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
FA&M combines informal networking with education on topics vital to food engineers.
In the Miami sunshine, processors and suppliers take advantage of abundant time for casual conversation at FA&M.
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.
Bob Wolpert, chief strategy and innovation officer, Golden State Foods, talked about the company’s involvement in blockchain initiatives to manage the supply chain.
Shawn Stevens, founding member, Food Safety Counsel, spoke about recall management and food safety.
Hispanic Cheese Makers President and CEO Mark Braun shared how his company has made sustainability a part of its culture.
Matt Kovar, engineering and facilities manager, Kellogg Company, gave the Tuesday keynote address on how automation is powered by people.
Valley Milk CEO Patti Smith, Valley Milk employees and representatives from Shambaugh & Son accepted the 2019 Food Engineering Plant of the Year award.
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.
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.
Barb Pugesek, director of customer and culture excellence, FONA, shared how the company has been successful at hiring and keeping qualified people.
Kantha Shelke, principal, Corvus Blue, closed the conference by exploring what clean label actually means.
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.
Sarah Johnston, Powerfolio commodity services director, Calpine Energy Solutions, says buying energy is not like buying office supplies.
VDG President Alex Kanaris explains how the company’s drum motors keep out bacteria.
Todd Gilliam, U.S. food and beverage leader, ABB, explained how adaptive machines are an alternative to adding or replacing lines.
Marco Better, vice president of analytics, OptTek, explains optimal production scheduling.
View of patio with adjoining golf course at Doral, where FE held its 2019 FA&M conference.
View of housing at Doral.