From the Ground Up
Conference
From the Ground Up Conference
June 5, 2025
Hastings Room, PNE, Vancouver
2025 Conference
- Thursday, June 5, 2025
- Hastings Room, PNE, Vancouver
- 9 am - 4 pm
Held the day before the trade show, is the annual From the Ground Up Conference. This day-long event is a gifted value-add for the From the Ground Up exhibitors.
This interactive conference provides a space for expanded learning as well as networking among peers and industry experts. With new information and ideas, participants build readiness to help them diversify and access new market channel opportunities and ultimately grow their business.
Agenda
8:30 m – 9:00am Check-in & Morning Refreshments
9:00am – 9:15am Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:15am – 11:50am Speed Networking Session #1 with 10 Industry Experts
11:50am – 12:30pm Lunch
12:30pm -1:15pm Key Note Presentation – “A Recipe for Success” by Andrea Gray-Grant, Founder and CEO, Good to Grow
1:15pm – 1:25pm 10-Minute Break
1:25pm – 3:55pm Speed Networking Session #2 with 10 Industry Experts
3:55pm Closing Remarks
4:00pm Close of Conference
Speed Networking Industry Experts
University of British Columbia – David Speight, Executive Chef & Culinary Director
Whole Foods Market – Grant Daisley, Senior Category Merchant
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority – Kristy Yee Director, Retail Food Services
Choices Markets – Richard Lockhart, Director of Merchandising
Hive Naturals – Amanda Kenny, Founder
Gordon Food Service – Edward Kanna, Divisional Merchandising Manager
North Vancouver School District No. 44 – Tine Parker, District Vice-Principal, Healthy Futures
Meridian Farm Market – Kevin Penner, COO
Fraser Health Authority – Elaine Chu, Director, Food Service Transformation and Strategic Projects
Horizon Grocery + Wellness – Matthew Craig, Supplier Relationship Manager
Richmond School District No. 38 – Ian Lai, Manager, Feeding Futures
Ministry of Agriculture and Food (Feed BC) – Samantha Gambling, Institutional Market Specialist, Feed BC
Sellutions Consulting Inc. – Chris Richards, Partner/Owner
Vancouver Community College – Kalli Cartwright, Director, Commercial Services
Farm Credit Canada – Avi Kay, Assistant Vice President of Commercial & Small Business Financing
Chartwells Higher Education – Chris Koroneos District Manager
Fasken – Ariel Laver Partner
Stong’s Market – Bob Hufsmith Grocery Manager Northwoods Location
Ministry of Agriculture and Food (Buy BC) – Elaine Verret-Fournier, Manager, Market Development
Canteen / Compass Group of Canada – Jeff Stebbings, Regional Director of Operations
Thank You to Our 2025 From the Ground Up
Conference Sponsor
Funding is provided in part by the governments of Canada and British Columbia though the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative, and in-kind support is provided by the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food’s Feed BC program.
