2019 Food Automation & Manufacturing Conference and Expo
Processors gathered in Miami for the 20th annual Food Automation & Manufacturing Conference and Expo, where they learned about the challenges and opportunities facing food processors. Sessions included automation and engineering keynotes, a panel discussion of the challenges facing women in manufacturing, food safety, leadership and sustainability.
Posted: August 12, 2019
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FA&M combines informal networking with education on topics vital to food engineers.
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In the Miami sunshine, processors and suppliers take advantage of abundant time for casual conversation at FA&M.
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Anthony Doss, vice president-engineering, poultry, Tyson, gave his keynote address on the role of engineering in building and operating the food plant of the future.
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Bob Wolpert, chief strategy and innovation officer, Golden State Foods, talked about the company’s involvement in blockchain initiatives to manage the supply chain.
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Shawn Stevens, founding member, Food Safety Counsel, spoke about recall management and food safety.
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Hispanic Cheese Makers President and CEO Mark Braun shared how his company has made sustainability a part of its culture.
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Matt Kovar, engineering and facilities manager, Kellogg Company, gave the Tuesday keynote address on how automation is powered by people.
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Valley Milk CEO Patti Smith, Valley Milk employees and representatives from Shambaugh & Son accepted the 2019 Food Engineering Plant of the Year award.
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Wednesday morning’s keynote address was by Gabrielle Kalkwijk, president of global manufacturing operations, Dawn Foods. She spoke on forging your own path in your career.
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A panel discussion of women in food manufacturing focused on the challenges women face and how the industry can get more girls and young women interested in technical and engineering careers.
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Barb Pugesek, director of customer and culture excellence, FONA, shared how the company has been successful at hiring and keeping qualified people.
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Kantha Shelke, principal, Corvus Blue, closed the conference by exploring what clean label actually means.
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Joyce Longfield (center), chairperson of the Cold Pressure Council, and Jake Deleon (right), founder of Origin Almond beverages, explained the benefits of using HPP to Casey Laughman, (left), FE editor-in-chief, and the FA&M audience.
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Sarah Johnston, Powerfolio commodity services director, Calpine Energy Solutions, says buying energy is not like buying office supplies.
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VDG President Alex Kanaris explains how the company’s drum motors keep out bacteria.
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Todd Gilliam, U.S. food and beverage leader, ABB, explained how adaptive machines are an alternative to adding or replacing lines.
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Marco Better, vice president of analytics, OptTek, explains optimal production scheduling.
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View of patio with adjoining golf course at Doral, where FE held its 2019 FA&M conference.
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View of housing at Doral.