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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260930T120000
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UID:742-1790769600-1790803800@greatlakesift.org
SUMMARY:2026 Suppliers' Day
DESCRIPTION:2026 Suppliers’ Day\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin us at the Great Lakes IFT Annual Suppliers’ Day at Devos Place.  Start the day at the annual Expo by visiting with our exhibitors\, then network with your peers at the After Party. \n\n\n\n\nGet Your Booth\n\n\n\nRegister to Attend\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAttending\n\n\n\nExhibitors\n\n\n\nSponsorship\n\n\n\nAfter Party\n\n\n\nStay\n\n\n\nTechnical Seminars\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhy Attend?\n\n\n\n\n\n	\n	\n		\n		\n	\n\n\n\n\n\nStay Ahead\n\n\n\nLearn from industry experts and discover the latest trends and innovations in the food & beverage industry. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n	\n	\n		\n		\n	\n\n\n\n\n\nMake Connections\n\n\n\nNetwork with suppliers\, peers\, and decision-makers from across the food industry. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n	\n	\n		\n		\n	\n\n\n\n\n\nFind Solutions\n\n\n\nDiscover new ingredients\, technologies\, and services to solve today’s challenges and drive tomorrow’s growth. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n	\n	\n		\n		\n	\n\n\n\n\n\nCelebrate Together\n\n\n\nEnd the day with great conversation\, dinner\, drinks\, and connections at our After Party. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nNew this year: Students! Display your poster presentations at the show. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nSchedule\n\n\n\n11:00 AM – 2:00 PMExhibitor Set-up12:30 PM – 2:00 PMTechnical Sessions2:00 PM – 5:30 PMSuppliers’ Expo6:00 PM – 9:00 PMAfter Party\n\n\n\nRegister to Attend\n\n\n\n\n\nLocation\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nExhibitor Booths\n\n\n\nGet $50 off booth registration when registering before May 31\, 2026! \n\n\n\nRegistration fee: $525 \n\n\n\nIncluded with your Booth:\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n10’x10′ Exhibiting Space\n\n\n\n\n  \n8′ Black Drape behind booth\n\n\n\n\n  \n3′ Black Drape on either side of space\n\n\n\n\n  \n(1) Booth sign with Company Name & Booth #\n\n\n\n\n  \nCarpet\n\n\n\n\n  \n(1) 6′ Table w/Black Tablecloth\n\n\n\n\n  \n(2) Chairs\n\n\n\n\n  \n(1) Wastebasket\n\n\n\n\nExhibitor booth registration includes a box lunch. \n\n\n\nGet Your Booth\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInstructions: Registering a Booth\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBooths with a green fill are open for reservation. \n\n\n\n\nZoom into the map booth below to see more details on each booth – number\, size\, and cost.\n\n\n\nOnce you’ve found the right booth\, click on it to select. The panel on the left should display the relevant booth information.\n\n\n\nWhen you’re ready to move forward\, click “reserve” on the left panel. You’ll be taken to the exhibitor portal to complete your reservation.\n\n\n\nIn the registration page\, you’re able to select booth add-ons & sponsorships to your reservation.\n\n\n\nOnce you’ve selected any add-ons & your information is correctly entered – press “Reserve” at the bottom of the page. You’re all set!\n\n\n\n\nOnce you’ve registered you’ll receive information via the provided email\, as well as the link to your individual exhibitor portal. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBooth Extras\n\n\n\nPurchased in your ExpoFP Exhibitor profile.\n\n\n\n\n\nLead Retrieval\n\n\n\n$125 \n\n\n\nTrack your leads! Using your smart phone\, download the lead retrieval app and scan the badges of the attendees you talk to at the show! \n\n\n\nAdd comments to your leads and download your leads full information including ratings/comments in an excel spreadsheet. \n\n\n\n\nOne purchase per company – can be downloaded by multiple people\n\n\n\nDownloadable app for Android and iOS\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nElectricity\n\n\n\n$75 \n\n\n\n\n\nExtra 6′ Table\n\n\n\n$25 \n\n\n\n\n\nLogo on Booth on Floor Map\n\n\n\n$50 \n\n\n\n\n\nLogo on Scrolling Banner on Map\n\n\n\n$100 \n\n\n\n\n\nFeatured Listing\n\n\n\n$150 \n\n\n\n    Your company placed at top of list \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCancellation policy\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n$225.00 refundable prior to August 18\, 2026\n\n\n\n$150.00 refundable prior to September 1\, 2026\n\n\n\nNo refunds after September 1\, 2026.\n\n\n\nContinuing to the registration page for Great Lakes Section IFT Suppliers’ Expo 2025 and selecting “Agree” signifies your agreement to these terms and conditions.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBecome a Suppliers’ Day Sponsor\n\n\n\nGive your company additional exposure and support the Great Lakes IFT Section at the same time! \n\n\n\nPurchase sponsorships in your ExpoFP Exhibitor profile. