On April 10, 2026, the Talley Student Union at NC State University came alive with energy, ideas, and a shared passion for the future of food. FoodCon 2026 — themed Growing Together: Partnerships for a Resilient Food System — brought together innovators, industry leaders, farmers, entrepreneurs, and students for a full day of inspiring conversation and meaningful connection. Co-hosted by three powerhouse business schools — NC State’s Poole College of Management, Duke’s Fuqua School of Business, and UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School — this event truly embodied the collaborative spirit its theme promised.

The conference featured an incredible lineup of speakers spanning technology, sustainability, agriculture, and business. From Clarenda “Farmer Cee” Stanley, CEO of Green Heffa Farms, to Todd Dolinsky, Chief Product Officer at Trustwell, and Dr. Daniela Jones from NC State’s Biological & Agricultural Engineering department, attendees had the rare opportunity to hear directly from people who are actively shaping how we grow, distribute, and think about food. Each voice added a unique layer to the bigger conversation about building food systems that are both resilient and equitable.

Beyond the keynotes and panels, FoodCon 2026 was designed to spark real collaboration. Sessions covered everything from AI-driven agricultural innovation and circular food strategies to workforce development and sustainable investment. Attendees left not just informed, but genuinely energized — the kind of energy that comes from realizing that the challenges facing our food system are also some of the most exciting opportunities of our time.

FoodCon is more than just a conference — it’s a community. Organized by MBA students from NC State’s Poole College of Management and by Business Sustainability Associates, this event is a true testament to what students can build when they lead with purpose. Their tireless behind-the-scenes work, passion for agribusiness, and commitment to sustainability made every panel, conversation, and connection possible. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just beginning to explore this space, FoodCon is the kind of event that reminds you why it matters to show up, connect, and grow — together.

Keynote Speakers:

• Kristen Hughes Evans — Executive Director, Sustainable Chesapeake
• Clarenda “Farmer Cee” Stanley CEO, Green Heffa Farms
• Christian Anderson — Senior Agriculture Projects Manager, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
• Dr. Daniela Jones — Assistant Professor, Dept. of Biological & Agricultural Engineering, NC State University
• Todd Dolinsky — Chief Product Officer, Trustwell
• Dara Bloom — Director, NC Farmers Market Network
• Jacob Boehm — Chef/Owner, Snap Pea Creative Dining
• Eric Henry — President, TS Designs
• Will Kornegay — Founder & CEO, Ripe Revival
• Kristen Powers — Board Chair, Benevolence Farm
• Maggie Funkhouser — Director, NC Farmers Market Network
• Doug Eisner — Director of Investments, NC Biotechnology Center
• Dr. Ann Bybee-Finley — Lead, Agro-Ecology Program, NC State University
• Janae Klingler — Manager, Animal Care & Sustainability, Maola
• Ginger Allison — Founder, Baggingit4Kids (B4K)
• Heather Smith — Owner/Operator, Nolandia Farm
• Jonathan Unger — Marketing & Go-to-Market Strategy Lead, Regrow