Join Us Live For
FoodCon 2026
April 10, 2026 | Talley Student Union - NC State
THEME: GROWING TOGETHER - Partnerships For A Resilient Food System
2026 Theme
Growing Together: Partnerships For A Resilient Food System
2026 Sponsors
About Event
FoodCon brings together industry leaders and innovators to explore trends, share insights, and drive solutions for the future of food. It is organized by MBA students passionate about food, agribusiness, and sustainability and co-hosted by Poole College of Management, NC State University, Duke Fuqua and UNC Kenan-Flagler.

Kristen Hughes Evans
Executive Director, Sustainable Chesapeake
Profile

Clarenda “Farmer Cee” Stanley
CEO, Green Heffa Farms Profile

Christian Anderson
Senior Agriculture Projects Manager, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay Profile

Dr. Daniela Jones
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Biological & Agricultural Engineering - NC State University Profile

Todd Dolinsky
Chief Product Officer, Trustwell Profile

Dara Bloom
Director, NC Farmers Market Network Profile

Jacob Boehm
Chef/Owner, Snap Pea Creative Dining Profile

Eric Henry
President, TS Designs Profile

Will Kornegay
Founder & CEO, Ripe Revival Profile

Kristen Powers
Board Chair, Benevolence Farm Profile

Maggie Funkhouser
Director, NC Farmers Market Network Profile

Doug Eisner
Director of Investments, North Carolina Biotechnology Center. Profile

Dr. Ann Bybee-Finley
Lead, Agro-Ecology Program,
NC State University
Profile

Janae Klingler
Manager, Animal Care & Sustainability - Maola Profile

Ginger Allison
Founder, Baggingit4Kids (B4K) Profile

Heather Smith
Owner/Operator, Nolandia Farm Profile

Jonathan Unger
Marketing & Go-to-Market Strategy Lead, Regrow
Profile
Conference Agenda
FoodCon 2026 brings together leaders across technology, policy, investment, and workforce development to explore the future of resilient food systems. From AI-driven innovation to circular food strategies, the conference features keynotes, panels, and networking opportunities designed to spark collaboration and impact.
The most anticipated conference is coming
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is food and agriculture an interesting area for MBAs?
By the year 2050, we will need to produce at least 50% more food to keep up with population growth and demographic shift. However, natural resources like arable land and potable water are limited. Growth will need to involve innovative solutions, technologies and efforts across the supply chain from the field to the fork. Business leaders will be integral to growing the industry and steering the many companies that support the sector. We see this challenge as an opportunity to generate value and impact in multi-disciplinary, fast paced and dynamic industry.
Where will the conference be held?
The conference will be located at NC State University’s Talley Student Union on the third floor.
Where can I park for the conference?
All attendees can park at the Coliseum Parking Deck at the paid parking lots.
Will lunch be provided?
Yes a light breakfast and a lunch will be catered for the event and included in your ticket price.
What is the dress code?
The recommended attire is business casual. We want you to be comfortable for a full day of sessions, but polished enough for networking with industry speakers.
Are there specific dietary options available?
Yes. Our catering includes vegetarian and gluten-free options. If you have a severe allergy or specific dietary requirement, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing ncfoodcon@gmail.com.
Is there a digital app or a printed schedule?
We will provide a schedule on the back of your name tag for the event and we will also have a schedule printed on QR codes for the event.
Past Sponsors & Partners
