What's Happening?
The Food Production Solutions Association (FPSA) is introducing a new leadership development conference, Cultivate: Leadership Growth Lab, aimed at addressing the leadership gap in the food manufacturing and production industry. Scheduled for November
5-6 in Lexington, Kentucky, the conference targets early-to-mid-career professionals. The initiative comes as the industry faces a transition with Baby Boomers retiring and younger generations stepping into leadership roles. According to FPSA's research, a significant portion of new hires in the industry lack leadership skills, and many companies do not have adequate leadership programs in place. The Cultivate program will focus on practical leadership experience through Labs, Challenges, and Accountability. Participants will engage in interactive labs, a business simulation, and a tour of a local food production facility. The event will feature a keynote address by Jason Burke, CEO of The New Primal, who will share insights from his leadership journey.
Why It's Important?
This conference is crucial as it addresses a significant skills gap in the food manufacturing sector, which is vital for maintaining the industry's competitiveness and efficiency. As the workforce demographic shifts, with Millennials and Gen Zers taking on more leadership roles, the need for effective leadership training becomes more pressing. By providing hands-on leadership practice, the Cultivate program aims to equip the next generation of leaders with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of the industry. This initiative could lead to improved operational efficiency and innovation within companies, ultimately benefiting the broader economy by ensuring a steady supply of skilled leaders in a critical sector.
What's Next?
The conference is set to take place in early November, with registration closing on October 30. Companies are encouraged to send multiple attendees, with a special offer for those sending two participants to receive a complimentary third registration. The success of this conference could lead to similar initiatives in other sectors facing leadership challenges. Stakeholders in the food production industry will likely monitor the outcomes of this event to assess its impact on leadership development and consider implementing similar programs within their organizations.
