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Come join your peers for a unique networking opportunity. Gain insights from Subject Matter Experts, network with local/regional industry leaders, tour the Multivac facility, and end with a fantastic social event.
Session 1: The Future of Food Manufacturing: Workforce, Technology Adoption & Organizational Readiness
Kevin Whorton President of Whorton Research
Drawing from executive interviews and industry research, this session will explore the workforce, technology, and organizational trends shaping food manufacturing over the next decade. Attendees will gain an exclusive preview of key findings and practical insights to help their organizations prepare for what's ahead.
Session 2: From Insight to Action: How Manufacturers Are Preparing for What's Next
Moderated Panel Discussion
Building on the research findings, industry leaders will share how their organizations are addressing workforce shortages, knowledge transfer, training, automation, and AI adoption. Through real-world examples and candid discussion, panelists will explore what it takes to prepare for the future while delivering results today.
Chris Osias
Field Service Technician, Multivac Group
Chris Osias is a Field Service Technician at Multivac Group and a proud graduate of the Food Industry Technician (FIT) Program. Since completing the program, he began his career as a Maintenance Mechanic at West Liberty Foods, where he gained hands-on experience maintaining and troubleshooting food processing and production equipment, before building a career servicing and commissioning food packaging equipment throughout the U.S. Chris enjoys solving technical challenges, helping others grow, and sharing his experience to inspire future technicians. He is honored to represent the FIT Program and discuss how it helped shape his professional journey.
Thomas Hunter
Service & Installation Manager, Friesen's Inc.
Thomas Hunter is the Service & Installation Manager at Friesen's Inc., where he leads field service, installation, facility maintenance, and recruiting efforts for technical teams supporting industrial automation systems across North America. A retired U.S. Navy veteran with 24 years of service, Thomas has spent his career leading people, solving complex technical challenges, and building high-performing teams.Throughout his career, he has hired, trained, and mentored technicians in manufacturing, facilities, and field service environments. He is passionate about developing the next generation of skilled trades professionals and believes that technical ability, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to keep learning are the foundation of a successful career.Thomas is honored to participate in today's roundtable discussion and looks forward to sharing industry perspectives while learning from the students and fellow professionals.
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Louis Townsend, Moderator
Executive Director, Food Industry Technician (FIT) Development Program
Louis provides strategic, operational, and industry leadership for FIT, a nationally recognized workforce development program that prepares technicians for careers within food production equipment manufacturing and food processing companies and is an initiative of FPSA. Louis brings more than 15 years of leadership experience across nonprofit, healthcare, and complex operational organizations, with a background spanning finance, operations, compliance, organizational strategy, workforce leadership, and enterprise-wide process improvement. Working closely with food manufacturers, equipment suppliers, educators, and workforce partners, Louis is committed to helping employers strengthen technical talent pipelines and prepare the next generation of skilled workers for the food manufacturing industry.