Carrie Barber and Top CEOs Headline the Lineup (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Kalamazoo, Michigan – Leaders from major food and beverage firms prepare to dissect merchandising trends, marketing tactics, and consumer behaviors at Western Michigan University’s annual Food Marketing Conference.
Carrie Barber and Top CEOs Headline the Lineup
The event boasts a roster of high-profile speakers ready to offer frontline perspectives on industry challenges. Carrie Barber, CEO of Dawn Foods, anchors the processor executives alongside other influential voices.
Attendees will hear from 11 representatives across prominent companies. These leaders hold pivotal roles in sales, growth, and customer strategy. Their sessions promise practical takeaways for navigating a competitive landscape.
- Gary Seagraves, Region Vice President, Mondelez International
- Bruce Brown, Chief Customer Officer, WK Kellogg Co.
- Doug Vandevelde, Chief Growth Officer, WK Kellogg Co.
- Joey Matos, Senior Director of Sales, Danone
- Clare Galvao, VP-Sales Growth & Capabilities, Kellanova
- Madeline Paciorek, Associate Manager, Category Management, Kellanova
- Shayna Krawczyk, Customer Executive, Hormel Foods
- Deepak Jose, Vice President, Head of Data Sciences and Business Intelligence, Niagara Bottling
- Stephanie Gallo, Chief Marketing Officer, Gallo
- Streten Gajic, SVP-National Grocery, Keurig Dr Pepper
Six Core Topics Shape the Agenda
Organizers structured the two-day program around essential themes that reflect current industry shifts. Sessions span broad areas from generational preferences to technological advances.
Participants can expect deep dives into practical applications. The lineup balances forward-thinking ideas with actionable strategies. Topics include Trends & Generations, Thought Leadership, Growth & Innovation, Brand Building, The Evolving Consumer, and Tech & Transformation.
Over 1,000 Professionals and Students Unite
The conference draws executives from retailers, processors, brokers, and vendors. More than 36 presenters contribute to discussions projected to attract over 1,000 attendees.
Western Michigan University’s Haworth School of Business sponsors the gathering at the Radisson hotel. Students from the nation’s top food and consumer packaged goods marketing program play a central role. This blend fosters networking across experience levels.
| Company | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Mondelez International | Regional sales leadership |
| WK Kellogg Co. | Customer and growth officers |
| Kellanova | Sales growth and category management |
| Hormel Foods | Customer execution |
Bridging Strategy and Real-World Application
The March 24-25 event underscores WMU’s stature in food marketing education. Sponsors and participants alike value its role in connecting theory with practice.
Industry watchers anticipate fresh ideas on consumer engagement amid economic pressures. Speakers’ diverse backgrounds ensure varied viewpoints on growth opportunities.
Key Takeaways from the Agenda:
- Explore generational trends shaping purchases.
- Discover tech tools transforming operations.
- Gain insights on building enduring brands.
As food leaders converge in Kalamazoo, the conference stands poised to influence strategies for months ahead. Register soon via the official WMU Food Marketing Conference site.
This gathering highlights the sector’s resilience and adaptability. What strategies intrigue you most? Share your thoughts in the comments.
