“FOOD FORWARD 2024”, organized by NL Eats is our fourth annual conference. This year, we will bring together national leaders in food security, digital transformation, and AI to discuss and address future challenges and opportunities in our food system. The conference aims to drive discussions focused on youth development, policy advocacy, and the role of diverse demographics in shaping the future of food systems in Canada.

Key Themes and Topics

FUTURE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

  • Innovations and trends in food production
  • Sustainable agriculture practices

AI AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

  • AI-powered solutions for food security
  • Digital tools for agricultural efficiency

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND ENGAGEMENT

  • Empowering the next generation of leaders in food security
  • Educational initiatives and youth-led projects

POLICY ADVOCACY & PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS

  • Influencing policy for better food security outcomes
  • Collaborations for food system transformation

COMMUNITY BUILDING

  • Addressing the needs of different communities
  • Inclusive practices in food systems
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Venue

  • Innovation Challenge Workshops

    28th September

    2:00PM - 6:00PM

    At MUN MCE

    Location 

  • Food Forward 2024 Main Event

    29th September

    8:30AM - 5:00PM

    At Capital Hotel

    Location 

  • Networking Event & After Party

    29th September

    8:30PM - 10:00PM

    At Quidi Vidi

    Location 

Conference Agenda

September 28
September 29

September 28


2:00pm - 2:30pm   Welcome & Introduction

  • Participant and organizer introductions

2:30pm - 2:45pm   Opening Remarks

  • Canada Learning Code representative address

2:45pm - 3:00pm   Keynote Presentation

  • NL Eats overview and Innovation Challenge context

3:00pm - 3:15pm   Pitch Demonstration

  • Example pitches from past participants/experts to inspire participants

3:15pm - 4:30pm   Hackathon Kick-off

  • Mentor Introductions

4:30pm - 4:45pm   Break

  • Networking & refreshment opportunity

4:45pm - 5:45pm   Ideation and Collaboration

  • Mentor-led workshops & group design sessions

5:45pm - 6:00pm   Closing Remarks

  • Recap of the day & next steps

September 29

08:00AM - 08:30AM   Door opens & Breakfast networking session

  • Breakfast networking session for attendees to mingle.

08:30AM - 08:45AM   Introduction of Food Forward 2024

  • Introduction by Paul Akingbola.

08:45AM - 09:15AM   Land acknowledgement & opening ceremony

  • Formal land acknowledgement and opening ceremony.

09:15AM - 09:30AM   Opening remarks by NL Eats Executive Director

  • Opening remarks by Mehnaz Tabassum.

09:30AM - 09:45AM   NL Eats Community Outreach Inc. Story & Way Forward

  • Story and future direction of NL Eats Community Outreach Inc.

09:45AM - 10:00AM   Introduction of theme: Future of Food and Agriculture

  • Overview of the theme for the day.

10:00AM - 10:30AM   John Bailey, CEO of Regina Food Bank

  • Presentation by John Bailey.

10:30AM - 11:00AM   Wade Thorhaug, Co-Executive Director, Food Secure Canada (virtual)

  • Virtual presentation by Wade Thorhaug.

11:00AM - 11:15AM   Introduction of theme: Policy Advocacy and Public-Private Partnerships

  • Overview of policy advocacy and partnerships.

11:15AM - 12:00PM   Panel Discussion

  • Discussion with Joanne Thompson, Josh Smee, and Dylan Putzel.

12:00PM - 12:45PM   Lunch networking

  • Networking opportunity during lunch.

12:45PM - 01:00PM   Introduction of theme: AI and Digital Transformation

  • Introduction to AI and digital transformation theme.

01:00PM - 01:30PM   Saif Ahmed, NL Eats Community Outreach Inc.

  • Presentation by Saif Ahmed.

01:30PM - 01:45PM   Ranveer Chandra, CTO AgriFood, Microsoft

  • Presentation by Ranveer Chandra.

01:45PM - 02:00PM   Dan Lussier, Director, Canadian AgriFood Data Initiative, EMILI

  • Presentation by Dan Lussier.

02:00PM - 02:15PM   Introduction of theme: Youth Development and Engagement

  • Overview of youth development and engagement theme.

02:15PM - 02:45PM   Panel Discussion

  • Discussion with Mark Hoffe and Kalysha Hanrahan.

02:45PM - 03:15PM   Innovation Challenge

  • A Hackathon Challenge.

03:15PM - 03:30PM   Networking Break

  • Networking and refreshment opportunity.

03:30PM - 03:45PM   Sustainability and Climate Action

  • Focus on sustainability and climate action.

03:45PM - 04:00PM   Tom Cho, Editor, Community Food Centres Canada

  • Presentation by Tom Cho.

04:00PM - 04:15PM   Jean Francois Archambault, Founder and Executive Director @La Tablee Des Chefs

  • Presentation by Jean Francois Archambault.

04:15PM - 04:45PM   Judges Panel & Winner Announcement

  • Judges panel and announcement of the winner.

04:45PM - 05:00PM   Closing remarks and pictures

  • Closing remarks and pictures.
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Hackathon Agenda

  • 28th September

    Hackathon Workshop

    02:00PM - 06:30PM

    Start of the 24-hour
    challenge for participants to develop innovative solutions for food security

  • 29th September

    Solution Presentations
    02:45pm - 03:15pm

    Hackathon teams present their solutions to a
    panel of experts

  • 29th September

    Judges Panel & Winner Announcement
    04:15PM - 06:00PM

    Closing Session and Announcement of Hackathon Winners
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