Tom Dailly
Mayor
Village of Schaumburg
November 4, 2025
* JOIN US FOR THE PRE-EVENT HAPPY HOUR on November 3, 2024 FROM 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
7:00 am – 8:00 am CST
Delegate Registration and Networking Breakfast
Sponsored by:
8:00 am – 8:10 am CST
Mayor's Welcome Address
8:10 am – 8:20 am CST
Chair's Welcome and Opening Remarks
Process Optimization
Katie Holman
VP Supply Chain, Meals and Baking
General Mills
Quality & Safety
Catherine Davidson
VP, Supply Chain, Food Safety and Quality
PepsiCo
Innovation
Takashi Nakamura, Ph.D
VP, Corporate R&D and Food Safety
Fresh Del Monte
Supply Chain
Kristen Daihes
VP, Global Supply Chain
Mars Snacking
8:20 am – 8:50 am CST
Keynote
Eric Seip
SVP, Global Operations, Chief Supply Chain Officer
Ingredion
Transforming Supply Chains: Scaling Excellence, Safety, and Efficiency
- Redefining global operations and transitioning to a unified global supply chain model
- Harnessing digital tools to enhance visibility and decision-making across supply networks
- How to achieve cost optimization through strategic sourcing and lean practices
- Embedding safety standards ensuring consistent safety excellence across all touchpoints
- Aligning supply chain initiatives with Ingredion’s specialties-focused expansion
- Building scalable, adaptive systems to address dynamic market demands
8:50 am – 9:20 am CST
Plenary
Shannon Bible
Chief Transformation Officer
WK Kellogg Co
Smart Manufacturing: Driving Competitive Advantage through Digital Innovation
- Utilizing AI and IoT to optimize production processes and quality control
- Transitioning to cloud-based ERP systems for improved scalability and flexibility
- Implementing automation to address labor shortages and increase productivity
- Developing agile manufacturing capabilities to respond to market changes swiftly
- Enhancing traceability and compliance through integrated digital solutions
- Driving innovation by leveraging data-driven insights and customer feedback
9:20 am – 9:50 am CST
Plenary
Speaker TBA
Vanguard Renewables
Revolutionizing Waste Management: Transforming Risks into Sustainable Opportunities
- How innovative waste solutions are fueling renewable energy, supporting farmers, and driving a circular economy
- Staying ahead of the curve by addressing regulatory shifts, from organic waste bans to land application permits
- Learning how to recover value from packaged waste while safeguarding your brand’s reputation
- Developing a sustainable "Plan B" to mitigate climate risks and enhance operational resilience
- Embracing the industry’s growing shift toward "zero waste to landfill" for a cleaner, greener future
9:55 am – 11:35 am CST
Refreshments, Networking, and Pre-Arranged 1-2-1 Meetings
11:40 am – 12:10 pm CST
stream sessions
Process optimization
Hans Berghorst
VP, Assets and Technology
Dairy Farmers of America
Leveraging Technology to Enhance Asset Performance and Streamline Manufacturing Operations
- How DFA’s technology investments are transforming asset management and operational resilience
- Integrating IoT and data analytics to optimize quality, safety, and supply chain responsiveness
- Developing a technology-forward approach to meet evolving regulatory standards and sustainability goals
- Implementing predictive maintenance to reduce downtime and extend asset lifespan in dairy processing
Quality & Safety
LaTonya Mitchell Ph.D.
