Future Food Industry Leaders
Overview
Investing in Your Company's Future
New Workforce ▪ Current Workforce
Recruiting ▪ Networking
Join us for the Future Food Industry Leaders Program at Saint Joseph’s University. This annual two-part program is designed to deliver an ROI for your company while supporting the university in developing the best and the brightest talent to keep our industry sustainable.
Who
FFIL is hosted by the East Coast Food Retailer and Supplier Coalition on behalf of the Academy of Food Marketing at Saint Joseph's University. Retailers, wholesalers and foodservice providers are welcome to join the coalition at any time. Food, beverage and consumer packaged goods manufacturers and third-party vendors that support the industry are invited and encouraged to participate.
What
FFIL is an annual program delivering three key benefits for your organization:
- Recruiting Entry-Level Talent—SJU Food Marketing students hit the ground running on day one. Whether you need a co-op, intern, or full-time employee, our students know and enjoy the industry, reducing the learning curve while increasing retention. As a sponsor of the program, you receive access to our pipeline of industry-ready talent.
- Continuing Education for Current Employees—The program includes registration for one (1) of your employees to attend our Rising Star Training Program. This week-long leadership conference will cultivate the skills necessary to become an exceptional leader in your organization.
- Industry Networking—FFIL provides multiple opportunities throughout the year to network with trading partners and learn from others within the industry.
When and Where
October 29, 2024—Industry Networking and Recruitment Reception at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, PA (Attendees include retailers, wholesalers, foodservice providers, manufacturers, third-party vendors, and SJU Food Marketing students)
March 24-27, 2025—Rising Star Training Conference at the Union League Liberty Hill, located 20 minutes from the SJU campus (hotel and meals included)
Why
100% of 2023-2024 FFIL Training Participants agree:
- My company should continue to participate in the FFIL program.
- I can apply this week's learnings to my daily job.
- This week was a good use of my time.
"There is tremendous value in this immersive approach to development. I couldn't get this anywhere else, no matter how many books I read or TED Talks I watch!"
-Stephen R., Sales Team Lead, The Emerson Group"This training conference was truly inspiring and enriching. I particularly appreciated the opportunity to network with fellow attendees and industry professionals, fostering meaningful connections that I'm confident will endure beyond the training program. Thank you for creating a platform where future leaders in the food and CPG industry can come together to learn, share ideas, and inspire one another."
-Misha P., Chief of Staff & Customer Officer, SAP Consumer Industries"This was a transformative experience. I returned to my role immediately energized with new ideas, aha moments to share, and best practices from the best and the brightest in the field. This experience will continue to impact me well into my career."
-Brian R., Category Manager, UNFI
How
This is the only "ask" from the SJU Academy of Food Marketing each year. Your $15,000 contribution entitles your company to two (2) tickets to the Networking and Recruiting Reception, one (1) registration for the Rising Star Training Conference, and unlimited access to our Food Marketing students for co-ops, internships and full-time placements. Your sponsorship delivers a tangible return on investment for your company.
View the FFIL Video
View the FFIL Brochure
Register
Participation in the Future Food Industry Leaders Program is $15,000 annually. Payment for the 2024-2025 program must be received no later than January 31, 2025. Installment payment plans are available.
Space is Limited. Register Today!
Contact Alison Nolan, director of events and sponsorships, for questions and additional information (anolan@sju.edu, 610-660-1602).
Proceeds raised from this program support scholarships, experiential learning opportunities, co-op education, internships and job placement for food marketing students at Saint Joseph’s University.
Rising Star Training Conference
Below is the 2024 Training Conference agenda for reference. The March 2025 agenda will be posted in Fall 2024.
Monday, March 25, 2024
12:00-1:00 p.m. | Welcome Lunch | |
1:00-5:30 p.m. | Building a Negotiation Mindset | The Black Swan Group - Former Law Enforcement Personnel trained as expert hostage negotiators |
6:30-8:00 p.m. | Reception/Dinner |
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
8:30-9:30 a.m. | Integrated & Brave Leader(ship) | Dr. Dana H. Born - Faculty Chair, Senior Executive Fellows Program, Harvard Kennedy School of Government - Brigadier General, USAF, Ret. |
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Rotating Sessions | Achieving Sustainable Inclusion | Eric Ellis -President/CEO, Integrity Development Corp. |
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Rotating Sessions | Defining Your Personal Brand | Dr. Janée Burkhalter - Associate Provost for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Saint Joseph's University - Professor of Marketing |
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Rotating Sessions | Flying Through Fear: How Vulnerability Fuels Success | Michelle Curran - Former Major, Fighter Pilot and Thunderbird Pilot, USAF - Founder, Upside Down Dreams |
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Rotating Sessions | Influencing Others with Self-Awareness | Dan Gallagher - Founder & CEO, Gallagher Leadership |
6:15 p.m. | Reception/Dinner |
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
8:30-9:30 a.m. | GRIPE: Turning Complainers Into Collaborators | Will Bowen - Author of #1 International Best-Selling Book, A Complaint Free World |
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Rotating Sessions | Developing Team Psychological Safety | Dr. Ron Dufresne - Chair and Professor of Management, Haub School of Business, Saint Joseph’s University |
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Rotating Sessions | Executive Presence and Coaching | Doug Van Dyke - Leadership Consultant and Executive Coach - CEO, Leadership Simplified |
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Rotating Sessions | The Importance of Sleep for Executives | Dr. Philip Gehrman - Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine |
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Rotating Sessions | Make Happiness Your Competitive Edge | Ashish Kothari - Founder and CEO, Happiness Squad |
6:15 p.m. | Reception/Dinner |
Thursday, March 28, 2024
8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Flawless Execution Under Pressure | Don "Stryker" Haley - Executive Consultant, Afterburner - Air Power Strategist, F-15E Evaluator Pilot, USAF |
12:30-1:30 p.m. | Lunch | |
1:45-3:00 p.m. | Business As Unusual | Jack Uldrich - Global Futurist, Best-Selling Author |
Sponsors
Thank you to the following organizations for their support
of the 2023-2024 Future Food Industry Leaders Program: