The CPG Convergence Conference: Where Growth, Capital and Innovation Come Together
This is a one-day, invitation-forward convening designed to bring together consumer brands, retailers, investors, and operators shaping the next generation of consumer packaged goods.
Hosted at Verizon’s 5G Labs in Playa Vista, this immersive conference blends strategic panels, fireside conversations, live brand showcases, and meaningful networking—all inside a space purpose-built for innovation, experimentation, and connection.
Throughout the day, attendees will explore:
How CPG brands scale across DTC, retail, and omnichannel
What retail buyers and grocery partners are actually looking for
How capital, storytelling, and distribution intersect
How emerging brands win attention, shelf space, and mindshare
The experience is intentionally designed for movement—attendees can engage with exhibitors, demos, and sampling activations throughout the venue while participating in curated programming on the main stage.
Who Should Attend
CPG founders & brand operators
Grocery buyers & retail partners
Investors & family offices
DTC & e-commerce leaders
Media, storytellers, and brand builders
Strategic partners across the consumer ecosystem
What to Expect
Engaging panels and fireside chats
Dedicated exhibitor & sampling areas
Retailer, brand, and investor participation
Curated 1:1 business meetings
1-hour hosted lunch – Convergence Networking Lunch
Open-flow networking throughout the day
Evening Mixer
Draft Agenda (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Arrival, Registration & Morning Networking
Coffee, light bites, exhibitor walk-throughs, and informal networking
9:45 – 10:00 AM – Opening Remarks
Welcome from the hosts and an overview of the day
10:00 – 10:45 AM
Panel: The Modern CPG Growth Playbook
DTC, Retail, and Omnichannel in 2026
How leading brands balance direct-to-consumer growth while unlocking retail distribution and partnerships.
10:45 – 11:15 – Networking Break
11:15 – 12:00 PM
Panel: Retail & Grocery Insights
What Buyers Want — and What Gets You on the Shelf
Retailers and grocery partners share what they look for in emerging brands, from product readiness to storytelling and supply chain execution.
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Hosted Networking Lunch
An open-flow lunch experience designed for relationship-building across brands, retailers, investors, and exhibitors.
1:00 – 1:30 PM
PM Fireside Chat
Building, Scaling, and Exiting a Consumer Brand
A candid one-on-one conversation with a founder or operator who’s successfully built and exited a CPG business.
1:45 – 2:30 PM
Panel: Capital Meets Consumer
How Investors Evaluate CPG Brands Today
A look at what investors care about right now—from margins and velocity to distribution leverage and brand narrative.
2:30 – 2:45 PM – Networking Break
2:45 – 3:30 PM
Panel: E-Commerce, Marketing & Performance Growth with Storytelling,
Tactical insights on scaling online sales, paid acquisition, retention, and leveraging data to drive profitability.
3:30 – 4:15 PM
Fireside Chat
Storytelling, Media & Earned Attention
How brands generate press, partnerships, and organic visibility through authentic narratives and purpose-driven storytelling.
4:15 – 5:00 PM
Open Networking & Exhibitor Engagement
Final opportunity to connect, sample products, and build partnerships before the evening reception.
5:00 PM onward
Evening Networking Reception
Cocktails, conversation, and continued connection immediately following the conference.
SPEAKERS:
Dayton Miller
Dayton Miller is a Managing Partner at BFG Partners, an early-stage investment firm focused on high growth consumer products companies that are better for you and better for the planet. In this capacity, he identifies and invests in businesses and works alongside entrepreneurs to ensure their businesses deliver sustainable growth and outperform their competitors. Dayton currently represents BFG’s investments in OLIPOP, CAULIPOWER, Magic Mind, Fourth & Heart, Arterra Pet, and Mid-Day Squares. He previously co-founded Function, a venture-backed health and wellness beverage company, which
Dayton built from idea-conception to $20 million in retail sales until its acquisition by Sunsweet Growers, Inc. Prior to Function, Dayton was an executive in the strategy group at The Walt Disney Company where he focused on mergers & acquisitions and operating strategy. Dayton began his career as an analyst in investment banking and spent time as a management consultant for Bain & Co.
Anthony Zanontian
Anthony is the Managing Director of Crumble Capital and the original co-founder and CEO of Anthony’s Goods, where he spearheaded product development, e-commerce strategy, and operations. Beyond his own ventures, Anthony has served as a strategic advisor to multiple $100M+ businesses, including Manitobah, Lamkin, Beyond Yoga, and Country Life. He has guided these companies through M&A processes, optimized their e-commerce and Amazon strategies, enhanced online marketing efficiency, and driven significant margin recapture and profitability growth.
Earlier in his career, Anthony co-founded Taltopia, an angel-backed platform connecting creative talent with fans and entertainment professionals. At Taltopia, he oversaw product, engineering, and marketing. Taltopia gained recognition from outlets such as CNN, NBC, and VentureBeat, and was featured as an Apple.com Staff Pick.
Anthony graduated from the University of California, San Diego, where he earned his degree with Cum Laude distinction.
Josh Resnick
Josh is Co-founder and General Partner of OpenSky Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm investing in disruptive startups shaping the future of commerce. He also manages a personal portfolio of 50+ consumer and technology companies through his family office, Pure Imagination Brands. Josh is a two-time exited founder. In 2012, he co-founded Sugarfina, the luxury confections brand named one of Fast Company’s World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies. Earlier, in 1998, he co-founded iconic video game developer Pandemic Studios, which was acquired by Electronic Arts for $860 million.
Josh has been recognized on Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People, Goldman Sachs’ 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs, and dot.LA’s Top LA Angels. He earned his MBA from the Wharton School and lives in Los Angeles.
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About Navigator Lighthouse Foundation
In the midst of the civil unrest of 2020, Navigator Sales & Marketing owners Allen and Subriana Pierce saw both a challenge and a calling. They founded the Navigator Lighthouse Foundation to expand access for underrepresented and emerging entrepreneurs. What began as a response to inequity quickly became a movement—creating real pathways to education, opportunity, and visibility on grocery store shelves. When retailers began reaching out asking for stronger connections to women- and minority-owned brands, it was clear: the industry needed a more intentional bridge. We stepped in to build it.