More than 130 snack industry executives and guests gathered earlier this month at the Montage Deer Valley for 2.5 days of education and collaboration. The event featured business leaders and experts discussing topics like consumer decision-making, economic trends, and engaging the next generation.
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Presentations are now available to watch and download, as well as session summaries and photos below.
Welcome and State of the Industry
Kicking off the Forum, SNAC President and CEO Christine Cochran outlined what attendees could look forward to over the next two days—from meaningful networking and leadership development to timely insights on the snack industry’s evolution and the collective actions needed to keep it thriving.
Olympic Games: Helping Unify Our World
Leadership lessons from Olympic experiences, courtesy of Fraser Bullock, President & CEO of the Salt Lake City 2034 Olympic bid and former COO/CFO of the 2002 Winter Games. Drawing from his Olympic journey, he reminded leaders to focus on what matters most, pause to assess direction, and lead with resilience, discipline, and teamwork—balancing speed with vision and purpose.
Economic Roadmap for Uncertain Times
Robert Spendlove unpacked a year of economic uncertainty—tariffs shifting, costs fluctuating, and consumers adapting to constant change. Comparing today’s forecasting to “driving blindfolded while someone looks out the back window,” he noted slowing labor growth, steady but cautious consumer spending, and renewed inflation risks. His message was clear: in a world of rapid change, adaptability is everything.
Consumer Decision-Making Right Now
Chad Lusk, Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal, shared insights on navigating today’s evolving consumer landscape. As budgets tighten and habits shift, consumers are cooking more at home, seeking value, and rethinking brand loyalty. Yet snacking stays strong—especially among younger shoppers craving functional, high-quality options. His takeaway: habits formed in tough times last, so brands must innovate with authenticity and value to stay ahead.
Interactive Workshop: Leading Relationships
Steve McClatchy, bestselling author and leadership mentor, led an energizing workshop at SNAC’s Executive Leadership Forum that challenged attendees to rethink how they build trust and manage relationships. Using his Five Levels of Maturity framework, he explored the root causes of workplace drama and shared practical strategies to strengthen trust, boost confidence, and foster respect. His key message: relationships thrive when both parties feel heard and their needs are met—so check your ego at the door, whether in the boardroom or at home.
Product Development for Challenging Times
Barb Stuckey shared how R&D teams can stay agile in today’s rapidly evolving snacking landscape. She explored shifting expectations around flavor, format, and nutrition, the challenge of balancing innovation with timing, and the need for natural ingredients that deliver both functionality and supply stability. Her message was clear: in a fast-moving market, R&D success requires moving fast—and moving smart.
Gen-Z Decoded: The Forces Shaping a Generation
Amy He revealed how this generation’s focus on wellness, authenticity, and small indulgences is driving new opportunities for brands. Gen Z trusts creators over corporations, embraces the “little treat” mindset, and views health as social currency. Her takeaway: brands that align with Gen Z’s values and lifestyle—without losing flavor or fun—will earn lasting loyalty.
Gen-Z Snacking: Digital, Convenient, and Delivered
Instant is the new normal, according to Michael Peroutka, Head of Partnerships at @Gopuff. He shared how Gen Z is redefining convenience, discovery, and loyalty—expecting delivery in under 30 minutes, discovering products through TikTok trends, and favoring bold innovation over imitation. His takeaway: to win with Gen Z, brands must be digital-first, fast, and relentlessly innovative.
The Gold Medal Mindset
We closed out this year’s Forum with none other than eight-time Olympic medalist Apolo Ohno. In a sport defined by fractions of an inch and split seconds, Apolo learned to master the mental game, perform under pressure, and lead with purpose. Now, as an operator, investor, and speaker, he focuses on sharing how those high-performance habits relate to business—an inspiring finish to an incredible series of sessions on performance, mindset, and leadership.
