FPSA successfully wrapped up its annual Food Solutions Exchange & Conference (FSX 2025) at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix.
This unprecedented collaboration between food producers, OEMs, and service providers created an energetic atmosphere of innovation and connection. From thought-provoking keynotes to practical breakout sessions, from The Hub's dynamic interactions to meaningful networking events, FSX 2025 embodied FPSA’s mission to advance performance in food production through genuine industry collaboration.
AT A GLANCE
- $115,00 raised for charity through the Defeat Hunger Golf Tournament, Pack-It, and the Charity Auctions & Dinner
- 19 generous sponsors
- 12 Collaborative Network & Council meetings
- 4 General Sessions & 12 Breakout Sessions
- 1 awesome event!
GENERAL SESSIONS
Throughout the conference, FSX 2025 offered valuable insights through four keynote speakers. OnePointOne CEO Sam Bertram revealed how AI and automation are revolutionizing food production, from vertical farming to quality control.
David Van Eekeren, CEO of Land O'Frost and winner of this year's Richard L. Knowlton Innovation Award, shared insights from his successful leadership journey, while former FDA Deputy Commissioner Frank Yiannas revealed crucial food safety strategies from his experiences at Disney, Walmart, and the FDA. In addition, ITR Economics' Michael Feuz delivered crucial forecasts for inflation and interest rates across bakery, dairy, beverage, pet food, meat, and prepared foods sectors.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
FSX's twelve breakout sessions covered a vast range of topics in areas such as sustainability and innovation, boosting workforce productivity and retention, technology and operational excellence, and food safety. These sessions emphasized the intersection of producer needs and supplier capabilities, offering real-world solutions for the ever-evolving food sector.
OUTGOING & INCOMING CHAIRMEN
FSX2025 recognized outgoing Chairman of the Board Brian Perkins, President of Provisur Technologies, who served for the past three years with extraordinary vision, dedication, and leadership. Brian joined the rest of FPSA in welcoming incoming Chairman Erik Brainard, President & CEO of Anritsu Infivis Inc. Erik has been an invaluable member of FPSA and brings exceptional leadership experience to guide us through this exciting new chapter.
COUNCILS & NETWORK KICKOFF MEETINGS
Kickoff meetings at FSX2025 showcased the vibrant collaboration between FPSA’s six Councils and six Networks. These sessions revealed a strong desire for enhanced access and communication between producers and suppliers, with a shared commitment to addressing key industry challenges.
THE HUB
This dynamic central meeting space was one of FSX2025's exciting new features. Designed for making connections and fostering collaboration, The Hub highlighted a select group of tabletop exhibitors showcasing innovative products and services: Flexco, Kemco Systems, Nyle Dehydrators, RecycleMe, VAI, and Workforge. These industry innovators displayed solutions specifically designed for both OEMs and food producers.
DEFEAT HUNGER GOLF TOURNAMENT & PACK IT
As always, FSX offered unique ways to connect with industry peers while giving back to the community. Attendees supported the local St. Mary's Food Bank through two annual events: the Defeat Hunger Golf Tournament, as well as the Women's Alliance Network's “Pack It” event.
SILENT & LIVE CHARITY AUCTIONS
Always a conference highlight, 2025's Charity Auctions were no exception. New auctioneer Sandy Jobin-Bevans delivered an unforgettable evening that raised over $115,000 for FPSA's philanthropic causes! A huge THANK YOU to the generous auction donors and bidders who made it possible.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Be sure and join us next March 11-13 in Palm Springs for another year of innovation at FSX2026!
