2025 AFPA AGM Agenda

25.01 Call to Order

25.02 Appoint recording secretary & scrutineer

25.03 Approval of Agenda

25.04 Approval Minutes 2024 annual meeting

25.05 Financial Statements

25.06 Appointment of the Auditor

25.07 Composition of the Board

25.08 Election of Directors

25.09 New Business

25.10 Annual Report / A Year in Review

25.11 Adjournment

Board of Directors

Current Directors up for Re-Election

Scott Exner  MLT Aikins LLP
Brian Espiritu  Foothills Creamery
Kelleen Tait  MNP
Michael Poynton  BDC *will not stand for re-election

New Nominations

Khadija Jiwani  Aliya’s Foods
Anton Bellot  ATB
Jason Dailey  BDC
Kent Wang  Olaf Packaging
Ric Williams  ZGM

Continuing Directors

Louis Bontorin  Calgary Italian Bakery
Eric Haak  Sunrise Bakery
Tim Hill  Sani Marc
Andrew Polturak  Sunrise Bakery
Joe Swiston  WOW Factor Desserts
Paige Rey  Wolfe Honey
Danni Kneeland  Food Safety Solutions
Chris Tomita  Capital Fine Meats

DAY PROGRAM | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Registration & Exhibitor Showcase

• Explore innovative products and services designed to help food and beverage businesses scale and succeed.
  

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Celebrate the bounty of our province with a custom Made in Alberta lunch

12:30 PM – 1:00 PM | AFPA Introductions & Annual General Meeting

• Key highlights from AFPA’s Annual Report in the Chair’s address, including an update on the future of the Made in Alberta program

1:00 PM – 1:30 PM | ATB Economic Update and Market Forecast

1:30 PM – 2:00 PM | MNP: Canada’s Agri-Food Competitiveness: Where Do We Stand?

2:15 PM – 3:00 PM | “How Local Brands Get Big: A Retail Buyer’s Perspective”

• Featuring Gary Hughes, Local Development Specialist, Sobeys Prairies

We’ll kick things off with a powerful presentation from MNP, sharing new national research on how Canada’s food industry compares to others around the world.

Are we doing enough to stay competitive? What can Alberta companies do to lead the way? You’ll leave with a better understanding of where the opportunities are—and how to stand out in a global marketplace.

Featuring Gary Hughes, Sobeys Prairies, and Alberta-Made Success Stories

What does it really take to get your Alberta-made product onto the shelves of major retailers? Join Gary Hughes, Local Development Specialist with Sobeys Prairies, alongside a panel of local success stories who’ve done just that.

Gary will share his experience helping local producers and small businesses scale their products and navigate the path to listing with Sobeys, Safeway, and IGA stores across the Prairies. Hear first-hand what retailers are looking for, how to prepare your business for growth, and the common challenges Alberta brands face along the way.

Whether you’re already on shelves or planning your retail debut, this panel is packed with practical insights to help you take your next step in retail—and beyond.

EVENING PROGRAM | 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Alberta Food & Beverage Awards Gala
Location: Deerfoot Inn & Casino | Sundance A&B | Plated Dinner for 130 Guests

4:30 PM | Registration Opens

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Cocktail Reception

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Plated Dinner & Awards Presentation

• Celebrate the best in Alberta food and beverage with a custom plated dinner and inspiring awards presentation honouring exceptional local products and people making an impact in our industry.