Niagara University will bring together food industry leaders, innovators and experts from across the country for the 2026 Food Industry Center of Excellence Summit on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo.
This year’s summit, “Built to Thrive: Next is Now,” will explore how artificial intelligence, technology, changing consumer preferences and innovation are shaping the future of the food industry.
The summit will feature speakers from across the food, restaurant, retail and technology industries, giving attendees the opportunity to learn from professionals working on some of the most significant changes affecting the industry.
Featured speakers include Geoff Alexander, president and CEO of Wow Bao; Amanda Lai, associate partner of the Food Industry Practice at McMillanDoolittle; Laura Strange, chief public affairs and advocacy officer at the National Grocers Association; and Mary Purk, AI strategist and business transformation adviser.
Alexander brings more than 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry and has helped lead Wow Bao’s growth through restaurant technology, delivery-only kitchens and consumer packaged goods. Lai specializes in food and retail strategy, consumer insights and innovation.
Strange leads public affairs and advocacy efforts for the National Grocers Association, while Purk brings experience in artificial intelligence and business transformation. She previously co-founded the AI at Wharton research center and now works with organizations on AI adoption and transformation.
Mark Frascatore, Ph.D., dean of Niagara University’s Holzschuh College of Business Administration, will also participate in the summit. Frascatore has helped expand Niagara’s food industry and supply chain programs, including the B.S. in Food Industry Leadership and B.S. in Supply Chain Management.
The Food Industry Center of Excellence Summit provides an opportunity for food industry professionals, business leaders and educators to connect and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
The summit will run from 1 to 4:30 p.m., followed by a cocktail reception from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Registration begins at 10:45 a.m., with lunch from 11:45 a.m. to 12:55 p.m.
For more information about the 2026 Food Industry Center of Excellence Summit or to register, visit Niagara University’s Food Industry Center of Excellence Summit webpage.
