AFPA Industry Conference Schedule

Navigating Economic Uncertainty: Strategies for Investment and Growth in Alberta's Food Industry
MODERATOR: Bianca Parsons  

In an era marked by economic fluctuations, understanding how to secure financing and make informed investments is crucial for sustaining and expanding your food and beverage business. This session begins with an Economic Forecast tailored to Alberta's food sector, offering insights into upcoming market trends and potential challenges. Following the forecast, engage in a dynamic Hot Stove Panel Discussion featuring insights from ATB Financial, BDC, and MNP.

This session offers a unique opportunity to gain actionable insights from financial experts deeply involved in Alberta's agri-food sector, empowering you to make strategic decisions in times of economic uncertainty. 

Bianca Parsons
AFPA

Dennis Agbegha
BDC

Anton Bellot
ATB

Kelleen Tait
MNP

9:45 – 10:10 AM   Coffee Break and Exhibitor Showcase 

Building Alberta's Food Brands – The Power of Partnership & Innovation

Alberta has a rich history of food manufacturing success, with homegrown brands like Little Potato Company.  So what does it take to launch and grow a standout food brand? 

Join ZGM's Ric Williams as he shares behind-the-scenes strategies that drive brand and product innovation. Learn how collaboration, creativity, and strategic partnerships have helped these companies break into new markets, develop winning products, and navigate the challenges of brand-building in a competitive industry.

Whether you're an emerging food entrepreneur or an established manufacturer, this conversation will offer real-world insights into what it takes to create successful, lasting brands in Alberta's food industry.

Ric Williams
ZGM

10:40 – 11:10 AM   Coffee Break and Exhibitor Showcase 

Workplace Safety
OHS Compliance & Enforcement: What You Need to Know
SPEAKER: Melissa Garland and Sean McIntyre (OHS/ Government of Alberta)
ROOM: Main Stage
TIME: 11:10-11:55 AM

This session will equip AFPA Industry Conference attendees with key insights into Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) compliance, reporting, and legal consequences. Learn about due diligence, employer responsibilities, reportable incidents, and enforcement actions through industry case studies and real-world data.

Key Topics:

• Compliance & Responsibilities – Understanding OHS obligations for employers and employees.
  
• Incident Reporting – What qualifies as a reportable incident and how to handle it.
  
• Legal Consequences – Prosecutions, creative sentencing, and industry case studies.
  
• Industry Performance – Current WCB statistics and trends in workplace safety. 

Melissa Garland
OHS

Sean McIntyre
OHS

Food Safety
Protecting Your Brand: Strategies for Mitigating Food Fraud Risks
SPEAKER: Danni Kneeland and Alyssa Brett (Food Safety Solutions)
ROOM: Breakout 1
TIME: 11:10 – 11:55 AM 

Food Safety Solutions’ co-founder, Danni Kneeland, and director, Alyssa Brett, will present on the critical issue of food fraud. Their session will delve into the various forms of food fraud, including adulteration, mislabeling, and counterfeiting, and discuss the significant risks these practices pose to consumer health and brand integrity. Drawing from their extensive experience in food safety management, auditing, and regulatory compliance, Danni and Alyssa will provide actionable strategies for identifying vulnerabilities within supply chains and implementing robust mitigation measures. Attendees will gain valuable insights into developing comprehensive food fraud prevention plans to safeguard their products and maintain consumer trust.

Danni Kneeland
Food Safety Solutions

Alyssa Brett
Food Safety Solutions

 Technology and Innovations
Leveraging AI and Automation to Streamline Processes
SPEAKER: Aaron Toplician (TLC Solutions)
ROOM: Breakout 2
TIME: 11:10 – 11:55 AM

In today’s fast-paced business world, AI and automation are transforming operations by streamlining tasks, reducing errors, and enhancing efficiency. From AI-powered chatbots in customer service to automated production lines in manufacturing, these technologies improve speed, accuracy, and scalability. As businesses adopt AI-driven solutions, they gain agility, innovation, and a competitive edge, making automation essential for long-term success. 

