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Artificial intelligence isn’t theoretical anymore—it’s here, shaping how companies compete, innovate, and make decisions. Yet many leaders in food manufacturing and processing still hesitate to adopt AI, held back by concerns over privacy, culture, or simply not knowing where to start.
This webinar goes beyond “AI for the machines.” Instead of focusing on plant equipment automation, the conversation highlights how AI is becoming a practical tool for professionals in departments across the company—IT, sales, marketing, operations, compliance, and beyond. From simplifying workflows to generating new insights, AI is transforming how teams work, communicate, and create value.
In this session, FPSA brings together leaders who are embedding AI into their organizations—not to replace people, but to enhance their capabilities. Attendees will hear how Festo is rolling out its “Digital Mindset” program, creating internal champions, and training staff on prompt engineering so employees at all levels can use AI with confidence. Real-world examples, from sales lead generation to tariff analysis, will show how AI is already delivering measurable value today while helping companies prepare for tomorrow.
What you’ll learn:
- How to overcome cultural resistance and address employee fears about AI adoption.
- Practical AI applications already driving results in areas like lead generation, market intelligence, and tariff analysis.
- Why individuals who learn to use AI will have a clear advantage—and how to equip your teams with the skills they need.
- The role of digital champions and prompt engineering in building confidence and scaling adoption.
- How to position AI as a lasting competitive advantage, not just a short-term tool.
Whether you’re an OEM, a food producer, or an industry partner, this session will help you cut through the hype and start building AI into your operations in practical, strategic ways.
Speakers
Colin Gerson
Vice President of IT for the Americas
FESTO
Colin Gerson is Vice President of IT for the Americas at Festo, where he leads all IT functions across eleven business units in nine countries, supporting more than 3,000 users. With over 18 years as a global IT executive and six years as a Principal Consultant at PwC, Colin has built high-performing IT organizations across North and South America and Europe. He is the architect of Festo’s Digital Mindset strategy, advancing initiatives in AI adoption, robotic process automation, ERP transformation, and business process re-engineering. A trusted C-suite advisor, Colin specializes in aligning technology with business growth, helping organizations embrace digitalization as a driver of competitive advantage.
Eric Lescourret
Software Product Management
JBT Marel
Eric Lescourret is Director of Digital Product Management at JBT Marel, where he leads the global strategy and implementation of OmniBlu, the company’s cloud-based digital platform. With more than 20 years of experience spanning industrial, telecommunications, IoT, digital technology, and food industries, Eric brings deep expertise in product strategy, agile project management, and business development for Fortune 500 companies. He has successfully launched digital solutions that drive efficiency, optimize equipment performance, and transform customer engagement. Prior to JBT Marel, Eric held leadership roles at Cox Communications and AGCO Corporation, where he spearheaded digital transformation initiatives and developed new market channels across North America.
Ben Reeder
Director of Business Development & Marketing, Senior Manager
Webber/Smith Associates, Inc.
Ben Reeder is Director of Business Development & Marketing at WEBBER/SMITH Associates, Inc., a full-service engineering and building design firm specializing in food and beverage facilities nationwide. An active FPSA volunteer leader, Ben serves as Vice Chair of the Design-Build Network. He helps producers navigate the complexities of food-safe facility design—meeting USDA/FDA requirements, compressing timelines, and aligning multi-disciplinary engineering to real-world production needs. With prior leadership roles spanning digital marketing and e-commerce, Ben brings a practical, market-focused lens to projects ranging from greenfield builds to plant expansions, master planning, and remedial design.