The Food Production Solutions Association (FPSA) unveiled the complete program for its Food Solutions Exchange & Conference (FSX) 2026, March 11-13, 2026 at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, Calif. 

The intimate gathering of approximately 200 senior executives from across the food industry will feature an enhanced educational program and expanded networking opportunities designed to foster meaningful connections and strategic collaboration.

"FSX 2026 represents our commitment to bringing together thought leaders and authoritative voices in food production to tackle the most pressing challenges facing our industry," said Chris Lyons, president and CEO of FPSA. "This year's programming reflects what we're hearing from our members—they need practical insights from fellow industry leaders who understand the complexities of managing growth, implementing new technologies, and navigating an increasingly dynamic global marketplace."

The conference will open Wednesday evening with a compelling panel discussion titled "The Growing Pains of Success: Why Risk Scales Faster Than Revenue," featuring Kimberli Carroll, President & CEO of Ruiz Foods; Dave Zilko, Founder & CEO of Skinny Butcher LLC; and Bob Grote, CEO of Grote Company. Moderated by Ben Reeder of ARCO Design/Build, this candid conversation will explore how to balance ambitious growth with operational stability and organizational culture.

Thursday's programming features Jake Hall, known as The Manufacturing Millennial, leading an interactive general session on "The Future of Manufacturing: Technology & Workforce." Hall will explore how automation, AI, and workforce trends are reshaping competitive advantage in food production, followed by facilitated roundtable discussions where attendees will apply these insights to their own operations.

The conference concludes Friday with the presentation of the prestigious Richard L. Knowlton Award presented by MeatingPlace to Caviness Beef Packers and its leadership team, followed by a closing keynote from Dr. Chris Kuehl, Managing Director of Armada Corporate Intelligence. Dr. Kuehl will provide essential economic intelligence on how tariffs, reshoring, and geopolitical changes are influencing costs, supply chains, and strategic planning for food and equipment manufacturers.

Throughout the three-day event, attendees can choose from breakout sessions covering FPSA's five core educational topics: Food Safety, Technology & Innovation, Workforce & Human Capital, Regulatory Developments, and Career & Leadership Development. 

Sessions feature real-world case studies and interactive formats designed to deliver actionable takeaways for executive-level participants.

"While education has always been at the heart of any conference, we are taking it further this year by creating more opportunities for attendees to connect outside formal sessions," Lyons added. "These experiential activities allow executives the chance to build relationships in relaxed settings where some of the most valuable conversations happen."

New for 2026, FSX is expanding its experiential offerings to include a Wind Turbine Tour on Thursday, March 12. This unique behind-the-scenes experience gives attendees an up-close look at wind turbine technology and renewable energy solutions, complete with expert guides and lunch. The conference also features two golf opportunities through the Defeat Hunger Golf Classic, the Women's Alliance Network Pack-It event benefiting FIND Food Bank, and the highly anticipated Live Auction and Dinner where 100% of proceeds support industry scholarships and charitable causes.

"The feedback we consistently hear is that some of the most valuable aspects of FSX are the informal conversations that happen over golf, during activities, or at the auction dinner," said Lyons. "These shared experiences create the foundation for relationships that extend well beyond the conference itself."

Registration is now open for FSX 2026, with an early bird deadline of February 8, 2026. A discounted group rate is available at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa through February 6, 2026. The closest airport is Palm Springs International (PSP).

Find complete programming details, registration information, and to view the full schedule.

About FPSA
The Food Production Solutions Association (FPSA) unites the entire food production industry across all segments, creating a collaborative environment for OEMs, service providers, and food producers. Through meaningful education, industry engagement, and philanthropy, FPSA and its members are building a sustainable future for food production. 

Food for Thought: Food Innovation Sessions Include…

Harnessing AI for Stronger, Faster and Sustainable Innovation

March 13, 2026
1:45 PM-2:30 PMPT

Presenter: Snehdeep Brar, vice president commercialization, LT Foods Americas 

Description: Discover the future of food production with an in-depth exploration of artificial intelligence (AI) applications. Gain practical insights on how machine learning, predictive analytics, and generative models can revolutionize various stages of food product development. Learn to anticipate trends, design with precision, and optimize ingredients to create innovative solutions. Uncover strategies to build AI literacy within your teams, foster cross-functional collaboration, and integrate AI-driven decision-making into your workflows. Address challenges such as data quality, ethics, and change management while identifying new opportunities to enhance sustainability and shorten time-to-market. Equip yourself with a framework to evaluate and integrate AI opportunities, driving the food industry towards a more efficient and innovative future.

Cracking the EPR Code: How to Navigate the U.S.’s Rapidly Changing Packaging Laws

March 13, 2026
1:45 PM-2:30 PMPT

Presenter: Jason Bergquis, president, RecycleMe 

Description: Drawing on lessons from mature EPR markets in Europe and early adopters in North America, Jason will share practical strategies to stay ahead of regulatory pressures, manage compliance costs, and turn compliance into a competitive advantage. This session is essential for leaders aiming to prepare for future challenges, whether or not “sustainability” is part of their job titles.

Key Topics Covered:
* States with new or proposed EPR laws, compliance deadlines, and reporting expectations.
* Managing compliance costs effectively, avoiding common pitfalls in fragmented program designs, and leveraging EPR for business growth.
* Best practices for successful EPR adoption, maximizing both environmental and business impact. 

Trade Turbulence and the Road Ahead: How Tariffs, Costs, and Global Shifts Are Reshaping Food & Equipment Manufacturing

March 13, 2026
3:00 PM-4:30 PMPT

Presenter: Chris Kuehl, managing director and co-founder, Armada Corporate Intelligence 

Description: Global trade dynamics are shifting fast — and with them, the realities facing U.S. food and equipment manufacturers. In this closing general session, Dr. Chris Kuehl will cut through the noise to explain how tariffs, reshoring, and geopolitical changes are influencing costs, supply chains, and competitiveness across the food production ecosystem.

Known for his sharp wit and down-to-earth economic insights, Kuehl will translate complex global trends into practical takeaways for today’s manufacturing leaders. He’ll explore how policy shifts, global uncertainty, and market pressures are shaping long-term strategy — and how companies can stay adaptable, confident, and competitive amid continual change.