Acting Director, Office of Human Food Inspectorate Central
FDA
Strengthening Food Safety: Navigating FDA Inspection Priorities and Collaborative Oversight in a Changing Landscape
- Understanding FDA's risk-based approach to prioritizing food facility inspections under FSMA mandates
- Exploring the role of state partnerships in supplementing federal food safety oversight efforts
- Adapting to evolving inspection protocols amid budgetary constraints and organizational changes
- Implementing best practices for compliance to meet FDA inspection expectations effectively
- Leveraging technology to enhance traceability and transparency in food production processes
- Preparing for potential shifts in regulatory responsibilities between federal and state agencies
Innovation
Scott Komar
SVP, Global R&D
Driscoll's
Ensuring Consumer Trust Through Science-Driven Quality and Safety Innovations
- Utilizing genomics to breed berry varieties with improved resistance to pathogens and spoilage
- Applying sensory science to maintain flavor and texture while meeting rigorous safety standards
- Enhancing supply chain integrity by developing berries with longer shelf life and reduced contamination risk
- Driving sustainable safety with innovations in eco-friendly, protective packaging and clean farming methods
- Leveraging data and AI to predict quality issues and accelerate corrective actions in R&D
- Building strong AGTECH partnerships to advance traceability, compliance, and food safety solutions
Supply Chain
Katie Holman
VP Supply Chain, Meals and Baking
General Mills
Building Agile, Resilient Supply Chains: Strategies for Sustainable Growth and Operational Excellence
- How General Mills is creating actionable supply chain strategies that balance immediate results with future growth
- Innovating across planning, sourcing, manufacturing, and logistics for maximum value creation
- Developing high-performing teams that drive operational excellence and transformational change
- Adopting agile practices to strengthen responsiveness to market and customer needs
- Embedding continuous improvement to enhance efficiency and ensure long-term sustainability
- Leading cross-functional collaboration to drive speed, scalability, and success across supply networks
12:15 pm – 12:45 pm CST
Workshops
PROCESS OPTIMIZATION
Speaker TBA
Fuel Cell Energy
Decarbonizing Food and Beverage Production with Fuel Cell Technology
- Case study: How fuel cell technology supports a 260,000 sq. ft. bakery in Connecticut
- Generating on-site power, heat, and CO2, reducing dependency on grid electricity and external suppliers
- Elevating sustainability and resilience in food and beverage production
- Boosting profitability by integrating fuel cell systems in a competitive, ever-changing market
QUALITY AND SAFETY
Speaker TBA
BIOIONIX
Eliminating Chemicals and Saving Water in Food Processing
- Developing powerful natural sanitizers to replace toxic chemicals like PAA, bleach, and ammonia
- Creating a safer workplace with effective, chemical-free sanitization solutions that require no PPE
- Improving food safety and quality by reducing foodborne illness risks, enhancing quality control, and extending shelf life
- Cutting costs by producing non-corrosive sanitizers, reducing chemical, equipment, and disposal expenses
- Achieving sustainability through chemical elimination, water savings, and a lower carbon footprint
INNOVATION
Martin Boyd
Chief Marketing Officer
Big Lift LLC
DELVING INTO ELECTRIFICATION WITHIN THE INDUSTRIAL LIFT TRUCK MARKET
- The industrial lift truck market has been slowly trending toward electric for decades
- Exploring long-standing barriers that have prevented operations from making the switch to electric that have been disrupted by new technology
- Case Study: The introduction of lithium-ion batteries and fast charging capabilities are rapidly gaining market acceptance and changing the way organizations are thinking about their material handling fleets
- As lithium-ion technology continues to gain acceptance in the material handling industry, lift truck OEMs are now embracing opportunities to improve the overall design of electric trucks for the next generation of operators
- Convergence of two industry trends: Once the industrial market electrifies, the pathway toward automation becomes clear
SUPPLY CHAIN
Speaker TBA
System Logistics
Transforming Food Manufacturing with Smart Logistics
- Leveraging automated storage and retrieval systems for optimization
- Integrating cutting-edge technologies for seamless operations
- Customizing solutions for efficient use of facility layouts
- Adopting energy-efficient and environmentally conscious logistics systems
- Utilizing real-time data for informed decision-making and agility
- Delivering tailored, scalable solutions to meet industry-specific needs
12:50 pm – 1:50 pm CST
Lunch & Learn Roundtable Discussions and Open Seating Lunch
Benefit from additional learning by joining a moderated roundtable discussion on pressing issues in the industry. Registration is required, and attendance for moderated roundtables on Day 1 is limited to attendees and speakers. Choose from:
Speaker TBA
TraceGain
Leveraging Data to Find Cost-Effective, High-Quality Materials Quickly
Mohamed Azim
Global Solutions Director
QAD Redzone
Elevate Your Factory Floor: Boosting Profits with a Connected Workforce and Champion AI
Speaker TBA
Rentokil
Refining Pest Control Protocols: Safeguarding Facilities Against External Risks
Speaker TBA
8Quanta
Transforming ERP Systems: Aligning Supply Chain Processes with Business Goals
