This year, we're innovating how we bring knowledge to our community. Rather than only solo presentations, we're curating multi-perspective sessions where experts share their insights, then facilitate peer-to-peer learning. The result: audiences hear diverse angles on critical challenges and leave with peer-tested solutions.

We're seeking practitioners—equipment manufacturers, food processors, regulators, and industry professionals—who bring authentic expertise and real success stories to share.

You can submit multiple proposals to different sessions. Each proposal takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

OUR SPEAKER PHILOSOPHY

We're seeking:

• Authentic expertise from practitioners (not generic consultants)
• Real-world success stories with specific examples
• Diverse perspectives (manufacturers, producers, regulators)
• Multiple sectors (dairy, meat/poultry, food/beverage)
• Willingness to share candidly and engage with peers

We're NOT seeking:

• Polished, heavily-scripted presentations
• Sales pitches or promotional content
• Liability-sensitive failure case studies
• Generic industry overview talks
• Presentations that avoid real challenges

10-15-minute presentation
+ moderated peer discussion

You share your expertise and success story in 10-15 focused minutes. A professional moderator weaves your presentation with 1-2 other speakers' perspectives, then facilitates discussion where the audience brings their real challenges. You're invited to participate in the discussion as well.  We will match speakers for these sessions, or, if you have a colleague in mind, be sure that both of you submit your proposals and make a note that you'd like to present on that topic together.

Why Option 1?

• Multiple perspectives create richer learning.
• Peer discussion surfaces solutions individual presentations can't.
• Your prep time is minimal.
• Audiences leave with actionable insights, not just information.

Best For:

• Success stories
• Case studies
• Real-world examples
• Specific expertise
• Diverse viewpoints on one topic.

Speaker Preparation Time:

• Light (2-3 hours)
• 10-15 minutes to record a 2-3 minute video OR write a 15-minute outline
• 30-minute prep call before Summit

Submission Options: Choose one

• Video Submission: Record yourself (phone is fine) answering:
  "What's your expertise on this topic and what's one success story you'd share?" (2-3 minutes max.)
• Written Outline: 15-minute presentation outline (bullet points, 3-4 main sections, 2-3 stories/examples, key take away)

Solo presentation to the full room.

You own the full 45 minutes.

Deliver your content, approach, and perspective as you see fit.

Q&A at the end.

Best For:

• Powerful keynote stories
• Complex technical content
• Established thought leadership requiring full time.

Speaker Preparation Time:

• Moderate-to-substantial (5-10 hours)
• Develop full presentation with slides/handouts
• Practice delivery
• Submit full presentation slides/handouts by April 1, 2027 for committee review.
• Manage full 45-minute slot

Submission Requirements:

• Presentation working title
• Abstract (2-3 paragraphs explaining what you intend to present.  )
• Outline (bullet points of main sections of presentation)
• Why you? (What is your expertise on this topic?  Why are you the right person to speak on this?)

Limited Slots:

Option 2 is limited to keynote sessions and select technical deep dives.