CFBN and Chicago Section IFT are closing out 2024 together!  Join us for a year in review of the trends and learnings that made 2024 memorable as well as insights to help prepare members and guests for the year ahead.

You'll hear remarks and reflections from a variety of industry leaders who will share with us their learnings from 2024, and their goals and prognostications for 2025. Following the reflections there will be (as always) amazing networking along with festive food and drink that you can enjoy while overlooking the incredible views of Lake Michigan, and Millennium Park provided by our hosts, Nixon Peabody.  Steps from State Street and the Christkindlmarket, you can even do some holiday shopping before or after the event!

Don't miss celebrating the end of the year with your industry colleagues and peers!  

AGENDA

5:00pm  Doors Open/Registration

5:30pm  Remarks & Reflections

6:30pm  Networking 

8:00pm  Event Close

SPEAKERS

JANET GARETTO

Intellectual Property Partner & Co-Leader of Food, Beverage and Agribusiness Practice 

Nixon Peabody

Janet advises her clients, which includes food and beverage as well as pharmaceutical and medical device companies, on brand development strategies. This process involves trademark procurement, trademark portfolio development and maintenance, addressing brand misuse issues and developing internal branding guidelines and best practices.

In addition, she counsels clients on developing and implementing patent strategies. Her work includes patent procurement, patent portfolio development and maintenance, analyzing and enforcing patents and assisting clients on patent protection and litigation prevention issues.

SEBNEM KARASU

President

Karasu Consulting

Sebnem Karasu is an experienced entrepreneur and executive with over 25 years of experience in the food industry, specializing in food safety, business development, and international sales. She has successfully launched and managed multiple start-ups, driving significant revenue growth while ensuring compliance with global food safety standards. Known for her dynamic leadership and unique blend of technical expertise, marketing acumen, and cross-cultural communication skills, Sebnem has been instrumental in implementing innovative solutions and establishing strategic partnerships across diverse markets.

ALAN REED

Executive Director

The Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network

Alan Reed is the Executive Director of the Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network, a startup, nonprofit organization that brings industry players together, provides a forum for collaboration and support, and better connects the 4,500 companies in the industry across Chicagoland to drive innovation and growth in the region. The group leverages the power of the food & beverage industry in Chicagoland to grow the industry, and the local economy.

Prior to this new role, Alan was Executive Vice President, Strategy & Innovation at Dairy Management, Inc., and was responsible for creating and driving innovative strategies to grow dairy demand. Before joining DMI, Alan was a strategy consultant working with a variety of Fortune 100 companies.

This event is in partnership with: