Niagara University to host 2026 Food Industry Center of Excellence Summit

Niagara University press release

Niagara University will bring together food industry leaders, innovators and experts from across the country for the 2026 Food Industry Center of Excellence Summit on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo.

This year’s summit, “Built to Thrive: Next is Now,” will focus on the trends and technologies shaping the future of the food industry, including artificial intelligence, changing consumer preferences, retail and innovation.

The event will feature speakers with experience across the food, restaurant, retail and technology industries, including Geoff Alexander, president and CEO of Wow Bao; Amanda Lai, associate partner of the Food Industry Practice at McMillan Doolittle; Laura Strange, chief public affairs and advocacy officer at the National Grocers Association; and Mary Purk, AI strategist and business transformation adviser.

Alexander has more than 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry and has helped lead Wow Bao’s growth through restaurant technology, delivery-only kitchens and consumer packaged goods. Lai specializes in food and retail strategy, consumer insights and innovation, while Strange leads public affairs and advocacy efforts for the National Grocers Association.

Purk brings expertise in artificial intelligence and business transformation. She previously co-founded the AI at Wharton research center and now works with organizations on AI adoption and transformation.

Dr. Mark Frascatore, dean of Niagara University’s Holzschuh College of Business Administration, will also participate in the summit. Frascatore has helped expand Niagara’s food industry and supply chain programs, including the B.S. in food industry leadership and B.S. in supply chain management.

The summit will give food industry professionals, business leaders, and educators the opportunity to hear from experts and connect with others working across the industry.

The event will begin with registration at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch, the afternoon summit, and a cocktail reception. The summit will run from 1-4:30 p.m., with the reception following from 4:30-5:30 p.m.

For more information or to register, visit Niagara University’s Food Industry Center of Excellence Summit webpage.