Saturday, October 17
Convention Registration
7:00 am – 6:00 pm • Maryland Registration Desk
NFRA Generative AI Immersion Workshop
1:00 pm – 4:30 pm • Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
This practical, hands-on workshop is designed to help you move beyond the AI hype and learn how to use generative AI to work more efficiently and make better business decisions. Through guided instruction and interactive exercises, you’ll learn how to write stronger prompts, apply AI to everyday business challenges, evaluate AI-generated content, and use the technology responsibly within your organization.
Registration Fee: $399 per person*
*Registration fees are non-refundable; however, attendee substitutions may be made at any time prior to the workshop.
Capacity is limited to just 50 participants. Register here:
NFRA Generative AI Immersion Workshop Registration
Sunday, October 18
Convention Registration
7:00 am – 5:00 pm • Maryland Registration Desk
The Coffee Bar will be open during registration hours.
Thank you to our 2026 Coffee Bar Sponsor:
Customer Business Meetings
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
These business appointments, prearranged by attendees, provide opportunities to meet face-to-face. Attendees must be registered to participate in business appointments. Beverages will be available on the meeting room floors.
Café NFRA Open
9:00 am – 4:00 pm • Cherry Blossom Lobby
This café-style common area is a central place where attendees gather during breaks to relax and conduct informal business meetings.
Check out our interactive industry forums open to all attendees:
Private Brands Forum
8:00 am – 9:00 am • Cherry Blossom Ballroom
Private Brands represent a growing opportunity, and companies that are not participating may be missing valuable revenue and growth potential. As consumers seek both value and elevated food experiences, private brands are uniquely positioned to deliver on both expectations. This forum will bring together retailers and manufacturers to discuss trends, successful product strategies, and collaborative partnerships that strengthen shopper loyalty and drive category growth in frozen and refrigerated foods.
Ice Cream Forum • The Future of Frozen Indulgence: Consumer Insights and Innovation Opportunities for Ice Cream with speaker Lynn Dornblaser, Mintel Solutions
9:30 am – 10:30 am • Cherry Blossom Ballroom
Ice cream and novelties remain some of America’s favorite indulgences, but consumer expectations are changing rapidly. Today’s shoppers are looking for more than a sweet treat. They want products that deliver joy, comfort, excitements, and value while increasingly aligning with their health and lifestyle goals. We’ll explore these sometimes-conflicting consumer needs, including shifting priorities around health and better-for-you products. The presentation will conclude with a discussion of where opportunities may lie for ice cream and novelties over the next three years.
Supply Chain Forum • Redefining Supply Chain Resilience
10:00 am – 11:30 am • Chesapeake A & B
From tariffs and geopolitical disruption to extreme weather and man-made disasters, the food industry is shifting strategy to navigate any number of conditions impacting supply chains. In this new environment, how are food and beverage executives adapting? What are they doing to improve performance and stay competitive? And what do they expect from their vendor partners? This Supply Chain panel discussion will provide insight into how North American food and beverage supply chain decision makers are navigating 2026 amid ongoing regulatory, cost and market complexities.
Marketing Forum • Marketing for the Future: GLP-1s, the Bot Loop, and the Next Generation with speakers Dr. Russell Zwanka, Lauren Adsmond, Samantha Shaffer, and Sarah Dylewski.
11:00 am – 12:00 noon • Cherry Blossom Ballroom
Join us as we explore how GLP-1s are rapidly reshaping consumption patterns and affecting frozen and refrigerated foods in strikingly different ways. We’ll also dig into agentic AI and the rise of the “Bot Loop,” where AI agents are sorting and filtering results before humans ever see them. To close things out, we’ll hear from three Western Michigan University Food Marketing students on what these shifts mean for the future of shopping. Don’t miss it!
Small Business Manufacturers Forum with moderator Jorge Silva(The Campbell’s Company), and speakers Kimberly Dale (Giant Eagle), Drew Harrington (Snack Buddies), Sam Zien (Sam the Cooking Guy), and Colt Troyer (Folkland Foods)
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm • Cherry Blossom Ballroom
Designed for small and emerging manufacturers, this forum provides practical insights and strategies for growing a successful brand in the frozen and refrigerated categories. Explore the unique challenges and opportunities facing small businesses, from navigating the marketplace to building brand awareness, connecting with consumers, and driving growth.
Taste of Excellence
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm • Maryland Ballroom
This popular event serves as a grand opening for the Convention, providing attendees with a relaxed environment to network with colleagues while sampling the most innovative and newest products the industry has to offer.
Evening Open for Business Entertaining
7:00 pm
Monday, October 19
Convention Registration
7:00 am – 5:00 pm • Maryland Registration Desk
Breakfast Session featuring Class of 2026 First Penguin Next Generation Leadership Presentations
7:15 am – 8:45 am • Maryland Ballroom
Customer Business Meetings
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Café NFRA Open
9:00 am – 5:00 pm • Cherry Blossom Lobby
NFRA Annual Membership Luncheon
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm • Maryland Ballroom
This luncheon is the official annual business meeting of the Association where newly elected officers and directors will be installed. NFRA Chair Bill Kynast, Chobani, will give an update on the state of the Association.
Networking Reception
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm • Maryland Ballroom
This relaxed and enjoyable Convention event provides an excellent networking opportunity while celebrating the NFRA membership and their support of our industry.
Evening Open for Business Entertaining
7:00 pm
Tuesday, October 20
Convention Registration
7:00 am – 3:00 pm • Maryland Registration Desk
Breakfast Session
7:15 am – 8:45 am • Maryland Ballroom
Café NFRA Open
9:00 am – 3:00 pm • Cherry Blossom Lobby
Customer Business Meetings
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday Golden Penguin Awards Luncheon
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm • Maryland Ballroom
This luncheon will honor the winners of the 2026 Golden Penguin Awards competition. The 2026 Top Marketer Award winners will also be unveiled for the first time.
Customer Business Meetings
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Evening Open for Business Entertaining
5:00 pm