The University of Chicago Booth School of Business 2026 FEAD FORUM
This event is sponsored by the Rustandy Center and the Polsky Center at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business
FEAD Forum is the signature annual event of the University of Chicago Booth’s Food, Environment, Agriculture and Development (FEAD) Club.
The Forum brings the food value chain to life for a diverse audience, exploring the innovations, opportunities, and challenges shaping the sector. Through panel discussions and interactive sessions, the conference encourages fresh perspectives and interdisciplinary conversation.
Featured Panel & Speaker Sessions
Investing Across the Food Value Chain
Hear from top food investors on how they approach today's investing landscape from early-stage venture capital through growth-stage private equity. Explore the outlook across key trends and areas such as consumer products and brands, food service, and food technologies and platforms.
Scaling Startups in Food, Health & Wellness
Founders and operators from emerging startups across restaurants and CPG will share their growth stories on building within Chicago's food ecosystem, what it's like to build and operate in a startup, and the trends and tailwinds shaping their paths.
Future of Agriculture & Food Access
Food is all around us, and yet, in many ways, our food and soil systems are broken. Experts discuss the future of a healthy, vibrant, and accessible food system through the lens of regenerative agriculture and food access in and around our local Chicago.
Building Your Dream Career in Food
Ex-CMO of Rx Bar and current Executive Coach and Venture Partner at Bluestein Ventures, Lindsay Levin, leads an interactive session on how to craft your career path in food and agriculture and find the most energizing roles and work for you.
Operating in Restaurants & Hospitality
Restaurants are a beloved sector and core to many cherished experiences and memories. The sector is also highly competitive and notoriously challenging. Top restauranteurs, operators, founders, and chefs discuss the intersection of hospitality and food, their career arcs, and challenges and opportunities ahead.
Networking & Community Resources
Kickoff & Networking Icebreaker
Start off the day by making connections with Forum participants and speakers across the food ecosystem.
Community Resources
Hear a spotlight of key organizations in the area, such as Naturally Chicago, that can further your involvement in Chicago's food ecosystem.
Reception & Networking
Close your day by mixing and mingling with Forum speakers and attendees to build relationships, deepen your understanding, and ask questions.
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