Greg Spira
Business Advisor
Oliver Wight Americas
Optimizing Advanced Planning: Scheduling for Precision in Manufacturing Operations
Joe Bui
Account Director
Infor
Turning Data into Decisions: Navigating Complexity in F&B Supply Chains
Josh Power
Senior Director, Sales
Tractian
AI-Driven Reliability: Practical Use Cases in the Food Industry
Speaker TBA
Effex Management Solutions
Boosting Efficiency: Workforce Optimization Strategies to Maximize Production, Quality, and Operational Success
Speaker TBA
AMEND Consulting
Driving Improvement with Data-Driven Strategies and Operational Excellence
Jay Hutchison
Senior Vice President of Partnership Development
TEC Services
Ensuring Audit Excellence: How Strategic Sanitation Staffing Delivers 100% Compliance
Speaker TBA
Progressive Logistics
Improving Supply Chain Speed and Accuracy with Centralized, High-Performance Warehousing Operations
Speaker TBA
Squint
Transforming Manufacturing Intelligence: Capture Knowledge, Standardize Work, and Empower Operators with Real-Time Insights
Speaker TBA
Vector
Real-Time Visibility, Real Results: Transforming Logistics Workflows in Manufacturing Facilities
Steve Deitzer
VP, Global Industry, CPG
Rockwell Automation
Todd Gilliam
Industry Lead, CPG
Rockwell Automation
Data-driven Strategies to Maximize Production Yield in Food Manufacturing
1:55 pm – 2:25 pm CST
Sessions
Process Optimization
Michael Wojtowicz
EVP, Supply Chain and Operations
Buddig and Company
Scaling Food Manufacturing to Drive Sustainable Growth
- Developing agile operational frameworks that adapt to shifting market and demand trends
- Strengthening cross-site consistency while empowering local plant-level leadership
- Optimizing workforce training and engagement to reduce turnover and increase productivity
- Building integrated supply chain visibility to improve planning and performance
- Aligning production strategy with long-term business and customer service goals
- Driving efficiency without sacrificing food safety, compliance, or product quality
Quality & Safety
Campbell Mitchell
Head of Food Safety and Compliance
Kraft Heinz
Transforming Quality with AI: Insights, Efficiency, and Real-Time Monitoring
- Predicting food safety risks with AI-driven insights and forecasting
- Streamlining quality control processes for greater efficiency and accuracy
- Tracking ingredients and products from source to shelf in real-time
- Utilizing data to proactively resolve issues in FSQA operations
- Meeting regulatory standards with advanced monitoring and automated reporting
- Integrating AI tools to enhance collaboration across FSQA teams
Innovation
Greg Hocking
VP, Global R&D New Innovation Territories
Mars
Developing Strategic Partnerships to Solve Complex Challenges and Unlock New Growth Opportunities
- Empowering sustainable innovation through strategic partnerships and growth ecosystems
- Exploring collaborative models that drive innovation and support sustainable development goals
- Developing strategic partnerships to solve complex challenges and unlock new growth opportunities
- Investing in resilient, long-term solutions aligned with Mars’ sustainability commitments
Supply Chain
Catherine Davidson
VP, Supply Chain, Food Safety and Quality
PepsiCo
Integrating Food Safety and Quality into Supply Chain Strategy
- Implementing standardized protocols to ensure consistent food safety across the supply chain
- Leveraging data analytics to monitor quality metrics and drive continuous improvement
- Collaborating with suppliers to maintain high-quality standards and compliance
- Utilizing technology to enhance traceability and transparency in supply chain processes
- Developing training programs to reinforce food safety practices among supply chain personnel
- Aligning supply chain operations with regulatory requirements and industry best practices
2:30 pm – 3:00 pm CST
Workshops
PROCESS OPTIMIZATION
Speaker TBA
Reworld
Mitigating Risk and Maximizing Efficiency Through Smarter Waste and Wastewater Management Solutions
- Handling high-risk materials while complying with regulations and reducing liability
- Implementing sustainable wastewater treatment solutions to reduce environmental impact and enhance efficiency\
- Discovering reliable industrial and field waste management solutions to protect facilities and communities
- Case study: Wastewater treatment and cost reduction at Re-World Waste
QUALITY AND SAFETY
Speaker TBA
Amerisan
Tangible Strategies for Improving Food Safety Culture
- How implementing 5S visual management techniques can help identify hazards and drive continuous improvements
- Discovering how leaders can create a compelling vision and communicate effectively to cultivate a robust food safety culture
- Exploring methods to build employee engagement through targeted training, standardization, and recognition programs
- Case studies: Showcasing successful implementations and strategies to overcome common challenges in food safety
INNOVATION
Speaker TBA
Indeavor
Eliminating Labor Inefficiencies with Intelligent Scheduling and Absence Management
- Automating employee scheduling to reduce manual workloads and improve supervisor productivity
- Integrating real-time workforce data with ERP and HCM systems for end-to-end labor visibility and control
- Ensuring compliance, reducing absenteeism, and optimizing labor deployment with AI-powered scheduling
- Case study: Enhancing workforce agility and reducing labor costs at a global food processing facility through Indeavor’s integrated scheduling solution
SUPPLY CHAIN
Speaker TBA
Rockwell Automation
