Welcome to the OSU Sustainable Food Manufacturing Forum
Our vision is to enable a food economy where producers of all scales can live and work sustainably, profitably, and passionately regardless of their differences.
This forum is intended to create an inclusive space that activates Oregon’s food and beverage community around shared goals AND creates a sustainable coalition that continues progressing those goals long term.
Agenda for the Day
9:00 - 9:30 AM | Check In
9:30 - 10:15 AM | Welcome
10:15 - 11:00 AM | Session 1
11:00 - 11:15 AM | Break
11:15 - 12:00 PM | Session 2
12:00 - 12:45 PM | Session 3
12:45 - 1:30 PM | Lunch & Networking
1:30 - 1:45 PM | Break
1:45 - 2:30 PM | Session 4
2:30 - 2:45 PM | Break
2:45 - 3:30 PM | Debrief & Closing Remarks
3:30 PM | Departure
Food & Beverages:
Coffee, Tea, and Water All Day
Light Breakfast at Check- In
Lunch Buffet Accomodating Dietary Restrictions
Light Snacks in the Afternoon
Location and Parking
Location
The OSU Sustainable Food Manufacturing Forum is held at the CH2M Hill Alumni Center on the beautiful OSU campus is Corvallis, Oregon.
The CH2M Hill Alumni Center is conveniently located:
- On the Oregon State Campus
- Across the street from Reser Stadium and the Hilton Garden Inn
- One mile to the Courtyard by Marriott
- One mile to downtown Corvallis
CH2M Hill Alumni Center
725 SW 26th Street, Corvallis, OR 97331
Accommodations
Accommodations for disabilities may be made by contacting Sheri Cole, sheri.cole@oregonstate.edu
Parking
Nearby parking lots to Alumni Center:
- Reser Stadium lot
- Parking Structure 1 on 26th Street
Parking Permits
- Visitors may park in any A, B, or C lot on campus with a valid parking permit between 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday.
- Permits are required year-round, even when classes are not in session.
- You may purchase daily parking permits online or hourly parking permits from one of the many pay stations on campus.
Lodging and Dining Options
Lodging
The Hilton Garden Inn is the only hotel on the OSU campus.
The Courtyard by Marriott is within a mile of the Alumni Center.
Dining
Corvallis offers a wide variety of dining choices, from Thai to Indian, seafood to Italian, sushi, fine dining, and more.
Many Corvallis eateries specialize in locally-sourced food from the surrounding area and cater to vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free lifestyles.
Our focus is expanding the conversation we began last year about why a vigorous, sustainable, and equitable food and beverage industry in Oregon matters and how identifying common ground where we work together can activate the future we envision.
Who should be there - we know that impactful conversations and meaningful outcomes come from diverse perspectives.We’re looking for thought leaders who span Oregon’s F&B community who are already working to create meaningful change and want to meet others to spark ideas, catalyze new collaborations and deepen network relationships. Included are established and emerging manufacturers, food hubs and networks, business leaders, non-profits, advocates for sustainability and underserved communities, education, government and business and economic development.
How it’ll work – we’re flipping the format on its head and focusing on moderated breakout sessions where you get to shape the agenda, the outcomes and the conversation using an ‘unconference’ format. Bring your ideas for the topics you want to engage in with your peers.
Why an Unconference?
An unconference is a unique, participant-driven event that challenges the traditional conference model. Instead of a predetermined schedule and set speakers, attendees of an unconference collaborate to determine the agenda and lead discussions on topics that interest them. It fosters an environment of open dialogue and exchange of ideas among peers, as well as an opportunity to network and build relationships. Unconferences often have a relaxed and informal atmosphere, encouraging active participation and engagement from all attendees. It's a dynamic and innovative way to bring together a diverse group of individuals and encourage the exploration of new ideas and perspectives.
Ultimately, sessions are brainstormed and decided by attendees the day-of the event, and each session is a roundtable discussion that all contribute and no one leads, pontificates or holds court. Everyone gets to participate and share equally.
Think of this as a conference that is driven by its participants. Unlike traditional conferences, an Unconference allows for flexibility, open discussion, and debate, all fueled by its attendees. Innovative conversations with some of the brightest people, important purposes and tasks discussed without any formal agenda, and unplanned dialogues led by ultimately what peaks your interest most.
Come to build a collaborative network, establish partnerships, and be in a close community of people that value the same or similar topics of discussion. The sessions will be broken up into multiple 45- minute discussions and spaces are reserved for gatherings that happen throughout the day.
The Facilitator, Megan O'Leary, is the Ex Director of Member Services from OEN is going to facilitate our Unconference event. A great experienced facilitator makes the event, so prepare yourself for a wonderful time.
Multiple session topics are decided by attendees the morning of the event, and may include such things as the following.
- Better distribution systems for Oregon’s F&B industry – what’s working, what’s not and innovation on the horizon
- Fostering diversity and inclusion in Oregon’s F&B industry – challenges and solutions
- Navigating the world of funding – grants, VC and non-profit support organizations
- Leveraging OSU’s F&B manufacturing programs – what’s happening and how to participate
- Food Hubs – what do they look like, how do they work and how can that help my company?
- Mentoring – how do processors of all sizes work together now and how can that be improved?
Ultimately, sessions are decided by attendees, and each session is a roundtable discussion that where all contribute and no one leads, pontificates or holds court. Everyone gets to participate and share equally.
Registration Instructions:
Please review all the conference information on the website before you register. You will be prompted first to set up an account with your email, create a password and provide some security questions (to recover your account if you forget your password).