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLake Superior (Gold)\n\n\n\n$2000 \n\n\n\n\n    Logo in Booth on Expo Floor Plan \n\n\n\n    Logo in ALL Expo eMarketing as Sponsor \n\n\n\n    Signage at Expo \n\n\n\n    Logo on Expo Webpages \n\n\n\n    Logo in Header on Expo Floor Plan \n\n\n\n    Featured Listing in All Searches and Categories \n\n\n\n    Lead Retrieval \n\n\n\n    Dedicated eMarketing (send us your artwork) \n\n\n\n    Full Page Ad in Buyers’ Guide \n\n\n\n    (8) Tickets to After Party \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLake Huron (Silver)\n\n\n\n$1500 \n\n\n\n    Logo in Booth on Expo Floor Plan \n\n\n\n    Logo in ALL Expo eMarketing as Sponsor \n\n\n\n    Signage at Expo \n\n\n\n    Logo on Expo Webpages \n\n\n\n    Logo in Header on Expo Floor Plan \n\n\n\n    Half Page Ad in Buyers’ Guide \n\n\n\n    (4) Tickets to After Party \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLake Michigan (Bronze)\n\n\n\n$1000 \n\n\n\n    Logo in Booth on Expo Floor Plan \n\n\n\n    Logo in ALL Expo eMarketing as Sponsor \n\n\n\n    Signage at Expo \n\n\n\n    Logo on Expo Webpages \n\n\n\n    Quarter Page Ad in Buyers’ Guide \n\n\n\n    (2) Tickets to After Party \n\n\n\n\n\nLunch Sponsor\n\n\n\n$1500 \n\n\n\n    Signage in Lunch Area \n\n\n\n    Logo on Expo Pages \n\n\n\n    Logo on Booth Map \n\n\n\n    Featured Listing on Booth Map \n\n\n\n\n\nAfter Party Sponsor\n\n\n\n$1500 \n\n\n\n    Signage in Entry Area \n\n\n\n    Signage in After Party \n\n\n\n    Recognition on webpages & e-marketing \n\n\n\n\n\nSnack Station/Coffee Sponsor\n\n\n\n$750 \n\n\n\nSupply the snacks throughout the day! \n\n\n\n    Signage at Dedicated Food Displays \n\n\n\n    Logo on Expo Pages \n\n\n\n    Logo on Booth Map \n\n\n\n    Featured Listing on Booth Map \n\n\n\n\n\nWi-Fi Sponsor\n\n\n\n$500 \n\n\n\nLimit of 1. \n\n\n\n\n\nLanyard Sponsor\n\n\n\n$100 \n\n\n\nProviding approximately 400 lanyards and badge holders with your company’s logo. \n\n\n\nLimit of 1. \n\n\n\n\n\nBag Sponsor\n\n\n\nGenerously sponsored by Carroll Products/Cello-Wrap Packaging \n\n\n\n\n$100 \n\n\n\nProvide approximately 200 bags with your company’s logo. \n\n\n\nLimit of 1. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2025 Buyers Guide\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBuyers Guide Ads\n\n\n\nGet your ad into the show directory. Soft copies of the directories will also be used to market the 2025 Expo. \n\n\n\nFull Page Ad: $400.00 \n\n\n\nHalf Page Ad: $250.00 \n\n\n\nQuarter Page Ad: $150.00 \n\n\n\nLogo: $100.00 \n\n\n\nAll ads must be received by August 31\, 2026 to be included in the Guide. All ads should be in JPEG\, PDF or EPS form. \n\n\n\nAd Sizes (No Bleeds)\n\n\n\nFull page: 8.5×11 \n\n\n\nHalf page horizontal: 8.5×5.5 \n\n\n\nHalf page vertical: 4.25×11 \n\n\n\nQuarter page: 4.25×5.5 \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter Party\n\n\n\n\n\nFollowing the expo\, join fellow attendees\, exhibitors\, and industry professionals at the Great Lakes IFT Suppliers’ Day After Party for an evening of conversation\, connection\, and celebration. \n\n\n\nHeld at IDC inside the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel\, this event is the perfect opportunity to unwind after a successful day at DeVos Place while building valuable industry relationships in a relaxed atmosphere. \n\n\n\nDon’t miss this opportunity to continue the conversation and cap off a great day at Suppliers’ Day! \n\n\n\nRegister to Attend\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPricing\n\n\n\n$65/person\n\n\n\nEach After Party ticket includes 2x drink tickets.\n\n\n\nAdditional drink tickets available for purchase online\, venue will not have a cash bar.\n\n\n\n\n\nLocation\n\n\n\nIDC in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel\n\n\n\n187 Monroe Ave. NW\n\n\n\nGrand Rapids\, MI 49503\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmway Grand Plaza\, Curio Collection by Hilton\n\n\n\nBook your hotel room for the event a special rate. \n\n\n\nLocated at: 187 Monroe NW\, Grand Rapids\, MI 49503\, US \n\n\n\nBook Your Stay\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n12:30pm\n\n\n\n – 12:50pm\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhere Sustainability Meets Profitability\n\n\n\nCreating Upcycled Ingredients From Side Streams & Byproducts\n\n\n\n\nDiscover how cutting-edge\, energy-efficient technology is transforming food processing byproducts into high-value\, market-ready products; while reducing waste. This session explores how circularity in the food system can be both sustainable and profitable\, with real-world case studies highlighting ingredient innovations\, natural plant-based food dyes\, compostable packaging\, and bioplastics. Learn how companies are 100% of their harvest\, cutting emissions\, and tapping into fast-growing markets through strategic valorization of byproducts. