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During this interactive session, join industry experts for a candid discussion on some of today’s most leading challenges and uncertainties. With a mix of candid discussion and expert facilitation, listen and learn as session leaders foster benchmarking, problem-solving, peer-to-peer support and the exchange of proven tools and resources for navigating:

• Rising global tariffs and trade policy shifts
• Evolving sustainability mandates and ESG expectations
• Ingredient scrutiny and the growing list of banned or challenged food additives
• Federal/State regulatory complexity and enforcement unpredictability

Leora Coleman-Fire

Senior VP and Chief Legal Officer 

Ajinomoto North America 

Joseph Egloff

Associate General Counsel 

Mizkan America 

Jennifer Millones

Chief Legal Counsel

Newman’s Own

As federal agencies prepare to implement key policy shifts in 2026, regulatory and legal professionals in the food and beverage industry must stay ahead of evolving mandates. This session will explore anticipated updates from the FDA, USDA and FTC, highlighting their potential impact on product development, labeling, advertising and enforcement. Learn how to prepare your compliance strategy for what’s next on the federal agenda. With potential discussion on:

• FDA Focus: Insights into expected shifts in food labeling requirements, traceability mandates and enforcement activity under the Food Safety Modernization Act
• USDA Priorities: Guidance on anticipated changes to organic certification, origin claims, and oversight of alternative protein and livestock labeling
• FTC Enforcement Trends: What in-house legal teams need to know about increased scrutiny of ESG marketing, influencer partnerships and consumer deception standards
• Cross-Agency Trends: Where FDA, USDA, and FTC priorities are aligning, especially around sustainability, AI in labeling and digital consumer disclosures
• Actionable Guidance: Strategic compliance planning to align with emerging regulatory expectations and minimize exposure in audits or enforcement actions.

Listen and learn as this panel explores the accelerating pace of legislative and regulatory action around food and color additives at both the state and federal levels. Designed for in-house legal and regulatory professionals, prepare to unpack emerging compliance risks, preemption challenges and shifting enforcement priorities. With possible discussion on:

• Recent state-level bans and proposed legislation targeting additives like Red Dye No. 3 and brominated vegetable oil
• Federal regulatory developments, including FDA review timelines and industry petitions
• Legal and compliance strategies for navigating patchwork requirements across jurisdictions

Brian P. Sylvester

Partner 

Morrison Foerster 

Kelly G. Laudon

Director, Assistant General Counsel - Regulatory 

The Hershey Company 

Food and beverage companies face intense pressure to market products in compelling, competitive ways- but every word can carry risks. Using real-world examples (and a little humor), we’ll examine where companies have gotten it right, where they have stumbled and how to ensure your team can back up the claims that make it to the shelf (or screen).

Through live polling, expert input, and case-based debate, attendees will walk away with a stronger understanding of:

• Substantiation requirements under FDA and FTC
• The evolving threshold for “competent and reliable scientific evidence”
• Risks tied to “natural”, “clean”, “boosts immunity” and other trending phrases
• Practical frameworks for evaluating and documenting claims
• Red flags that can trigger litigation, consumer backlash or regulatory scrutiny

Isha Saini

Director, Regulatory Affairs 

Danone North America 

Juan Cristián Santa María

Vice President Scientific & Regulatory Affairs 

Tate & Lyle 

Erik Swanholt

Partner

Foley & Lardner

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) expectations are no longer aspirational- they’re enforceable. As food and beverage companies face growing demands from regulators, investors, consumers and advocacy groups, legal and compliance teams are under pressure to translate evolving ESG standards into actionable, auditable programs. This forward-looking panel will bring together top legal minds and ESG policy experts to unpack the most pressing regulations impacting the industry today- from climate disclosures and supply chain due diligence to greenwashing enforcement and DEI accountability. Attendees will gain critical insights into how global and domestic ESG frameworks are converging- and how to future proof their compliance programs for what's next.

Clarence Mingo

Vice President of Corporate Affairs/ESG and Government Relations 

Explore the latest developments in cannabis-related compliance, including labeling, marketing, ingredient approval, and the legal risks of operating in a shifting landscape. Join your peers for an open, off-the-record discussion on how legal and regulatory teams are managing uncertainty, preparing for federal rescheduling or legalization, and engaging with enforcement agencies.

Caren Woodson

Sr. Director Compliance and Licensing 

Kiva Brands 

Intellectual property issues are everywhere in food and beverage- from product packaging and proprietary formulas to marketing campaigns and influencer partnerships. This roundtable is designed for non-IP specialists who need to spot risks and opportunities in brand protection. Join your peers to discuss trademark challenges, emerging copyright concerns, trade secret considerations and how to collaborate effectively with internal or external IP counsel.

David O’Hair

Corporate Counsel, Intellectual Property 

Starbucks Coffee Company 

Angela Spivey

Partner 

Alston & Bird

Sam Jockel

Partner 

Alston & Bird

Whether you’re acquiring a fast-growing brand or merging with a legacy company, M&A in the food and beverage sector brings a host of regulatory and legal complexities. This roundtable will explore how in-house counsel and compliance teams can play a proactive role in due diligence, risk assessment and integration planning. Topics may include navigating regulatory history, labeling and marketing claims, ESG liabilities, supply chain considerations, and the cultural integration of compliance frameworks. Bring your questions, war stories and strategies for getting it right from day one.

Cole Braham

Director and Managing Counsel, Legal Advisory & Transactions 

The J. M. Smucker Company 

Christopher Rasmussen

Partner 

Foley & Lardner