2026 Program Highlights

Kick off the Festival with a full, hearty breakfast together and an Opening Ceremony. The morning blends expert perspectives with hands-on learning. Join a thought-provoking session on Seafood Sustainability and a Behavioral Science workshop. Participate in the Research Showcase, where students and researchers present original food systems work, and a panel on School Food Policy. Enjoy a plant-based lunch with time to recharge and connect before afternoon programming.

In the afternoon, dive into sessions exploring AI and Machine Learning for Food Systems and Nutrition and Food Security, featuring voices from academia, industry, and student-led initiatives. The day continues with a Future Food Resource and Career Fair, where you can learn about high-impact careers, and a Tech Office Hours, where you can pitch food system tech solutions and receive expert feedback. This is followed by networking activities, creating space for deeper conversations, collaboration, and community building into the evening.

Day 2 begins with a morning Meditation Session followed by a shared breakfast. Soon after, join a panel with leading companies on Alternative Protein Innovation and an expert talk on Food System Finance, bridging topics across the public and private sector. Continue the morning with workshops, including a Policy Advocacy Session focused on Global South contexts and a University Dining Advocacy workshop on strategies for institutional change, where attendees can discuss and co-create impactful interventions. Participate in the Consulting Case Challenge where finalists will pitch ideas to address challenges and opportunities in the alt protein ecosystem and receive a prize.

During lunch, join a meditative eating session and hear about Spirituality in Food. After lunch, the festival shifts into collaborative programming. Participate in the Alternative Protein Case Challenge, alongside the launch of the Finance Challenge, expert office hours, and workshop time for teams to develop their ideas. The main program concludes with an Awards Ceremony and Closing Remarks. After a group photo and light refreshments, come to a final dinner together followed by a preview screening of the film Third Degree Burnout.

Friday's Agenda

Saturday's Agenda

What to Expect

Copy of Coyle_F4T-2025_Selected_28_edite

Copy of Coyle_F4T-2025_Selected_07 (1).jpg

$5,000

$10,000+

5

in prizes and continued support through our finance, tech, consulting and research challenges

globally-inspired plant-based meals included

in student travel scholarships awarded

20+

Organizations in our resource and career fair

250+ attendees including students, industry experts, faculty, non-profit and public sector figures, and investors and founders

20+

Expert speakers and workshop leaders

Public Logistics

Please click the link above to review the Attendee Logistics for the conference. It includes everything you need to know—from how to get there and key venue locations, to accessibility, dresscode, and WiFi details.

Check out the FAQ

For any additional questions, our FAQ covers ticketing, general event details, and more. If you still need help, feel free to reach us at our email - we’ll be actively monitoring it day-of to assist!

Follow our Instagram

Be sure to check out our IG for real-time updates during the event. It’s also a great way to get a feel for who we are—featuring our speakers, panels, and plenty of of moments leading up to and throughout the festival days.

Is your ticket secured?

About half of registrants haven’t completed this step yet. A ticket is required for entry, but don't worry if you haven’t gotten one yet—you can also purchase it in person when you arrive!

A Snapshot of Your Day

Each year, we take on new challenges as we continue building stronger career pathways in the food system. This includes supporting university career offices and companies in developing effective career strategies and recruitment pipelines, while also convening events that bring together students, academics, and industry leaders for meaningful networking, learning, and career growth opportunities.

10+ Researchers Presenting!

Present original work to a diverse, interdisciplinary community committed to giving helpful feedback and connection. with experts across disciplines.

Compete for up to $3,000 in Awards!

The fun doesn't stop at the conference. Join both:

Tech Challenge – Register Your Interest Here

We invite participants to join a 1-hour networking session during lunch to form teams, followed by a 2-hour workshop block of lightning pitches to experts. Students will compete in May for $$$$ cash prizes!

Finance Challenge – Register Your Interest Here!

Interested in investment, venture capital or philanthropic strategy? Participants will join a 1-hour networking session during lunch to optionally form teams of 3–4, followed by a 1.5-hour workshop block in the afternoon where teams work closely with experts and mentors to develop and refine an idea that supports the shift toward plant-forward diets. Students will compete in May for $$$$ cash prizes!

STUDENT GROUPS + ORGANIZATIONS