Building innovative solutions to food system challenges requires diligent networking and a constant exchange of ideas, and a good summit does both. So, we here at Branchfood have done a bit of the heavy lifting for you and compiled this list of upcoming summits and other events -- all the way up until June! If we find anything else, we’ll mention it on our Facebook or Twitter, so make sure to follow them for more food tech related info!
Food Tank Summit DC
(WASHINGTON, DC | FEBRUARY 2ND, 2017)
The topic of this year’s summit: building better food policy. And who better to discuss food policy than the roster of food system leaders that Food Tank has assembled for the event? Notable politicians, business leaders, and media convene in Washington D.C. at the Jack Morton Auditorium for a summit that is sure to be an informative look at the future of food policy.
Source: Food Tank
Food & City Challenge Prize
(AUSTIN, TX | FEBRUARY 4TH, 2017)
The Food & City Prize, now in its third year, returns again. On February 4th, the finalists of a rigorous start-up selection process will compete for $50,000. The event is free, and event-goers can expect to enjoy snacks and drinks from local Austin companies including True Food Kitchen, Easy Tiger, and Austin Java.
Food System 6 Impact + Innovation + Investment Forum
(SAN FRANCISCO, CA | FEBRUARY 9TH, 2017)
The Food System 6 startup accelerator, based out of San Francisco, is hosting this day-long forum at the California Academy of Sciences. Three speakers are confirmed -- Jason Clay of the World Wildlife Fund, Jonathan Foley, from the California Academy of Sciences, and Secretary Karen Ross of the California Dept. of Food & Agriculture -- and more are promised.
Greenbiz Summit
(PHOENIX, AZ | FEBRUARY 14TH-16TH, 2017)
Alright, so it’s not exactly food tech, but the GreenBiz Summit is worth considering if you are at all interested in the intersection of business and sustainability. As food innovators, we are responsible for building a better, cleaner, and more just food system, and understanding green business is part of that.
World Ag Expo
(TULARE, CA | FEBRUARY 14TH-16TH, 2017)
Self-described as a “marketplace” and a “celebration of all things ag,” the World Ag Expo celebrates its 50th anniversary in February. Given that last year’s attendance was 106,349 people, it’s safe to say that it’ll be a big event, full of seminars on topics ranging from improving livestock production to multi-channel marketing.
startupbootcamp’s Food Tech Accelerator Demo Day
Source: Startupbootcamp
(ROME | MARCH 10TH, 2017)
Though it’s based in Rome, this startup accelerator focuses on globally-minded food-tech innovators from around the world. After narrowing down their pool, the remaining startups participate in an intensive 3-month program, the results of which are due to be shown in March. The demo day event is limited to professionals and journalists, but those interested can apply for an invite through the startupbootcamp website.
Food Bytes San Francisco Pitch
(SAN FRANCISCO, CA | MARCH 16TH, 2017)
Billed as “pitch competition-meets-networking”, this event is but one in a series that Food Bytes has been organizing successfully since 2015. Applications to pitch are due January 20th, however, so those interested in pitching should apply very soon!
Good Food Festival
(CHICAGO, IL | MARCH 16TH-18TH, 2017)
This three-day event promises both variety and erudition. Day one is dedicated to information about financing and innovation, while day two centers on education, trade, and food policy. The obvious culmination? Day three -- a food festival full of artisanal food products, DIY workshops, and chef demos.
Future Food-Tech San Francisco
(SAN FRANCISCO, CA | MARCH 29TH-30TH, 2017)
Geared towards the innovation & investment in food, Future Food-tech is the premier gathering of food industry experts, innovators, and investors. Featured speakers include the likes of Margaret Dohnalek, a technology scout for PepsiCo, and David Lee, the COO & CFO of Impossible Foods, among others. Branchfood is a marketing partner for this event and happy to extend $300 off registration ticket using code: BRANCH300.
Food Tank Summit Boston
(BOSTON, MA | APRIL 1ST, 2017)
Did you like Food Tank’s DC Summit? If so, then their Boston summit aims to be equally enticing. The topic this time is “Investing in Discovery”. Speakers joining the summit include Tom Philpott, the Food & Ag correspondent for Mother Jones, Danielle Nierenberg, the President of Food Tank, Ian Brady, the Co-Founder & CEO of AVA, who recently joined Branchfood for a panel on the intersection of food tech and health, and our very own, Lauren Abda, founder at Branchfood.
Seeds & Chips
(MILAN | MAY 8TH-11TH, 2017)
Located in Italy, Seeds & Chips is another summit to keep an eye on. The summit is broad in scope and though it heavily features Italian businesses and speakers, there are just as many European and American speakers and exhibitors. After all, doesn’t a global food system require global innovation?
Food Safety Summit
(ROSEMONT, IL | MAY 8TH-11TH, 2017)
Food safety is of paramount importance. However, ensuring that food is handled, packaged, transported, and cooked safety involves a lot of moving parts. The Food Safety Summit brings together food industry experts and educators for a three-day conference centered around solutions to practical safety concerns.
Food Innovate Summit
(AMSTERDAM | MAY 22ND-24TH, 2017)
Food entrepreneurs looking for another summit would do well to check out the Food Innovate Summit in Amsterdam. Like most summits, they’ve assembled a diverse roster of industry leaders to speak. Even though it seems that it’s geared towards the European market, there are enough planned events and speakers for everyone to find something they are interested in.
Thought for Food Summit
(AMSTERDAM | MAY 24TH-27TH, 2017)
So, you’re in Amsterdam for the Food Innovate Summit. Why not go to the Thought for Food Summit as well? This year’s topics include the future of agtech, big data, ethics and sustainability, driving innovation, and much more. Speakers and programs have yet to be announced but if last year’s program is any indication, quality is most certainly guaranteed.
Menus of Change Initiative Summit
(HYDE PARK, NY | JUNE 20TH-22ND, 2017)
The Culinary Institute of America will be bringing back their Menus of Change Leadership Summit for its 5th year. Topics covered include food transparency and supply chains, the future of protein, and the role of culinary professionals in changing consumer attitudes.
