CFBN is offering a series of webinars, virtual events and online discussion forums as this virus continues to globally impact the operations and businesses of the food and beverage industry.  Our hope is to provide opportunities for our industry to connect via conversation, education, and virtual networking to keep innovation happening and keep our industry mobilized!  CLICK on the link at left to connect to those virtual events and STAY TUNED - we are working with all of our members to build out more content for the the coming months!

We are also aggregating the content that our member companies and industry partners are continuing to offer daily - with important legal, financial, and technical updates that we can all use as our businesses respond to the challenges of COVID-19.  CLICK on the link at left for industry offerings for virtual connection points!

 The Innovation Series is our flagship series heading into its 3rd year.  CFBN, in partnership with the team at Fifty Gazelles and our event moderator Jeremy Anderson, offers this engaging series focused on "innovations" happening in all departments of food and beverage companies and in all sectors of our industry!  This year, the series will offer a combination of the "breakfast" panel discussions you know, in combination with an offering of more interactive off-site events focused on hot topics...like cannabis, beverages, and more.  The Innovation Series sells out quickly and priority is always given to members, so Save the Dates and register early to make sure you have a seat!  

Launched in 2019 - the Founders Series is a series of conversations designed to address issues, and obstacles, and help present solutions and partners for start-ups, growth-stage companies, and emerging brands in the food and beverage industries!  CFBN, in partnership with the team at CA Branding and our event moderator Steve Gaither, offers this series as a 5-part conversation, including one "showcase" of innovative brands from the midwest region.  The Founders Series is a must-attend for anyone starting, growing, scaling, or working with emerging brands and manufacturers here in the midwest and beyond!

One of our longer running series - the Science & Technology Series is designed NOT to focus on specific topics within food science, BUT RATHER to build connections between the "science" and the rest of the company leadership at food and beverage companies!  CFBN, in partnership with our industry partners at IIT, IFSH, IFT, and CSIFT, created this series as a bridge amongst specialties - to improve communication, advance innovation, and help strengthen our industry as a whole.  We are excited to be expanding this series in 2020 to incorporate even more (Spring Career Fair & IFT Conference partnership) opportunities for inclusive conversation and collaboration!

Launched in 2019 - the Finance Series is an inclusive series that partners thought leadership from the banking, finance, and venture world with food and beverage industry companies to explore topics impacting our entire industry.  CFBN, in partnership with our member companies, offers a Spring and Fall conference (half day events) and a few smaller topical panel presentations.  The Finance Series is an important resource for food and beverage industry leadership interested in being a part of progressive conversations that help advance our industry.

The final group of events we are offering in 2020, fall under various headers and channels of thought, but all help to create interesting conversations around topics that need tackling or needed opportunities for networking and engagement with your peers.  We are shaping events that address topics in Supply Chain, Marketing & Communications, Strategic Planning and more!  We are always open to suggestions for topics that interest you - so make sure to reach out with your great idea!

We will also be offering pure networking opportunities around the greater Chicagoland area (including the suburbs) throughout the year for you to re-connect and make new contacts.  Grab a cocktail, enjoy the views from some of our great venues, and make some new friends!

If you are looking for additional information on upcoming Industry Events - please follow THIS LINK.  Don't forget to visit the MEMBER PERKS area as well to explore current discounts and other perks being offered by our industry partners and members!