Join the Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network (CFBN) for an exclusive morning dedicated to the power of partnership. We are thrilled to be co-hosting this month's Innovation Breakfast with our friends at Chicago Innovation, a leading voice in celebrating and advancing innovation across the city. This special event will explore how strategic collaborations are driving breakthroughs in the food and beverage industry, from product development to market entry.

This Month's Topic: In this session, we will delve into "Innovative Collaborations," examining how working together—whether with startups, established corporations, or even competitors—can unlock new opportunities and accelerate growth. While our speakers are to be announced, you can expect to hear from experts who have successfully forged partnerships that have reshaped the industry.

Networking: As always, the event will include dedicated time for networking over coffee and light breakfast bites. Connect with a diverse group of professionals from both the food & beverage and broader innovation communities.

AGENDA

7:00 AM Doors Open / Check-In

7:30 AM Panel Discussion / Q&A

8:30 AM Networking

9:00 AM Event Ends

SPEAKERS

TOPE SADIKU

Director, Organizational Design I Global People

McDonald's

Tope Sadiku is a strategic leader with deep expertise in organizational effectiveness, behavioral science, and business transformation. As the Global Director of Organisation Effectiveness Design at McDonald's, she drives impactful change across Global Finance and Global Legal, optimizing structures, processes, and talent strategies to enhance performance at scale.

With a background in Accounting, Finance, and Economics, as well as an MBA in Business Strategy, Tope combines analytical rigor with human-centered design to create high-performing, future-ready organizations. Her career spans industries and continents, bringing a global perspective to leadership, innovation, and the evolving workplace.

ANDREA SCHWENK

CMO

Egglife Foods

Andrea Schwenk is a brand-builder currently serving as Chief Marketing Officer for Egglife Foods, an innovative start-up cracking the code on protein-packed, low-carb foods by harnessing the power of eggs.  Recently honored as a Game Changer by She Runs It and named one of Brand Innovators’ 40 under 40 in 2023, Andrea has nearly two decades of experience in brand building and product marketing, having worked on several fortune 500 brands including Burger King, Beam, Aramark and Buffalo Wild Wings before joining Egglife Foods.

CHRIS URBAN

Senior Vice President Growth Platforms and Partnerships

Dairy Management Incorporated

Chris serves DMI as Senior Vice President Growth Platforms and Partnerships where he is focused on advancing U.S dairy’s health and wellness product leadership through consumer insights, technology-powered breakthrough science and innovation with a primary focus of identifying and developing future partnerships ranging from large influential companies to cutting edge entrepreneurs.

Chris has more than 20 years of experience in the CPG food and beverage industry. Most recently he was Vice President, Global Growth Office, at Kraft Heinz where he ran a start-up with Oprah Winfrey, developed a global outbound licensing business, advanced a global sustainability strategy for condiments and implemented a global program to accelerate creative excellence for 400+ marketers. 

More Speakers to be Announced

This event is in partnership with:

This event is in Collaboration with: