Schedule
*Program will be updated as planning progresses. Review the schedule below for topics that are traditionally included in the program.
Monday, March 23, 2026
6:00 am – 2:15 pm
Offsite Event – Intercoastal Fishing
Bernie Sheff, Sue Dill, Rob Rust, Rob Parker, Arnell Bell, Anna Koch
Join anglers from the FBEC Community for a day of good company and great memories along Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast. Set against the turquoise waters and white-sand beaches of Gulf Shores, this event promises to be full of friendly competition, community, and coastal fun.
Please plan to meet at the hotel lobby at 6:00 am for pickup, and transportation will be provided. Catch and cook lunch to follow.
8:15 am – 3:00 pm
Offsite Event – Golf at Craft Farms
Scott Jay and Justin Olson
Spend a beautiful day on the greens at Craft Farms for a relaxed, fun-filled golf outing in Gulf Shores! This shotgun start event is all about good times, great swings, and connecting with fellow golf lovers on one of Alabama’s most scenic courses.
Players will enjoy a morning on the lush fairways designed by Arnold Palmer, followed by a casual lunch and plenty of time to swap stories and laughs. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just out for the sunshine and camaraderie, this is the perfect way to spend the day in true Gulf Shores style.
Please plan to meet at Craft Farms by 8:15 am for a 9:00 am start. Transportation is on your own. Lunch is included.
11:30 am – 4:00 pm
Sustain-a-Castle Beach Summit - Build, Bond, Battle
Arnell Bell, Sara Rodriguez
Join fellow sustainability professionals for a day where strategy meets shoreline! Enjoy a delicious beachside lunch from the Lodge before learning to build sandcastles and compete in beach games designed to spark collaboration, showcase ingenuity, and celebrate our shared commitment to the environment.
Please plan to meet in the hotel lobby at 11:15 am to walk out to the beach.
2:00 – 4:00 pm
Registration
4:30 – 5:00 pm
Session Chair & Co-Chair Meeting
5:00 – 5:30 pm
First Timers Reception
Is this your first time at FBEC? We’ve got you covered! Join the FBEC Steering Committee, Conference Chair, and past chairs for a warm welcome session packed with insider tips, helpful guidance, and what to expect throughout the week. It’s the perfect way to start your FBEC experience and meet the people who make it happen!
5:30 – 7:00 pm
Welcome Reception
Kick off the conference with a relaxed evening by the coast as we gather to celebrate innovation, connection, and community. The Welcome Reception offers the perfect setting to meet fellow attendees, enjoy local flavors, and take in the beauty of Alabama’s Gulf Shores.
Set against the backdrop of the Gulf, this casual event highlights what sustainability is all about—shared experiences, meaningful conversations, and appreciation for the natural world that inspires our work. Enjoy light coastal fare, refreshing beverages, and music that captures the easygoing spirit of the shore.
Let’s start the week with good energy, great company, and a shared commitment to building a more sustainable future—together.
8:00 – 11:00 pm
Hospitality Suite
Hosted by Woodard & Curran
Sip, snack, and socialize as you catch up with old friends and make new connections—it’s the perfect way to wrap up the day in style.
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
7:15 am – 12:00 pm
Registration
7:30 – 8:30 am
Breakfast
8:30 – 8:45 am
Welcome & Opening Remarks
The opening session of the Food & Beverage Environmental Conference sets the tone for the days ahead, bringing the community together to focus on practical, real-world environmental solutions. Attendees will hear a welcome from conference leadership, an overview of FBEC’s mission and traditions, and what to expect throughout the conference.
8:45 – 9:30 am
Keynote Speaker
Chandra Wright, The Lodge at Gulf State Park
As Director of Environmental and Educational Outreach, Chandra Wright works at the intersection of learning and environmental stewardship. Her keynote will explore how education, communication, and leadership play a critical role in advancing environmental progress and empowering others to take action.
9:30 – 10:45 am
Session 1: Water Reuse
Chair: Vishal Gobhil, Fairlife
Co-Chairs: Tony Urciuoli, Veolia and Arnell Bell, Aquacycl
This session will cover case studies of practical water reuse applications in the operations of major producers. Further, the producer will present basic aspects of its corporate-sponsored water conservation goals.
10:45 – 11:00 am
Break
11:00 am – 12:15 pm
Session 2: Emerging Regulations of Concern
Chair: Lindsey Hughes, Amazon
Co-Chairs: Steve Nelson, Coal Creek Environmental Associates and JP Pasterczyk, Brentwood Industries, Inc.
Join us for an overview of emerging regulations of concern for the Food and Beverage industry. Hear about activities and trends throughout the world regarding emerging contaminants of concern, climate change reporting/disclosure requirements, and sustainability initiatives. We will conclude with information on USEPA’s enforcement priorities and efforts, including reshaping of Agency priorities and the revised rules on wetlands and waters of the US.
12:15 – 1:15 pm
Networking Lunch
1:15 – 1:45 pm
Speed Networking
Facilitators: Arnell Bell, Aquacycl, and Charlie Quann, Planet FWD
Come join us for the speed networking session! It’s a fantastic opportunity to make new connections right at the start of the conference. You’ll be able to expand your network and exchange business cards or LinkedIn profiles with others. Just a quick reminder: selling is not allowed during this session, so let’s focus on building relationships!
You’ll have brief chats, and there will be optional discussion prompts to help keep the conversation flowing. Please try to arrive early, as seating is limited and it’s first-come, first-served. We’ll kick things off right on time, so don’t be late!
2:00 – 3:15 pm
Ad Hoc Session A: BIER
Chair: BIER Member
Co-Chair: Erica Pann, Antea Group
2:00 – 3:15 pm
Ad Hoc Session: Industrial Stormwater: A(udits) to Z(inc)
Chair: Josh Oliver, Hello Fresh
Co-Chair: Rob Parker, GFT
Stormwater management plays a critical role in the food and beverage industry due to the complex relationship between cost, efficiency, regulatory requirements, and environmental impact. Join a group of industry professionals for an open panel discussion on a variety of stormwater topics that are directly related to the food and beverage industry.
2:00 – 3:15 pm
Ad Hoc Session : Biogas
Chair: John Kirkpatrick, Basic American Foods
Co-Chairs: Bernie Sheff, Burns and McDonnell, and Rob Rust, Riverbend, Otto Morales, Stantec
Join us as we continue to expand our knowledge of the Biogas space and how it can assist with long-term energy and waste strategies. This year we will move to an adhoc session with legislative updates, an onsite case study from Jack Daniels’s, a presentation from Peaks Renewables, and opportunities in overseas shipping with current efforts with the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The IMO opportunity has a great upside as it will consume every molecule of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) we can make.
2:00 – 3:15 pm
Ad Hoc Session : Technology Software/IoT
Chair:
Co-Chair: Ryan Janoch, Mapistry
3:30 – 4:45 pm
FBEC Steering Committee Meeting
4:45 – 5:45 pm
Poster Sessions & Social Hour
Chair: Olivia Hughes, MARS
Co-Chair: Domagoj Gotovac, Kennedy Jenks
Enjoy a lively mix of networking, conversation, and discovery as presenters share a wide range of cutting-edge technical topics. It’s the perfect chance to exchange ideas, spark collaboration, and connect with fellow innovators in a relaxed, social setting.
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Session 3/Dinner: Enforcement Horror Stories
Chair: Josh Milleson, Land o Lakes
Co-Chairs: Ted Holt, WesTech and Michele Frozena, Foth Environmental
Whether at work or at the local pub, you never know who is listening. Let’s explore how unexpected connections impact environmental enforcement.
8:00 – 8:45 pm
Poster Session & Social Hour
Chair: Olivia Hughes, MARS
Co-Chair: Domagoj Gotovac, Kennedy Jenks
9:00 – 11:00 pm
Hospitality Suite
Hosted by Woodard & Curran
Sip, snack, and socialize as you catch up with old friends and make new connections—it’s the perfect way to wrap up the day in style.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
7:00 am – 12:00 pm
Registration
7:00 – 8:00 am
Breakfast
8:00 – 9:00 am
Session 4: Air
Chair: Cameron Palmer, Pepsico
Co-Chairs: Jasmine Lee, Brown and Caldwell and Kyle Barfield, Jensen Hughes
Are Your Facilities at Risk? Understanding EPA’s Non-Attainment ‘Bump-Ups’
–Over the past five years, the EPA has reclassified several U.S. metro areas to stricter nonattainment categories under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)—bringing tougher rules and higher stakes for industry. These changes mean stricter emission controls, costly compliance upgrades, and potential limits on growth. Join this session to uncover whether your facilities are affected, learn what these reclassifications mean for your operations, and gain practical strategies to stay ahead—because the impact may be closer than you think.
9:00 – 10:00 am
Session 5: Packaging and Waste
Chair: Wesley McGhee, Dawn Foods
Co-Chair: Charlie Quann, Planet FWD
New packaging regulations making you feel over-extended, not a top-quality producer, or have too much reporting responsibility? This session will cover Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations and give you insights into how to be prepared for existing and upcoming requirements, save costs through ecomodulation bonuses, and rethink your packaging to optimize for cost and environmental impact.
10:00 – 10:15 am
Break
10:15 – 11:15 am
Session 6: Engineering Change: Managing Transitions, Turnover & Compliance in Environmental Teams
Chair: Tracy Hasson, Pepsico
Co-Chairs: Rob Parker, GFT and Sara Rodriguez, Valley Science and Engineering
In today’s fast-paced environments, change is constant, but managing it effectively is an art. This interactive session is designed for environmental leaders navigating the complexities of information transitions, high turnover, and compliance challenges. We’ll unpack common audit trends, explore proactive change management strategies, and tackle the tough questions: How do you maintain continuity when your team is in flux? What works, and what doesn’t, when planning for change? Come ready to collaborate, share your experiences, and leave with actionable insights to strengthen your team’s resilience and readiness.
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Ad Hoc Session: Environmental Jeopardy
Chair: Dennis Leikam, Idahoan Foods
Co-Chair: Charlie Quann, Planet FWD
Think you know environmental? Come see how your knowledge stacks up against others in this fun and educational session. Maybe you’ll walk away with a prize, or at least bragging rights!
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Ad Hoc Session: Brine Management
Chair: Molly Dimick, Simplot
Co-Chairs: Brian Arntsen, Veolia and Julia Mercer, Newterra
This session will provide an overview of emerging brine management technologies and site-specific solutions that could affect brine disposal and reuse constraints.
1:00 – 4:00 pm
Technical Tour
Chair: Brian Mulinix, HDR Inc.
1:00 – 4:00 pm
Community Event
Chair: Erica Pann, Antea Group and Lauren Corbett-Noon, Antea Group
Tree Planting – 1 to 3 PM
Gulf Coast Eco Center
1650 Eco Trl
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Join us for a community tree planting event along with the Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability to make a lasting impact on our local environment. FBEC attendees will help plant trees, enhance green spaces, and support a healthier, more resilient community. No experience needed—just bring your enthusiasm and love for the outdoors. Sunscreen, hat, and sneakers are also encouraged!
Rain Barrels – 2 to 4 PM
Learning Campus, Gulf State Park
20249A State Park Rd
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Get hands-on at this community event to build rain barrels that conserve water and reduce runoff. Volunteer alongside Gulf State Park staff to build rain barrels that support water conservation and local sustainability efforts. This hands-on activity is a great way to give back, learn a new skill, and make a tangible environmental impact together. No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to help and collaborate. Transportation will be provided.
1:00 – 5:00 pm
Pickleball Social – Open to all levels
Get ready for some friendly competition and plenty of fun at our Pickleball Social! Whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new to the game, this event is all about laughter, lighthearted play, and connecting with fellow enthusiasts. Bring your paddle, your energy, and enjoy a great day on the courts in Gulf Shores! This event is supported by WesTech.
1:00 – 4:00 pm
Networking & Business Time
4:30 – 6:00 pm
Women’s Networking Happy Hour
Chair: Katlyn Gonzalez, Idahoan Foods
Co-Chair: Katie Jeziorski, Trinity Consultants
Join us for a relaxed Women’s Networking Happy Hour—an evening of connection, conversation, and community. Enjoy great company, light bites, and a casual atmosphere that’s perfect for meeting fellow professionals and sharing ideas. Come unwind, make new connections, and celebrate the power of women supporting women.
Evening
Dinner On Your Own
Thursday, March 26, 2026
7:00 am – 11:00 am
Registration
7:15 – 8:00 am
Breakfast
8:00 – 9:00 am
Session 7: Emergency Response and Preparedness
Chair: Andrew Leet, Sazerac (Buffalo Trace)
Co-Chairs: Erica Pann, Antea Group, and Anna Koch, CRB Water
Unplanned events can strike at any time, testing an organization’s ability to respond quickly and effectively. This session explores proactive strategies for emergency preparedness that prioritize human safety, protect property, safeguard environmental resources, and enable efficient recovery. Participants will gain insights into developing robust management systems and rapid response plans that minimize both environmental and operational disruptions. Through comprehensive planning and coordinated action, organizations can strengthen resilience and ensure a more sustainable path to recovery.
9:00 – 10:15 am
Session 8: Waste & Sustainability
Chair: Katlyn Gonzalez, Idahoan Foods
Co-Chairs: Erica Pann, Antea Group and Brian Arntsen, Veolia
Explore the latest trends and innovations shaping sustainability in the food and beverage industry. This session will highlight how companies are tackling environmental and social challenges, implementing new approaches, and creating meaningful impact. Attendees will gain insights into emerging practices, inspiring strategies, and practical ideas that drive both positive change and business value.
10:15 – 10:30 am
Break
10:30 am – 11:45 am
Session 9: PFAS
Chair: TBD
Co-Chairs: Michael Nawrath, Aquatech and Tony Urciuoli, Veolia
This dynamic session combines real-world, food-industry case studies with practical science to demystify PFAS. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of PFAS chemistry, evolving regulations, and available removal technologies, along with a firsthand perspective on testing, detection, and treatment challenges. Whether you’re new to PFAS or looking to deepen your knowledge, this session delivers relevant insights and actionable takeaways.
12:00 – 1:00 pm
Networking Lunch
1:00 – 1:15 pm
FBEC 2027 Location Announcement
1:30 – 3:00 pm
Session 10: Wastewater
Chair: Joe Herrud, Fairlife and James Frazier, Fairlife
Co-Chairs: Jason Betancur, Staab Construction
One of the major issues so many people deal with in wastewater is the odor from certain unit operations. We are going to dive into why odors are generated and then tackle the practices needed to get them under control.
3:00 – 3:30 pm
FBEC 2027 Planning Meeting
5:00 – 6:00 pm
Poster Session & Social Hour
Chair: Olivia Hughes, MARS
Co-Chair: Domagoj Gotovac, Kennedy Jenks
Enjoy a lively mix of networking, conversation, and discovery as presenters share a wide range of cutting-edge technical topics. It’s the perfect chance to exchange ideas, spark collaboration, and connect with fellow innovators in a relaxed, social setting.
6:00 – 8:00 pm
FBEC Closing Event
Let’s end the conference on a high note! Enjoy delicious food, drinks, and great conversation as we celebrate the week’s highlights—and find out who will take home the conference’s top honors. It’s the perfect way to toast new friendships and a successful event!
8:00 – 11:00 pm
Hospitality Suite
Hosted by Woodard & Curran
Sip, snack, and socialize as you catch up with old friends and make new connections—it’s the perfect way to wrap up the day in style.