Cultivate Schedule

CONTACT Join

Member Directory

Emerging Professionals Ambassador Program

The only association bringing together the entire food industry

Join FPSA and become part of a vibrant community comprised of leading food producers, top-tier equipment manufacturers, comprehensive packaging service providers and supply providers, automation and technology experts, and accomplished engineering professionals. Together, we collaborate, stay abreast of industry trends, drive business growth, and contribute to philanthropic initiatives, shaping the future of food production. Join us in revolutionizing the industry!

Promotional Opportunities

News & Updates

Association Corner

Network Connections

Practical Tools, Insights & Conversations to Move the Industry Forward

In today’s food and beverage industry, staying informed isn’t optional—it’s essential. Whether you're navigating new regulations, adopting innovative technologies, or strengthening your workforce, FPSA’s resources are designed to help you solve real-world challenges and drive results.

Events & Education

Emerging Leaders

Focus Areas

Career & Leadership

Regulatory Developments

Tariff News Tracker

Technology & Innovation

Workforce & Human Capital

Industry Education That Delivers Real-World Impact

FPSA’s educational programs are designed to help you stay sharp, solve problems, and lead with confidence. Whether you're building a stronger workforce, implementing new technologies, researching food safety solutions or navigating evolving regulations, our content is built to meet the real-world needs of the food and beverage industry.

Scholarships & Awards

Red Circle Honors Awards

Career Development Scholarship

MISA Scholarship

Imbordino Dairy Science Scholarship

Emerging Leaders Scholarship

Empowering the Future of Food Production

At FPSA, we're passionate about investing in the next generation of food industry leaders. Through our comprehensive scholarship and awards programs, we provide meaningful opportunities for students, professionals, and member companies to advance their careers and make lasting contributions to our industry.

Defeat Hunger

Fighting Food Insecurity Together

DEFEAT HUNGER is one of FPSA’s most powerful expressions of industry compassion. Created in partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository,
this year - round campaign brings our members together to combat food insecurity through volunteerism, fundraising, and hands - on service.

Council - Led Annual Auction

Driving Industry Impact Through Giving

DEFEAT HUNGER is one of FPSA’s most powerful expressions of industry compassion. Created in partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, this year-round campaign brings our members together to combat food insecurity through volunteerism, fundraising, and hands-on service.

The Food Production Solutions Association (FPSA) is a dynamic community of food producers, manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers. As the only association bringing together the entire food industry across all segments and all those involved in the food production process, we work to create a collaborative environment that brings together industry leaders, experts and innovators. Through meaningful education, industry engagement, and philanthropy, FPSA and our members are shaping the future of food production.

Board Of Directors

Emerging Professionals

Women's Alliance

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An immersive conference for early-to-mid-career food industry professionals. Built around real skills, real conversations and real results.

Experience 🔹 Experiment 🔹Excel

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9:45 AM

Transportation

Catch the bus to begin your Cultivate experience. Departing from both hotels. Don't be late!

10:00 AM

Cultivate Circle Formation & Connection

Using your DiSC communication style, seek out peers who think differently; form a small group that becomes your learning community and accountability network throughout Cultivate.

10:30 AM

Opening Leadership Experience

with Jason Burke

Explore leadership lessons through growth, resilience, and entrepreneurial insights with Jason Burke, founder of The New Primal.

11:30 AM

Leadership Roundtable

with Jason Burke

Connect keynote themes to personal leadership experiences.

12:30 PM

Lunch

1:30 PM

Lab: Leadership Under Pressure

with Emma Hossack

Interactive scenarios exploring communication and decision-making under pressure.

2:30 PM

Lab: Difficult Conversations

with Amy Goodson

Practice feedback and accountability conversations.

3:30 PM

Lab: Leading Without Authority

with Leslie Minchin

Build credibility and influence without formal authority.

4:45 PM

Cultivate Circle Reflections & Leadership Commitments

Reflect on leadership lessons learned on day one and establish your leadership commitments.

6:30 PM

Welcome Reception

at RD1 Distillery

Reflect on the days learnings, create new connections, explore RD1's distillery forest, wood finishing lab and research and development center.

10:00 AM

Travel + Leadership Observation Briefing

Departing from the hotels, get ready to observe, interpret, and apply through hands-on learning.

11:00 AM

Challenge: Leadership Observation

with Site Leadership

Observe leadership, communication, culture, innovation, and operations in action at a local food producer site.

1:00 PM

Lunch on the Go

1:30 PM

Circle Debrief & Leadership Insight Exchange

with Donald Woolridge

Discuss observations and lessons learned at the local food producer facility.

2:30 PM

Challenge: Operational Leadership

with Donald Woolridge

Apply leadership concepts in realistic scenarios.

4:00 PM

Final Reflection & Leadership Action Planning

Identify next steps and commitments with your Cultivate circle.

4:30 PM

Program Conclusion

Closing reflections and send-off with a commitment to leadership growth.