CPG EXPO SPEAKERS 2026
CPG EXPO Speakers 2026
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 Director of Marketing & Communications at GDI Group of Companies, will serve as the MC for the Speaker Stage. With over 13 years of marketing experience and a background as a successful CPG entrepreneur—scaling her own brand into over 600 retail locations—Kathryn brings both energy and real-world insight to the stage. Throughout the event, she will guide sessions, connect ideas across speakers, and help create an engaging and seamless experience for attendees.
Friday, April 17th, 2026
10:15 AM – Elizabeth McIntyre (Founder, Acclivity Food Safety)
With nearly 20 years of experience in the food industry, Elizabeth McIntyre specializes in quality assurance and food safety, helping businesses turn complex regulations into practical systems that support growth. Drawing from her experience across beverage manufacturing and the Canadian grocery supply chain, she brings a full-picture understanding of how food businesses operate. In this session, Elizabeth will guide founders on building strong, sustainable food safety programs—focusing on simplifying compliance, identifying risks, and creating systems that evolve alongside their business.
11:15 AM – Gary Hughes (Sobeys/Safeway) + Panel
This retail-focused session brings together perspectives from both buyers and brands to answer a critical question: what does success look like for local products in retail? Led by Gary Hughes and joined by Raquel Zien (Store Manager, Crowfoot Safeway) and Chris Warwaruk (Co-Owner, Farmery Estate Brewing Company), the discussion will explore how brands can effectively present to retailers, execute strong in-store promotions, and build meaningful relationships. Attendees will gain practical insights into merchandising, demos, and using social media to drive in-store performance.
1:15 PM – Danni Kneeland (Food Safety Solutions Inc.)
Danni Kneeland is a regulatory compliance expert who helps CPG brands navigate the complexities of Canadian labeling requirements while staying competitive in the market. In this session, “Claim It Right: Canadian Label Claims for CPG Brands,” she will break down how to create claims that are both compelling and compliant. Attendees will learn to avoid common pitfalls, reduce risk, and build stronger, more credible packaging that meets regulatory standards and resonates with consumers.
2:15 PM – Alyssa Brett (Food Safety Solutions Inc.) + Panel
Alyssa Brett specializes in helping small and medium-sized food businesses implement practical food safety systems that support compliance and growth. In this co-presented session, “Small Team, Big Compliance: Meeting SFCR Requirements,” she will break down key regulatory expectations and provide actionable tools to simplify documentation and processes. Joined by industry collaborators, Alyssa will help attendees better understand how to manage compliance efficiently without overwhelming their operations.
Saturday, April 18th, 2026
10:15 AM – Marc Wandler (AFPA)
Marc Wandler, Industry Navigator with the Alberta Food Processors Association, brings both strategic insight and entrepreneurial experience to the stage. Having built and scaled his own company, Marc understands the realities of growth in today’s market. In this session, he will introduce the SCALE Program, designed to help Alberta food businesses navigate trade challenges, access funding, and build retail readiness. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of available resources and how to leverage them for sustainable growth.
11:15 AM – Angie Wood (Calgary Co-op) + Panel
With over 35 years in the natural health industry, Angie Wood leads the Whole Health category at Calgary Co-op and is known for championing innovative and local products. In this panel, “The Intentional Shelf: How Emerging Brands Break Through Today,” she joins fellow category leaders to share what retailers are really looking for. This session will provide valuable insight into product positioning, buyer expectations, and how brands can stand out in an increasingly competitive retail environment.
12:15 PM – Kim Hayes (Founder & Social Strategist)
Kim Hayes is a social media strategist who helps brands turn attention into measurable growth through content that converts. In her session, “From Shelf to Scroll: How Brands Win Attention on Social Media,” she will share current strategies for creating engaging content, leveraging influencers, and connecting digital presence to retail success. Attendees will walk away with actionable tactics to build visibility, drive engagement, and translate online interest into in-store demand.
1:15 PM – Evelyn (Founder & CPG Strategist)
Evelyn brings a forward-thinking, systems-driven approach to scaling CPG brands, focusing on aligning formulation, production, and supply chain for long-term success. In her session, “From Brand to System: How to Build a Scalable, Science-Led CPG Company,” she will explore why many brands struggle to scale and how a more structured, intentional approach can create resilience and consistency. Attendees will gain insight into building stronger operational foundations that support sustainable growth.
What to Expect at the CPG EXPO
The CPG EXPO is more than just a trade show—it’s a hub for connection, innovation, and growth within the consumer packaged goods industry. Designed exclusively for industry professionals, this event brings together founders, retailers, distributors, and service providers to explore new products, share insights, and build meaningful business relationships.
Inside the exhibition hall, attendees will find a dynamic mix of brands and service providers showcasing their offerings through 10x10 booths. The majority of exhibitors are founders and emerging brands, creating a unique opportunity to connect directly with the people behind innovative products. Sampling, product discovery, and real conversations are at the heart of the experience.
The Speaker Stage, located within the exhibition hall, allows for a seamless flow between education and exploration. Sessions run throughout the day, giving attendees the flexibility to move between learning from industry experts and connecting with exhibitors. Built-in breaks encourage networking, making it easy to form valuable connections and discover new opportunities.
From food safety and regulatory compliance to retail strategy, marketing, and scaling operations, the educational programming is designed to provide actionable insights for businesses at every stage. Whether you're launching your first product or expanding into new markets, you’ll leave with practical knowledge to move your business forward.
At its core, the CPG EXPO is about building real relationships. It’s where conversations turn into partnerships, ideas turn into action, and brands take the next step in their growth journey.