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!
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
What shapes a career over time - and what keeps people engaged, growing, and moving forward?
In this candid, conversation-driven session, FPSA’s Women’s Alliance Network (WAN) brings together a group of members to share the real stories behind their careers—how they got started, the decisions and pivots along the way, and what continues to motivate their work today.
This is not a presentation. It’s an open discussion. Panelists will reflect on career progression, mentorship, skill development, and defining moments that influenced their path—along with what success looks like at this stage in their careers.
Designed to be interactive, this session invites audience questions and participation throughout. Whether you’re early in your career or further along and rethinking what’s next, this conversation offers practical perspective from peers across the FPSA community.
Expect an honest conversation about:
How careers actually evolve over time—not just on paper
Key decisions, pivots, and inflection points
The role of mentors, networks, and support systems
Skills and habits that made the biggest difference
How individuals define success at different stages of their career
Speakers
Kristen Lee
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS INITIATIVES
ReFed
Kristen Lee serves as Director of Business Initiatives, leading ReFED's work on the U.S. Food Waste Pact—the first national data-driven, pre-competitive collaboration on food waste reduction.
Previously, Kristen worked in sustainability in corporate foodservice operations, first with Aramark on the Nike WHQ account and, most recently, with Compass Group on the Google Food Program in the Bay Area.
Outside of work, Kristen has taught as an adjunct lecturer at Santa Clara University on food industry innovation and sustainability. They enjoy being outside, swimming, foraging, and cycling long distances to raise money for climate action and justice organizations with Climate Ride.
Ryan Lynch
PRACTICE DIRECTOR, SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICE
The British Standards Institute (BSI)
Ryan Lynch is the Practice Director of BSI's Sustainability Practice, and leads a team of practitioners focused on driving collective action to advance decarbonization, climate action, and sustainable supply chains. He and his Climate/Carbon team develop and manage GHG reporting programs, conduct Life Cycle Assessments, develop Carbon Reduction Management Programs, and deliver Climate Risk Adaptation Programs. He and his Sustainable Supply Chain team also have extensive experience related to decent work, forced labor, and EHS/GHG improvements in global supply chains.
Bob Garrison, Moderator
DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT- FOOD & BEVERAGE MANUFACTURING AND INNOVATION SECTOR
BNP Media
In February 2026, BNP Media named Bob Garrison Director of Industry Engagement for the company’s Food & Beverage Manufacturing and Innovation Sector. This group includes eight industry titles and four events.
Broad industry titles include Prepared Foods (innovation / R&D), Food Engineering (food operations/automation), Packaging Strategies and Refrigerated & Frozen Foods (cold chain). Vertical industry titles include Beverage Industry, Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery (including Candy), National Provisioner (meat/poultry/seafood) and Dairy Foods.
Prior to this role, Garrison served from 2012 through 2025 as Editor-in-Chief of Prepared Foods, a title serving 43,000 qualified food and beverage executives influencing new products—from consumer insights and strategic innovation through food science, R&D, culinary, nutrition and purchasing.
Bob Garrison, Moderator
DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT- FOOD & BEVERAGE MANUFACTURING AND INNOVATION SECTOR
BNP Media
In February 2026, BNP Media named Bob Garrison Director of Industry Engagement for the company’s Food & Beverage Manufacturing and Innovation Sector. This group includes eight industry titles and four events.
Broad industry titles include Prepared Foods (innovation / R&D), Food Engineering (food operations/automation), Packaging Strategies and Refrigerated & Frozen Foods (cold chain). Vertical industry titles include Beverage Industry, Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery (including Candy), National Provisioner (meat/poultry/seafood) and Dairy Foods.
Prior to this role, Garrison served from 2012 through 2025 as Editor-in-Chief of Prepared Foods, a title serving 43,000 qualified food and beverage executives influencing new products—from consumer insights and strategic innovation through food science, R&D, culinary, nutrition and purchasing.
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