Symposium on Plant-Based Food & Nutrition: Innovations & Challenges

This symposium is a dynamic gathering of distinguished professors and speakers, industry leaders, industry boards, academics, researchers, and students.

This event offers exceptional exposure to a vibrant market in Southern California known for its leading role in innovations and housing the largest number of established companies in the plant-based food industry.

2024 Speakers

Darin Detwiler

Chief Executive Officer
Detwiler Consulting Group

"The Role of Technology to Ensure Safety of Plant-Based Foods"

Learn more about Darin (PDF)

Christopher Gardner

Rehnborg Farquhar Professor of Medicine
Stanford Prevention Research Center
Stanford University

"Plant-Based Diet vs. Animal-Based Diet: Health Advantages for Consumers"

Learn more about Christopher (PDF)

Belal Hasan

Assistant Professor
Department of Nutrition and Food Science
Cal Poly Pomona

"Developing Next Generation Meat Analogues for International Cuisines Applications "

Learn more about Belal (PDF)

Celine Heskey

Associate Professor of Nutrition/Director
MPH Nutrition Coordinated Program
Loma Linda University School of Public Health

"The Nuts and Roots of Research in Plant-Based Eating Patterns"

Learn more about Celine (PDF)

Sudarshan Nadathur

Chief Global Flavorist - Dairy & Protein
ADM

"Solving Flavor Issues in Plant-Based Foods"

Learn more about Sudarshan (PDF)

Lara Ramdin

Chief Innovation & Science Officer
Upcycled Foods Inc.

"Processing Technologies for Sustainable Food Supply"

Learn more about Lara (PDF)

Matt Ruscigno

Co-author,
"Plant-Based Sports Nutrition"
Former chair
Vegetarian Group, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

"Plant-Based Sports-Nutrition: Meeting the Needs of Athletes and Leisure Enthusiasts"

Learn more about Matt (PDF)

Vandana Sheth

CEO and Registered Dietitian
Vandana Sheth Inc. 

"Plant-Based Diets for Diabetes: Evidence-Based Strategies for Better Management"

Learn more about Vandana (PDF)

Rafi Taherian

Former Associate Vice President
Yale Hospitality

"Addressing Consumers' Resistance to Plant-Based Diets"

Job Ubbink

Professor
Department of Food Science and Nutrition
University of Minnesota

"Understanding Formulation vs. Processing: What is Really More Important for Ultra-Processed Foods?"

Learn more about Job (PDF)

Casey Vanous

Senior Director - Global Product Development
Herbalife

"Meeting Consumers Demands: Industry Solutions for Plant-Based Foods"

Learn more about Casey (PDF)

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors