Reserved exclusively for SNAC International members, the 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, the Forum delivers a rare opportunity to step back, think big, and lead forward.
Membership has its advantages. Join SNAC International to attend the Executive Leadership Forum and unlock exclusive member benefits. Inquire here.
NOTE: Attendees are welcome and encouraged to attend all sessions.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
- SNAC Committee Meetings by invitation only
- 12:30 – 5:00 pm: Optional Recreation – Golf Tournament
- 12:15 – 5:00 pm: Addl. Optional Recreation TBA
- 6:00 – 9:00 pm: Opening Reception and Dinner
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
- 7:30 – 8:30 am: Breakfast
8:30 – 8:45 am: Welcome and State of the Association: Phil Gusmano, Better Made Snack Foods, Inc. and Cindy Kuester, SNAC International
8:45– 9:30 am: Leadership Under Pressure: Rick Kaiser, Former Navy SEAL Team SIX Leader, Silver Star Recipient & Former Command Master Chief
- 9:30 – 10:15 am: Understanding the Moment: How Domestic and Global Economies Are Shaping Food Retail: John Ross, President & CEO, IGA Inc.
10:15 – 10:30 am: Break
10:30 – 11:15 am: The Future of Food Policy: Speakers TBA (closed to the press)
11:15 am – 12:00 pm: The Road to Midterms: What Snack Industry Leaders Need to Know: Kelly Knowles, Executive Vice President, SNAC International
12:00 – 1:00 pm: Lunch
1:00 – 2:30 pm: Leading Change: Align Systems, Drive Improved Results & Champion Transformation: Steve McClatchy, National Bestselling Author of Decide and Leading Relationships
2:30 – 2:45 pm: Break
2:45 – 3:30 pm: Beyond the Hype: Five Factors for Sustained Snacking Success: Jenny Zegler, Principal Strategist, Food & Drink Research/Insights, Mintel
5:00 – 6:00 pm: SnackPAC Reception *This is a ticketed event. Contact Kelly Knowles for details.
6:15 pm: Open Evening and Dine Around
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
- 8:00 – 9:00 am: Breakfast
- 9:00 – 9:45 am: TBA
- 9:45 – 10:30 am: Agentic Commerce: Speakers TBA
- 10:45 – 11:30 am: Retailer Panel: Executive Perspectives on the Future of Snacking: Mike Leary, SVP GMM, BJ’s Wholesale; Schnuck’s (invited); addl. panelists TBA
- 11:30 am: Closing Remarks & Adjourn
- 12:30 – 5:00 pm: Optional Recreation TBA
- 6:30 – 8:30 pm: Closing Reception and Dinner
See what made the 2025 event a success and get a preview of the insights and connections you can expect next year.
Guests may reserve accommodations online through the group booking link above or by calling 888-BREAKERS (273-2537) and mentioning they are attending the SNAC International 2026 Executive Leadership Forum.
Please Note: The Breakers is sold out on September 23 and 24, 2026, and is unable to accommodate reservations that include either of these dates.
Reservation Deadline
The group reservation cutoff date is August 28, 2026. Reservations requested after this date are subject to availability and prevailing rates.
Reservation Policies
A one-night room deposit (excluding taxes) is required at the time of booking.
Reservations may be canceled without penalty up to 7 days prior to arrival.
Cancellations made within 7 days of arrival will result in the forfeiture of the full deposit.
Changes that shorten the length of stay within the 7-day cancellation period may be subject to a penalty fee.
A valid credit card and government-issued photo ID are required at check-in.
Failure to check in on the scheduled arrival date will result in the cancellation of the remaining reservation and forfeiture of the deposit.
HEAR FROM OUR MEMBERS
MEET OUR PRESENTERS
RICK KAISER
Master Chief (SEAL), USN (Retired)Executive Director, Navy SEAL Museum Fort Pierce
Leadership Under Pressure
Strong teams don’t happen by accident. They are built through disciplined leadership, clear accountability, and the ability to unite individuals with different perspectives, experiences, and working styles around a common goal.
This session explores how effective leaders create clarity, alignment, and trust across diverse teams, particularly during periods of pressure, uncertainty, and change. Attendees will gain insights into how diverse perspectives strengthen decision-making, expand leadership capability, and drive stronger organizational performance. Through real-world examples and practical leadership lessons, the session will examine how disciplined leadership practices improve execution, increase engagement, foster resilience, and help teams perform at their highest level when it matters most.
Participants will leave with actionable strategies for leading diverse teams, building stronger workplace cultures, and creating the conditions that enable individuals and organizations to thrive.
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 - 9:30 am
JOHN ROSS
President & CEO, IGA Inc.Understanding the Moment: How Domestic and Global Economies Are Shaping Food Retail
Economic conditions at home and abroad are reshaping the operating environment for food retailers and manufacturers alike. From inflationary pressures and shifting consumer spending patterns to global supply chain volatility and geopolitical uncertainty, today’s economic landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for the food industry.
In this session, John Ross, President & CEO of the Independent Grocers Association, will provide a clear, grounded perspective on the current state of the domestic and global economies and what it means for food retail. Drawing on industry insight and real-world data, he will connect macroeconomic trends to the day-to-day realities facing grocers, suppliers and snack manufacturers.
Attendees will gain a practical understanding of how economic forces are influencing shopper behavior, cost structures and competitive positioning across the food industry, and what leaders should be watching as they plan for the near and long term.
Key Takeaways:
- The current economic outlook: Key domestic and global trends shaping the business environment for food retail
- Implications for consumer behavior: How inflation, income pressure and sentiment are influencing how and where shoppers spend
- Global forces at play: How supply chains, trade dynamics and geopolitical factors are affecting the food industry
- Strategic considerations for industry leaders: What executives should be preparing for as economic conditions continue to evolve
LEARN MORE ABOUT JOHN
John Ross, President & CEO IGA Inc., is responsible for domestic and global operations for IGA, the world’s largest independent supermarket network with nearly 6,000 IGA supermarkets in more than 30 countries worldwide.
During his career John has served as President, Inmar Promotions network; CEO, IPG Shopper Sciences; and President, IPG Emerging Media Lab.
He has held leadership positions with smaller independents and larger retailers like Home Depot, in roles ranging from CMO, store management, merchandising, advertising, marketing and e-commerce.
John’s experience spans many industries and areas of focus. He’s worked in operations; merchandising and marketing; new, traditional and digital media; and analytics and big data for some of the largest brands in the world, including Coke, P&G, Schwab, Publix, Walmart, Chrysler, Fiat, Sony, Bose, Google, AOL, and so many more. He has also helped launch and grow some of the world’s largest proprietary brands at retail.
He is the co-author of the Google Book ZMOT: Zero Moment of Truth, and author of the recently-published Fire in the Zoo, a book about shopper influence, marketing mania, retailer chaos, advertising pitfalls, consumer confidence, converting customers and how screaming at people usually doesn’t work.
John is a champion of data-driven decision making, shopper-focused marketing and active listening.
John has BA, BS and MBA degrees from Tulane University in New Orleans, and serves on a number of retail industry boards, including Food Marketing Institute, National Grocers Association, and Inmar. He and Marie, his wife of 25+ years, live in Atlanta, where they have three kids and too many pets.
- Tuesday, September 29
- 9:30 - 10:15 am
The Future of Food Policy
Closed to the press, this discussion brings together leading Washington-based lobbyists representing SNAC member companies for a candid conversation on the forces reshaping the food policy landscape. Moderated by SNAC’s Vice President of Advocacy, Matt Grill, the session will provide an insider perspective on the regulatory, legislative, and political dynamics expected to influence the industry in the years ahead.
Discussion topics include:
- The current federal policy environment and what is materially advancing
- Emerging pressure points across labeling, nutrition policy, packaging and EPR, and ingredient scrutiny
- Where regulatory and legislative risk is accelerating, stabilizing, or shifting direction
- How the political climate, election cycle, and agency priorities are influencing policy outcomes
- What messages and engagement strategies are resonating most effectively with policymakers
- Key signals companies should monitor and where industry engagement may have the greatest impact
- Tuesday, September 29
- 10:30 - 11:15 am
KELLY KNOWLES
Executive Vice President, SNAC InternationalThe Road to Midterms: What Snack Industry Leaders Need to Know
The political landscape is shifting quickly as the industry looks ahead to the midterm elections, bringing new implications for the snack industry and broader business commuity. Building on her highly rated session at SNX in Dallas, Kelly will provide an up-to-date look at how the political environment is evolving and what it means for snack industry leaders.
In this session, Kelly will break down key federal and state races, including pivotal House, Senate and gubernatorial contests, offer a timely update on redistricting and share where SNAC is actively engaged politically to advance the industry’s priorities. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how election outcomes could impact the balance of power on Capitol Hill and state governments across the nation.
