Schedule

Virtual Kick-Off

The challenge of leadership today is to effectively guide and motivate individuals and teams in a rapidly changing and increasingly complex world. Leaders must be able to navigate a wide range of challenges, including globalization, technological advancement, diversity and inclusion, and environmental and social responsibility. They must also be able to adapt to new situations and think creatively to solve problems and seize opportunities.

Statler Hotel Check-In

Orientation and Dinner

Breakfast available in Conference Foyer

Program Welcome

Welcome & Connection | Professor Dan Hooker / Miguel Gomez

In this interactive and engaging session, participants of our educational program will have the opportunity to break the ice, forge new connections, and build a supportive learning community. We believe that meaningful connections among participants enhance the overall educational experience, and that is exactly what this session is all about.

Strategy and Leadership | Professor Mike Hostetler

In this session, we strategically link leadership principles with dynamic strategic considerations in the context of an ever-evolving business landscape. This program sets the stage for executives to explore the intricacies of leadership within a constantly changing world.

Break

The Global Scope of the US Fresh Produce Industry | Professor Miguel Gomez

Our industry is evolving at a rapid pace. Miguel Gómez will discuss the global reach of the produce industry and its implications for the U.S. produce sector. If you are working for a wholesaler in El Paso, Texas, or a supermarket in the Midwest, if you are a fresh produce manager or a broker, even if you do domestic work, the industry is just becoming more and more global every year and it will affect the way you operate. Miguel will discuss the drivers and trends of the international trade of fruits and vegetables. He will examine the interdependence of the U.S. produce industry with global partners, both in exports and imports, and address other factors affecting U.S. produce trade including emerging technologies, trade agreements, tariffs on imports and exports, and other policies affecting global produce supply chains. He will also discuss the global impact of Controlled Environment Agriculture, why sustainability is key for resilient global supply chains, and emerging business models targeting the base of the pyramid.

Lunch

Strategies for Growth | Professor Pedro Perez

The acceleration of economic and competitive dynamics and the likelihood of macro-shocks such as information technology, pandemics, and climate change require us to think as entrepreneurs. Students will engage in an exercise in ideation and teamwork to understand how to bring new business ideas to reality. We will explore entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship, compare them to management, and

Break

Management Team Leadership (experience) | Professor Steve Sauer

Participants apply business skills, Leadership, Teamwork, and strategic finance into practice via a business simulation and see the results immediately. The simulation software adds a new perspective to traditional classroom teaching and provides real-world experience in a no-risk environment. The best way to learn is by doing, and at PI Experiential Learning we use sophisticated business simulations coupled with analytical tools and world-class delivery to train leaders and managers at all levels.

Dinner

Breakfast available in Conference Foyer

Management Team Leadership (experience) | Professor Steve Sauer

Participants apply business skills, Leadership, Teamwork, and strategic finance into practice via a business simulation and see the results immediately. The simulation software adds a new perspective to traditional classroom teaching and provides real-world experience in a no-risk environment. The best way to learn is by doing, and at PI Experiential Learning we use sophisticated business simulations coupled with analytical tools and world-class delivery to train leaders and managers at all levels.

Break

Leadership (Continued)

Management Team Leadership (experience), Professor Steve Sauer Participants apply business skills, Leadership, Teamwork, and strategic finance into practice via a business simulation and see the results immediately. The simulation software adds a new perspective to traditional classroom teaching and provides real-world experience in a no-risk environment. The best way to learn is by doing, and at PI Experiential Learning we use sophisticated business simulations coupled with analytical tools and world-class delivery to train leaders and managers at all levels.

Lunch

Wegmans Produce Strategy | Martha Hilton Wegmans VP of Produce

Martha Hilton, VP of Produce and Floral at Wegmans Markets and IFPA Foundation Immediate Past Chair will share her view on the fresh produce and floral industry, evolving consumer, and strategy at Wegmans Food Markets.

Break

Store Walk at Wegman's

Dinner

Breakfast available in Conference Foyer

Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). Greenhouse Tour | Professor Neil Mattson

The past few years have seen substantial increases in investment in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) greenhouses and vertical farms. Even before COVID-19 producers and retailers have been interested in CEA to meet the demand for year-round, consistent quality fruits and vegetables. External factors such as climate change, food safety recalls, and COVID-19 have amplified demand for CEA as part of a more resilient food system. This session will cover trends in CEA production including research on the costs of production of CEA vs. field grown, technology trends that represent opportunities for CEA, and new crops of interest.

Break

Strategic Decision Making | Professor Mike Hostetler

The executive course on decision-making equips participants with strategic frameworks and analytical tools to navigate complex business challenges and make informed choices. Through interactive case studies and simulations, executives enhance their critical thinking abilities and develop a systematic approach to decision-making that balances risk and reward.

Lunch

Leadership Case Study | Professor Mike Hostetler

The executive course on decision-making equips participants with strategic frameworks and analytical tools to navigate complex business challenges and make informed choices. Through interactive case studies and simulations, executives enhance their critical thinking abilities and develop a systematic approach to decision-making that balances risk and reward.

Break

VUCA Leadership Case Study | Kyle Vowinkel, FBI (retired) US Army

Kyle R. Vowinkel dedicated 33 years of service to his country as an FBI Special Agent, U.S. Army officer, and West Point graduate. He has significant leadership experience as an FBI senior executive serving at multiple FBI offices and retired as Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) in the Bureau's fourth-largest field office, Miami, leading the cyber and counterintelligence branch. Before ASAC, he served on two unique U.S. national assets – the FBI's elite Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) and the U.S. government’s negotiation arm, the Crisis Negotiation Unit (CNU).

VUCA is an acronym that stands for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity. It is a term used to describe the unpredictable and rapidly changing nature of the business environment, particularly in the context of globalization, technological advancement, and political and economic instability. In this case study discussion participants/leaders will learn how to recognize and navigate the challenges and opportunities presented in an exceedingly difficult VUCA scenario.

Dinner

Breakfast available in Conference Foyer

Leadership Presence: Making the Connection | Professor David Feldshuh

This session will be of value to anyone who wants to connect more effectively and with increased ease and presence. The workshop combines self-video and analysis with unique actor training techniques specially designed by Cornell theatre professor David Feldshuh. The session’s objective is to introduce a long-term, self-training method that will promote continued improvement as a speaker in public or private conversations.

Personal Leadership Development Plans | Professor Mike Hostetler

In this session, participants delve into self-reflection, honing in on their unique leadership strengths and areas for growth, and craft their personal leadership development plans. The outcome is a tailored roadmap for professional advancement, ensuring participants leave not just inspired but equipped with a strategic plan for leadership.

Break & Hotel Checkout

Forecast for the Future of Fresh Produce | Professor Miguel Gomez & Kris Park

In a provocative and interactive session, participants create their consensus forecast for the future of the industry, and, in turn, develop strategies that will enable their firms to cope with and prepare for the future.

Graduation & Closing Ceremony

Boxed Lunch