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 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—Included in the program is registration for one (1) of your employees to 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 to network with trading partners and learn from others within the industry.
When and Where
November 2, 2022—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 27-31, 2023—Rising Star Training Conference at the Union League Liberty Hill located 20 minutes from the SJU campus (hotel and meals included)
Why
Participants in the 2021-2022 program highly recommend FFIL:
- 100% of attendees agree that their company should continue to participate in the FFIL program.
- 100% of attendees said the program will position them as a better leader in the future.
"This is one of the strongest conferences I have attended on personal training and development to become a great leader."
-Michael M., Team Leader, B&G Foods
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.
Register
Participation in the Future Food Industry Leaders Program is $15,000 annually. Payment for the 2022-2023 program must be received no later than February 15, 2023. 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
AGENDA
Monday, March 27, 2023
5:00 p.m. |
Cocktail Hour and Welcome Dinner |
|
7:00-8:00 p.m. | DREAM BIG! |
Rudy Ruettiger |
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
8:00-9:00 a.m. |
Integrated & Brave Leader(ship) |
Dana H. Born - Faculty Chair, Senior Executive Fellows Program, Harvard Kennedy School of Government - Brigadier General, USAF, Ret. |
9:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. |
Achieving Sustainable Inclusion |
Eric Ellis |
9:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. |
Developing Team Psychological Safety |
Dr. Ron Dufresne |
9:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Rotating Sessions |
Navigating Conflict and Negotiation |
Keri Clapp, J.D. |
9:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Rotating Sessions |
Influencing Others with Self-Awareness |
Dan Gallagher |
6:15 p.m. | Group Dinner and Executive Panel |
Dr. John Stanton Dan Croce Rebecca Lupfer Maria Machita Mike Pierson |
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
8:00-9:30 a.m. |
Finding the Space to Lead: An Introduction to Mindful Leadership |
Janice Marturano |
9:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. |
Wellness & Performance |
Dr. Shaun Tyrance |
9:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. |
What Type of Leader are You? |
Mark Tully |
9:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. |
The Importance of Sleep for Executives |
Dr. Philip Gehrman |
9:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Rotating Sessions |
Executive Presence |
Dr. Lucy Ford |
6:15 p.m. | Group Dinner and Team Activity |
Thursday, March 30, 2023
8:00-9:00 a.m. |
Create a Thriving Culture in a VUCA World |
Doug Conant |
9:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. |
Recruitment and Retention in a Post-Pandemic Environment |
Dr. Ernest Baskin |
9:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. |
Sustainability as Strategy |
Dr. Diane Phillips |
9:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. |
Finance for Non-Financial Executives |
Tom McAloon |
9:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Rotating Sessions |
The "Confluential" Future of Commerce |
Bryan Gildenberg |
6:15 p.m. |
Group Dinner and Student Panel |
George Latella - Visiting Instructor of Food, Pharma and Healthcare, Haub School of Business, Saint Joseph’s University |
Friday, March 31, 2023
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
Flawless Execution |
Don "Stryker" Haley |
Sponsors
Thank you to the following organizations for their support of the Future Food Industry Leaders Program: