Calgary • April 17–18, 2026
BMO Centre, Stampede Park
Speaker Stage located within the Exhibition Hall
🎤 Speaker Stage MC – Kathryn Kozody
Kathryn Kozody, CMO & Co-Founder of WhatsOn and marketing leader at GDI Group, brings over 13 years of experience along with firsthand success as a CPG founder who scaled into 600+ retail stores. As MC, she will guide the stage, connect sessions, and keep the energy high throughout the event.
Friday, April 17th, 2026
10:15 AM – Elizabeth McIntyre
Elizabeth McIntyre, Founder of Acclivity Food Safety, brings nearly 20 years of experience in food safety and quality assurance. She will share how growing brands can simplify compliance, identify risks, and build practical food safety systems that support long-term success.
11:15 AM – Gary Hughes + Panel
This session explores what success looks like for local brands in retail. Featuring retail and brand perspectives, the panel will cover pitching to buyers, in-store execution, merchandising, and building strong retail relationships.
01:15 PM – Angie Wood + Panel
Angie Wood (Calgary Co-op) joins a panel on how brands stand out on shelves, sharing insights on buyer expectations, product positioning, and breaking into retail.
2:15 PM – Alyssa Brett + Panel
Alyssa Brett will lead “Small Team, Big Compliance,” simplifying SFCR requirements and sharing practical tools to help businesses manage food safety and documentation more efficiently.
Saturday, April 18th, 2026
10:15 AM – Marc Wandler
Marc Wandler (AFPA) will introduce the SCALE Program, highlighting funding, coaching, and tools available to help Alberta food businesses grow and adapt in a changing market.
11:15 AM – Danni Kneeland
In “Claim It Right,” Danni Kneeland will break down Canadian label claim requirements, helping brands avoid compliance pitfalls and create clear, effective packaging that builds trust.
12:15 PM – Kim Hayes
In “From Shelf to Scroll,” Kim Hayes will share how brands can use social media, content, and influencers to drive awareness and convert attention into retail success.
1:15 PM – Evelyn
Evelyn will present a systems-driven approach to scaling CPG brands, focusing on aligning operations, production, and strategy for long-term, sustainable growth.
What to Expect at the CPG EXPO
The CPG EXPO is a trade-only event built for founders, retailers, distributors, and service providers to connect, learn, and grow. It’s not a consumer show—this is where business gets done.
Expect a dynamic show floor filled with brands and industry partners showcasing products, sharing samples, and building relationships. The Speaker Stage inside the hall allows for easy movement between sessions and networking, with built-in breaks to explore and connect.
From retail strategy and food safety to marketing and scaling, sessions are designed to deliver practical, actionable insights. Whether you're launching or expanding, the CPG EXPO is where connections are made and businesses move forward.
