SNAC International’s Executive Leadership Forum (ELF) is the premier education, strategy, and networking event for leaders across the snack industry value chain—producers, marketers, suppliers, and innovators.
Over the course of 2.5 days, senior executives come together in an intimate, scenic setting to engage in high-level discussions and build meaningful connections with peers. The agenda is designed with a business-first mindset, offering strategic insights on navigating today’s complex landscape—from shifting consumer expectations and economic uncertainty to regulatory challenges under a new Administration.
What to Expect:
Thought-provoking sessions on consumer decision-making, economic trends, and engaging the next generation
A customizable agenda with optional activities designed to encourage informal networking
A chance to recharge and reflect with leaders shaping the future of snacks—from challenger brands to global companies
With limited attendance and curated programming, ELF delivers a rare opportunity to step back, think big, and lead forward.
Be the First to Know
Registration for the 2026 Executive Leadership Forum will open soon. Sign up to receive updates on registration, speakers, and program announcements.
- The Future of Snacking
- The Future of Food Retail
- The Economics of Food Manufacturing
- Trade and the Global Supply Chain
- Trust in the Food System
- Sustainability as Competitive Advantage
- The Future of Food Policy
- Washington and the Midterms
See what made the 2025 event a success and get a preview of the insights and connections you can expect next year.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
- SNAC Committee Meetings by invitation only
- Optional Recreation
- Opening Reception and Dinner
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
Education Sessions and Discussion
SnackPAC Reception
Open Evening & Dine Around
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
- Education Sessions and Discussion
- Optional Recreation
- Closing Reception and Dinner
MEET OUR PRESENTERS
RICK KAISER
Master Chief (SEAL), USN (Retired)Executive Director, Navy SEAL Museum Fort Pierce
Leadership Challenges Under Stress
Stories of lessons learned after 34 years in the SEAL Teams
LEARN MORE ABOUT RICK
Rick was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After attending Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL (BUD/S) training Class 109 in Coronado, California, he was assigned to SEAL Team TWO in 1980. Rick deployed three times with SEAL Team TWO 2nd Platoon, specializing in Winter Warfare, Sniping, and Combat Swimming. He was assigned to SEAL Team SIX in 1985 acting as lead diver, breacher, and sniper.
In 1993, Rick received the Silver Star for Valor during the Battle of Mogadishu (Black Hawk Down). He served as the Training Chief and lead sniper from 1993-2000. He then served as Deputy Operations Officer from 2001-2013, overseeing and managing numerous combat deployments post 9-11 of SEAL Team SIX personnel to Afghanistan, Iraq, Africa, and many other locations around the world.
Retiring after 34 years of distinguished service, Rick joined the Museum as Executive Director in 2013. Under his leadership, the Museum has experienced exceptional growth and renovation. In 2015, Rick began the Navy SEAL Museum Charities Program to serve the families of Naval Special Warfare.
With a vision to establish a second Navy SEAL Museum in San Diego, California, Rick first served as Chief Operating Officer before becoming Chief Executive Officer of the National Navy SEAL Museum. As CEO from 2020 to 2025, he led the successful expansion to the West Coast, culminating in the opening of the San Diego campus in October 2025. In 2026, Rick resumed his role as Executive Director of the National Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida, where continued evolution and expansion remain underway. He resides in Vero Beach, Florida, with his wife, Barbara.
- Tuesday, September 29
- 8:45 - 9:30am
STEVE MCCLATCHY
Keynote Speaker and Author of the award-winning New York Times Bestseller "Decide: Work Smarter, Reduce Your Stress & Lead by Example"Leading Change
Are you ready to drive impactful changes within your organization? Join us for an insightful keynote tailored for CEOs and senior executives, focused on mastering the art of leading change in today’s dynamic business landscape. This speech explores the critical role of leadership in organizational transformation, offering actionable strategies to inspire teams, navigate resistance, and ensure lasting results. Through real-world examples and proven frameworks, you’ll discover how to foster a culture of innovation and resilience while aligning your vision with execution.
Attendees will leave equipped with practical tools and fresh perspectives to confidently lead change initiatives and propel their organizations forward. Whether you’re navigating mergers, digital transformation, or a shift in corporate culture, this keynote will empower you to turn challenges into opportunities and maximize stakeholder engagement. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your leadership and drive meaningful change.
- Understand the psychology of change and how to motivate teams during transitions
- Develop effective communication strategies that build buy-in and trust
- Identify common pitfalls and resistance points in organizational change
- Leverage proven frameworks for successful transformation
- Build a sustainable culture of adaptability and innovation
LEARN MORE ABOUT STEVE
Steve McClatchy is a keynote speaker and author of the award-winning New York Times Bestseller Decide: Work Smarter, Reduce Your Stress & Lead by Example. Decide has enjoyed global success and has been translated into 11 languages including Chinese, Russian, Japanese, and Spanish. In every speech Steve weaves insight, interaction, and actionable content with humor, inspiration, and motivation. For over 20 years Steve has worked with the most prominent organizations in the world including Google, Under Armour, Disney, John Deere, Microsoft, NBC Universal, Accenture, HP, Merck, Wells Fargo, Campbell’s Soup, and many teams in the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. He speaks frequently at Harvard, Wharton, and Chicago Booth. He has appeared on CNBC, ABC, CBS, Fox News, WSJ TV, and NBC’s The Today Show and has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, WebMD, Oprah Magazine, Entrepreneur, and Investor’s Business Daily. His new book Leading Relationships hit #2 on the USA Today National Bestseller List and is also a Publisher’s Weekly and Associated Press Bestseller! Steve’s passion is for continuous improvement and believes that when we stop growing, learning, gaining experience, and achieving goals, we stop living.
- Tuesday, September 29
- 1:00 - 2:30pm
