Future Food Industry Leaders

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.

Image

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.

Additional benefits include: access to exclusive FFIL scholarships for SJU's Food Marketing graduate programs (M.S., MBA) and complimentary admission to the Annual Food Industry Summit, hosted by the renowned SJU Food Marketing faculty.

When and Where

November 5, 2025—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 23-26, 2026—Rising Star Training Conference at the Union League Liberty Hill, located 20 minutes from the SJU campus (hotel and meals included)

Why

100% of 2024-2025 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.

"Participating in this program was incredibly valuable, not only for my own growth, but for the broader impact it can have on our company. I especially appreciated the emphasis on leadership development. I can't wait to share some of my learnings with the rest of my team! The food and venue were also incredible!"
-Courtney C., Senior Customer Success Manager, INMAR Intelligence

---

"This program offers an opportunity to be introspective with respect to being a leader. There is a focus on soft skills development and exposure to thought provoking ideas and practices that help you win professionally and personally. The practical tools are shared are tools that an Associate can apply immediately that will improve their work product and personal and professional relationships. The networking amongst participants was also a huge win."
                                       -Marsha G., Retail Learning Supervisor, Wakefern

---

"Every company should take advantage of this program. It is extremely helpful to take a step back from your job and reflect on how you can improve. The program was efficient, helpful and palatable."
-Dom S., Sr. Marketing Manager, J&J Snack Foods Corp.

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, access to exclusive FFIL scholarships for SJU's Food Marketing graduate programs (M.S., MBA) and complimentary admission to the Annual Food Industry Summit, hosted by the renowned SJU Food Marketing faculty. Your sponsorship delivers a tangible return on investment for your company.

View the FFIL Video

View the FFIL Brochure

Participation in the Future Food Industry Leaders Program is $15,000 annually. Payment for the 2025-2026 program must be received no later than February 6, 2026. Installment payment plans are available.

Space is Limited. Register Today!

Contact Alison Nolan, Executive Director, 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.

Below is the 2025 Training Conference agenda for reference. This year's speaker schedule will be posted in Fall 2025.

Monday, March 24, 2025

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Thank you to the following organizations for their support
of the 2023-2024 Future Food Industry Leaders Program:

Image

Image

Image