The seventh annual Making It in Michigan conference and Premier Specialty Food Marketplace Trade Show will take place Nov. 12 at the Lansing Center in downtown Lansing, Michigan. This year’s conference theme is “Fresh Thinking for Success – New Ideas for Building an Iconic Brand and Instilling Brand Engagement With Retailers and Customers.”
The Michigan State University Product Center Food-Ag-Bio designed this conference for those who are involved in the food industry as well as those who are looking to make their food business idea a reality.
The MSU Product Center website says that, “Conference attendees will be equipped with the practical knowledge and industry resources needed to move an idea from the concept stage to a finished and marketable product. Attendees will be able to evaluate and refine business ideas, connecting with industry experts that offer insights making their businesses more efficient and profitable.”
This year, the MSU Product Center is pleased to announce Garden Fresh Gourmet founder Jack Aronson and co-CEO John J. Latella as members on the keynote panel. Garden Fresh Gourmet is a Michigan business that started out as part of a restaurant venture, but has grown to earn more than 450 major national and international awards for its products, and to become the single largest producer of fresh salsa in North America. Both business leaders will share the company story and field questions from the gathering of entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Kroger is also a welcome addition as a featured partner for the event. Kroger and the MSU Product Center have collaborated over the past years in creating an in-store marketplace for Michigan-grown and Michigan-made products. Their support of Making It in Michigan is an excellent way to continue the partnership.
“We highly value Kroger’s initiative to create a dedicated Michigan section promoting Michigan companies and showcasing the diversity and assortment of great local food,” says Matt Birbeck, MSU Product Center’s High Impact Venture Action Team project manager.
It’s not too late to register! Conference registration includes breakfast, lunch, educational sessions, digital access to the educational sessions and reference materials, and admission to the Marketplace Trade Show. Early conference registration is $79. After Nov. 1, conference registration is $99. Vendor registration is $185. Register on the Product Center website.
The MSU Product Center was established in 2003 with funds from AgBioResearch and Michigan State University Extension to improve economic opportunities in the Michigan agriculture, food and natural resource sectors.
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