Mercer and Sally Day, Managing Director, Kincannon & Reed

Breakout 3: Reopening Chicago

Come network and share how your organization is tackling the new workforce shift. Are you back in the office? Full time, part time? We want to hear from you, and learn how businesses and organizations throughout Chicagoland are reopening post COVID. 

Networking with Alan Reed, Executive Director, CFBN & Bigger Table

Hear what fellow attendees said about our 1st event in the series:

"I was hesitant to attend this networking event...Instead I was pleasantly surprised at the collaborative feel of the HopIn platform, the quality of the table sessions, and the provided networking options. The CFBN Networking event- 5 stars!"

"I really miss the in-person networking and was a little skeptical on doing the virtual networking but WOW-- completely surprised and REALLY liked the format! The opportunity to do one on one conversations was great. The topics were relevant and it was nice to be able to "sit" at a table but then if the tables were full, I could still listen to the conversation. Thank you!"

Upcoming EVENTS: 

• Tuesday, August 17th
• Tuesday, October 19th
• Tuesday, November 16th

ABOUT OUR SERIES PARTNER, Kincannon & Reed:

Founded in 1981, Kincannon & Reed is a retained executive search firm engaged by organizations around the world to recruit impact players in the food, agribusiness, and life sciences sectors. Clients benefit from their unique focus, expertise, and approach. This combination has produced an enviable record of success: the deliver leaders with judgment who get results.  Kincannon & Reed brings a unique perspective to this series of virtual networking events - helping to provide expertise, insight, connections from across the wider food and beverage industry in the midwest.

(Click HERE to learn more about Kincannon & Reed)

The Connection Series is a new virtual event offering produced in partnership with CFBN member company, Kincannon & Reed!

Missed an event? 

Visit our Virtual Library to catch up with all previous events!