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPresented by \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLiz Weaver\n\n\n\nDirector of Marketing & Business Development\n\n\n\nGTF Technologies\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBio\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLiz Weaver is a strategic business leader who drives growth at the intersection of marketing\, business development\, and operational excellence. With a background in progressive marketing leadership roles\, she brings experience in brand strategy\, customer engagement\, and organizational effectiveness. \nAt GTF\, Liz leads initiatives that strengthen market presence\, foster meaningful customer relationships\, and align business objectives with execution. Known for translating complex challenges into clear\, actionable strategies\, she helps organizations build efficient processes\, drive collaboration\, and achieve sustainable growth. \nLiz is passionate about connecting people\, ideas\, and opportunities to create lasting impact for businesses and the communities they serve. \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n12:50pm\n\n\n\n – 1:10pm\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFrom Field to Finished Product\n\n\n\nNavigating Sustainable Ingredient Sourcing\n\n\n\n\nSustainability goals increasingly require deeper visibility into ingredient sourcing\, but many brands aren’t sure where to start. This session will explore how brands can work more effectively with ingredient suppliers to gather the information needed for life cycle assessments and understand the agricultural practices behind the ingredients they use. \nWe’ll discuss practical ways R&D and procurement teams can engage suppliers to learn about regenerative and sustainable farming practices\, supply chain data\, and ingredient sourcing. The session will also provide an overview of current certifications and frameworks available to support sustainability or regenerative claims\, helping brands better navigate a rapidly evolving landscape. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPresented by \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRachel Klataske\n\n\n\nSenior Director of Business Development\n\n\n\nNu Life Market\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBio\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRachel Klataske is the Senior Director of Business Development at Nu Life Market\, a vertically integrated sorghum mill in Scott City\, Kansas\, where she partners with farmers\, brands\, and food manufacturers to expand the use of sorghum and advance sustainable\, traceable ingredient supply chains. \nA graduate of the Kansas State University Bakery Science and Management program\, Rachel began her career in Research & Development at Post Consumer Brands. With experience spanning product development\, ingredient sourcing\, and business development\, she brings a practical perspective on connecting agricultural sustainability goals with R&D\, procurement\, and commercialization strategies. \nRachel also serves on the American Society of Baking Board of Directors and the Kansas State University Department of Grain and Food Science External Advisory Board. \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n1:10pm\n\n\n\n – 1:40pm\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKeynote: Understanding the Drivers Behind Consumer Food Choices\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsumer preferences don’t exist in a vacuum. The foods\, flavors\, ingredients\, and experiences consumers seek are often a reflection of the broader forces shaping their daily lives. From health goals and financial pressures to cultural influences\, convenience needs\, emotional well-being\, and evolving values\, these underlying drivers influence how consumers think about food and ultimately what they purchase. \nUnderstanding these motivations helps uncover the “why” behind changing behaviors\, allowing brands to move beyond trend observation and develop products\, messaging\, and experiences that resonate on a deeper level. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPresented by \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMark Staples\n\n\n\nVice President of Global Marketing\n\n\n\nKalsec\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBio\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMark W. Staples Jr. is a global marketing executive with more than 25 years of experience leading marketing transformation\, digital strategy\, customer engagement\, and commercial growth for organizations including Kalsec\, Kellogg Company\, Coca-Cola\, and EMC. \nAs Vice President of Global Marketing at Kalsec\, he leads worldwide marketing strategy\, brand development\, digital transformation\, and commercial marketing initiatives that drive business growth and strengthen customer relationships. \nThroughout his career\, Mark has built award-winning marketing organizations\, developed data-driven customer strategies\, and led large-scale business transformations that have generated significant revenue growth\, operational efficiencies\, and industry recognition.
URL:https://greatlakesift.org/event/2026-suppliers-day/
LOCATION:Devos Place\, 303 Monroe Ave. NW\, Grand Rapids\, Michigan\, 49503\, United States
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