Driving Operational Excellence Through Intelligent Automation and Connected Manufacturing
- Leveraging smart automation to enhance throughput and reduce operational downtime
- Connecting IT and OT systems for improved visibility and decision-making
- Driving sustainability with energy-efficient and waste-reducing technologies
- Using real-time data to ensure compliance, traceability, and food safety
- Empowering the workforce with digital tools for better productivity and engagement
- Case study: How a leading food manufacturer transformed operations using Rockwell Automation solutions
3:05 pm – 4:25 pm CST
Happy Hour, Networking and Pre-Arranged 1-2-1 Meetings
4:30 pm – 5:00 pm CST
Sessions
Process Optimization
Fernando Garcia Vidal
VP, Engineering
Monogram Foods
Driving Operational Excellence Through Engineering: Building Scalable Systems, Streamlining Production, and Embedding a Culture of Continuous Improvement
- Align engineering execution with operational goals to deliver scalable, flexible production systems
- Leverage automation and smart manufacturing tools to improve speed, efficiency, and accuracy
- Design facilities and processes that support agility, growth, and long-term business strategies
- Integrate lean principles into engineering strategies to maximize efficiency and reduce waste
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement across engineering and production teams
- Develop resilient project delivery systems that adapt to evolving market and consumer demands
Quality & Safety
Juanfra DeVillena
SVP, Quality Assurance and Food Safety
Wayne-Sanderson Farms
Harnessing Data Analytics to Enhance Food Safety and Quality in Production
- Implementing data-driven strategies to monitor and improve food safety protocols
- Utilizing predictive analytics to anticipate and mitigate potential contamination risks
- Integrating real-time data collection for proactive quality assurance measures
- Training teams to interpret data effectively for continuous improvement
- Leveraging technology to streamline compliance with food safety regulations
- Collaborating across departments to foster a culture of data-informed decision-making
Innovation
Marlene Sidhu
VP, Innovation
Bimbo Bakeries USA
Baking the Future: Innovating Iconic Flavors at Bimbo Bakeries USA
- Creating a vision for innovation across bread, buns, and baked goods
- Developing teams to lead the future of bakery product innovation
- Evolving iconic brands with differentiated products and strategic pipelines
- Leveraging consumer insights to craft beloved and market-leading baked goods
- Innovating for scalability and excellence in the direct-store delivery model
- Guiding product breakthroughs to support growth across all bakery categories
Supply Chain
Pat Kempen
VP, Supply Chain Planning
Schreiber Foods
Scaling Smarter: How Schreiber Foods Builds an Agile, Customer-Focused Supply Chain
- Designing an adaptable, end-to-end supply chain to meet evolving customer and market needs
- Streamlining operations through integrated planning, smart data, and system-wide visibility
- Managing private label and branded complexities with precision and speed
- Delivering flexible, high-volume fulfillment to major foodservice and retail partners
- Driving continuous improvement through strategic partnerships and agile supply models
5:05 pm – 5:35 pm CST
Plenary
Speaker TBA
Effex Management Solutions
Transforming High-Volume Workforce Management to Maximize Productivity and Operational Stability
- Ensuring 100% daily staffing with a qualified, contingent labor force tailored to high-volume production environments
- Embedding onsite management to drive accountability, streamline communication, and reduce turnover
- Addressing labor shortages and absenteeism with a proactive, market-exclusive staffing model
- Enhancing operational efficiency, minimizing downtime, and improving workforce performance at scale
- Redefining contingent labor strategy to support consistent output, quality, and bottom-line growth
5:35 pm – 6:20 pm CST
Panel Discussion
Vijay Krishna
Global VP, Quality and Regulatory Affairs
Glanbia Performance NutritionTakashi Nakamura, Ph.D
VP, Corporate R&D and Food Safety
Fresh Del MonteKerry Courchaine
VP, Quality and Regulatory Affairs
Darling IngredientsHans Berghorst
VP, Assets and Technology
Dairy Farmers of AmericaSpeaker TBA
Virginia Economic Development Program
TAKING EFFICIENCY AND QUALITY TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
- Implementing lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste and improve overall process efficiency
- Leveraging data analytics to monitor performance and drive continuous improvement across operations
- Developing a culture of accountability and empowerment to sustain high standards of operational excellence
- Integrating advanced technologies like automation and AI to optimize production workflows and reduce downtime
- Balancing cost management with quality control to ensure consistent product excellence
- Enhancing cross-functional collaboration to streamline processes and improve overall operational agility
6:20 pm – 6:30 pm CST
Chair's closing remarks
Process Optimization
Katie Holman
VP Supply Chain, Meals and Baking
General Mills
Quality & Safety
Catherine Davidson
VP, Supply Chain, Food Safety and Quality
PepsiCo
Innovation
Takashi Nakamura, Ph.D
VP, Corporate R&D and Food Safety
Fresh Del Monte
Supply Chain
Kristen Daihes
VP, Global Supply Chain
Mars Snacking
6:35 pm – 7:35 pm CST
Networking drinks reception
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