Key Takeaways:
- Key races to watch: Federal and state contests most likely to shape the balance of power
- Redistricting updates: How new maps are influencing electoral dynamics and industry priorities
- Political trends and implications: What shifts in the political landscape could mean for the snack industry
- SNAC’s political engagement efforts: Where and how the association is engaging to represent member interests through SnackPAC and other political and grassroots strategies
- How to stay engaged and why political awareness and participation matter more than ever for industry leaders
LEARN MORE ABOUT KELLY
With a passion for politics and a keen understanding of how business and government intersect, Kelly Knowles is a recognized expert on state and federal advocacy, political engagement programs, organizational development and industry relations.
As Executive Vice President, SNAC International, Kelly is committed to connecting the snack industry to create growth and opportunity. SNAC International is the leading international trade association for the snack industry representing over 250 companies worldwide.
Kelly has led successful legislative efforts on key business issues including Prop 65, recycling reform, and independent contractor reclassification, and played a pivotal role in passing anti-theft legislation in Texas for the food industry. She also advises corporate and federal and state trade association clients on political engagement and PAC strategy, fundraising, and communications, and has worked closely with business leaders to develop emerging talent.
Kelly holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of North Carolina, a Graduate Certificate in PACs and Political Management, and a Master’s in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and daughter.
- Tuesday, September 29
- 11:15 - 12:00 pm
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: Align Systems, Drive Improved Results & Champion Transformation
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 - 2:30 pm
JENNY ZEGLER
Principal Strategist, Food & Drink Research/Insights, MintelBeyond the Hype: Five Factors for Sustained Snacking Success
Today, so-called “trends” go viral quickly, but most fade out almost as soon as the social media scroll refreshes. In this fast-paced environment, brands cannot afford to chase distractions that are hyped up to be disruptions. Reflecting that, do not expect to hear about distractions such as pickle flavors, Dubai chocolate or GLP-1 medications. This presentation will challenge the obsession with “going viral” and, instead, spotlight five strategies in pricing, marketing and innovation to solidify snacking’s valued place in consumers’ carts and hearts.
Key learnings from this session:
- Why affordability and creating community must remain at the core of brand strategies
- Which taste preferences of Generation Alpha (ages 1-15) and Generation Z (ages 16-29) will ignite innovation opportunities
- How social and agentic commerce will create new paths for discovery and ways to satisfy an instant gratification society
LEARN MORE ABOUT JENNY
Jenny Zegler is a Principal Strategist for Food & Drink at global market intelligence agency Mintel. She has 19 years of experience covering the food and beverage industry. Her specialty is tracking food and drink trends, and Jenny has been instrumental in determining Mintel’s global annual trends since 2013. She regularly shares insights on the now, next and future of food and drink with Mintel clients, in the media and at conferences. Prior to joining Mintel in 2012, Jenny spent six years as a journalist, primarily on food and beverage trade magazines.
- Tuesday, September 29
- 2:45 - 3:30 pm
Agentic Commerce
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how products are discovered, evaluated, and purchased. As agentic commerce emerges, AI-powered assistants and automated decision-making tools are beginning to influence — and in some cases make — purchasing decisions on behalf of consumers. The implications for brands, retailers, and category leaders are significant.
This session provides a practical, forward-looking perspective on what agentic commerce means for the snack industry. Attendees will explore how the path to purchase is evolving, where the technology stands today, and how quickly meaningful disruption is likely to occur. The discussion will separate reality from hype while examining how brands may need to adapt when visibility, recommendation, and purchase decisions are increasingly shaped by algorithms rather than traditional consumer choice.
The session will also address the strategic implications for snack companies, including potential shifts in assortment planning, pricing strategies, retail partnerships, and the data ecosystems that influence recommendation engines. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of the opportunities and risks associated with agent-driven commerce and practical considerations for maintaining competitive advantage as the marketplace continues to evolve.
- Wednesday, September 30
- 9:45 - 10:30 am
Executive Perspectives on the Future of Snacking
Retail expectations are evolving quickly as consumer behaviors, operating models, and growth priorities continue to shift across channels. In this executive panel discussion, retail leaders from non-competing organizations will share how they are evaluating supplier partnerships, where they see the greatest opportunities for growth, and what capabilities are becoming increasingly important in today’s environment.
The conversation will explore what differentiates strategic partners from transactional vendors, including perspectives on innovation, category growth thinking, execution, insights, collaboration, and speed to market. Panelists will also discuss how shopper expectations are changing and where retailers are placing their focus as they look ahead.
- Wednesday, September 30
- 10:45 - 11:30 am
