Learn, launch and level up
your food business
FOOD BIZ CON
March 7th - 8th, 2024 | Independence, MO
Register for Food Biz Con 2024
About the
Food Biz Con
8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
March 7th - 8th, 2024
201 North Forest Avenue, Independence, Missouri 64050
Whether you are currently growing a food business or have an amazing idea for one, you’ll find something valuable at the 2024 Food Business Conference on March 7th - 8th in downtown Independence, Missouri.
This free, two-day conference offers topics related to mobile food businesses, manufacturing, restaurants and agriculture. It also will connect food entrepreneurs with support organizations, coaches and information. A variety of sessions, workshops and networking opportunities will equip you with the tools to strengthen your business.
Whether you are currently open for business or still have a food business dream, we have what you need to learn, launch and level up your food business!
Resources
2024 Programs
Thursday, March 7th
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8:30 am
Coffee and Networking featuring Novella
9:00 am
You Could Sell This Rub, Sauce (Fill in the Blank): From Trends to the Trenches with Jill Silva, former KC Star Food Editor, and Todd Johns, the President of Plowboys Foods
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El Viaje de Palacana: del concepto a la realidad with Jose Luis Valdez, the visionary behind Palacana (previously known as Tropicana)
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10:45 am
How to Successfully Launch Your Food Service Business
Look Before You Leap
Panel of Grocery Buyers & Outlets
De la A - Z para abrir el restaurante de tus sueños (In Spanish)
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12:00 pm
Lunch featuring GoChew Food Truck
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1:30 pm
Crafting a Winning Value Proposition
Food Truckers Panel
How to Create a Marketing Plan for Your Food Biz
Llevar su producto al estante minorista (In Spanish)
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3:00 pm
Food Truck 16 Week Startup Guide
Food Product Businesses 101
How to Hire and Retain Great Employees Panel
Lecciones de las trincheras: opiniones de propietarios de restaurantes y camiones de comida (In Spanish)
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4:30 pm
Pricing Your Food Products
3 Marketing Mistakes to Avoid
Buying Meat Directly from a Farm
Navegando por el panorama legal del emprendimiento culinario (In Spanish)
Friday, March 8th
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8:30 am
Coffee and Networking featuring Grounded Mobile Coffee
9:00 am
Community Minded Food Business with Shanita McAfee-Bryant, Founder/ Executive Director at The Prospect KC/The Spot
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10:45 am
Branding Workshop
Legal Considerations for Food Businesses
Funding Options Panel
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12:00 pm
Lunch featuring WestSide Cafe
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1:30 pm
Using Data to Grow Your Business
Operating a Food Processing Business in Missouri
Developing a Social Media Mindset
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3:00 pm
Developing a Basic Business Plan
Tracking Money for Your Small Business
The Work-Life Balance Panel
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4:30 pm
Alcohol Business Panel and Networking
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Recorded 2023 Sessions
Funding Options
Panel of Grocery Buyers and Outlets
Pop-up Food Businesses
How to Hire and Retain Employees
How to Source Local Ingredients
The Work-Life Balance of Your Food Business
Sponsors
This conference is presented in partnership with the Ennovation Center, Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops, Kansas City Section of the Institute of Food Technology, Kansas Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, Kansas State University, Kansas State University–Olathe Campus, KCSourceLink, MCPL Culinary Center, MU Extension, North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program, and Square One Small Business Services by MCPL.
This event is made possible in part by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.