Aaron Toplician
TLC Solutions

1:00 – 1:35 PM  PANEL DISCUSSION

Federal Action, Global Forces & the Future of Canadian Food Processing
SPEAKER:  Kristina Farrell, Chief Executive Officer, Food and Beverage Canada & Bianca Parsons, AFPA

As economic pressures intensify and global dynamics shift, Canadian food and beverage processors are facing serious questions about how to stay competitive—especially in the face of renewed U.S. tariff threats under Trump-era trade policy.

What do these developments mean for Canadian producers? And more importantly—what is being done at the federal level to ensure meaningful, long-term support for our sector?

Kristina Farrell
Food and Beverage Canada

1:35 – 2:15 PM  Coffee Break and Exhibitor Showcase 

Food Safety
What’s New with SQF – Fundamentals Verification Assessment & Edition 10 SQF
SPEAKER: Stefanie Sonneveld, (SQFI)
ROOM: Breakout 1 (Capacity 32)
TIME: 2:15 – 3:00pm

Stay ahead of industry changes with an in-depth look at the proposed changes for SQF Edition 10. This session will also cover the SQF Fundamentals Verification Assessment (FVA)—its purpose, process, and how it impacts your certification journey. Gain key insights to ensure compliance, improve food safety practices, and navigate the evolving SQF landscape with confidence

Stefanie Sonneveld
SQFI

Navigating New Food Labeling Regulations: What to Expect in 2026 
SPEAKER: Bruce Marshall (Nutrilytical)
ROOM: Main Stage
TIME: 2:15 – 3:00 PM 

Back by popular demand – Bruce Marshall of Nutrilytical will provide an update on the latest regulatory changes to food labeling, focusing on Health Canada's new requirements. This session will cover updates to the Nutrition Facts table and front-of-package labeling, offering a clear understanding of the changes and their impact on the food industry. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the practical implications of these regulations and learn how to ensure compliance while optimizing their product labels for clarity and consumer understanding. 

Bruce Marshall
Nutrilytical

Technology and Innovations
Launching Your Food Brand on Amazon: Key Strategies for Success
SPEAKER: Tom Harrison, TNT E-Commerce
ROOM: Breakout 2 (Capacity 48)
TIME: 2:15 – 3:00 PM 

By addressing these components, brands can navigate the complexities of the Amazon platform and establish a successful presence in the online food market. 

Breaking into the Amazon marketplace requires a strategic, well-prepared approach. This session, guided by TNT E-Commerce, will cover essential steps to make your brand Amazon Ready, including: 

• Market Research – Understanding your audience and competitors. 
• Optimized Listings – Crafting compelling descriptions and high-quality images. 
• Marketing & Ads – Leveraging Amazon’s tools to boost visibility. 
• Fulfillment & Logistics – Managing inventory and exploring FBA options. 

Learn how to navigate Amazon’s ecosystem, drive sales, and build a strong food brand online! 

Tom Harrison
TNT E-Commerce

 Alberta as an Innovation Leader: Unlocking Growth in Alberta’s Food Sector
MODERATOR: MATT LABINE, NAIT
SPEAKERS: Dana Gibson (Alberta Innovates), Jingqi Yang (Government of Alberta), Steve Jakeway (BioNeutra)

Alberta is emerging as a powerhouse in food and beverage innovation, with cutting-edge advancements shaping the industry’s future. From new product development to breakthrough processing technologies, local leaders are driving game-changing solutions that strengthen Alberta’s position on the global stage.

This panel will explore the latest trends, funding opportunities, and success stories that highlight how Alberta businesses are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Whether you’re a startup, a seasoned manufacturer, or an industry stakeholder, this session will offer practical takeaways on how to leverage innovation, access resources, and stay ahead of the competition in a rapidly evolving market. 

Matt Labine
NAIT

Jingqi Yang, PhD
Government of Alberta