Reshaping the Manufacturing Industry Through AI and Cybersecurity (14 May 2026)

Thu, 14 May 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Join us for an afternoon symposium at Frain Industries’ manufacturing facility. Learn more about how AI will reshape the manufacturing industry through panel discussions on automation with CPGs, co-manufacturers, cybersecurity experts, and more. Networking sessions and a tour of Frain’s OEM showroom to follow!

AGENDA

1:00PM Welcome Remarks by CFBN, CPA and Frain

1:15PM CPA and the state of the Contract Packaging Industry

1:20PM CFBN and the Regional Network Success

1:30PMTech on the Table - AI reality driven today

2:30PM Break

2:45PM Panel Discussion: Cybersecurity - The Pros and Cons

3:45PM Networking Session

4:00PM Tour of Frain's OEM showroom

5:00PM Networking

FEATURED SPEAKERS

David Adams

Vice President of Information Systems and Technology

MSI Express

David Adams brings more than three decades of IT leadership experience, having led departments since 1996. He has built his career around driving efficiency, reducing costs, and delivering innovative solutions within the manufacturing industry.

David has been with MSI Express for the past four years and currently serves as Vice President of Information Systems and Technology. In this role, he has partnered with a range of security vendors to conduct internal, external, and social testing.

George Forrester, CIC,

Partner

The Baldwin Group

George Forrester specializes in cybersecurity risk, machinery manufacturing, machinery safety, and packaging and processing equipment. He works closely with organizations across the manufacturing, contract packaging, and food and beverage sectors to address complex operational and risk-management challenges.

George helps companies strengthen operational resilience, reduce machinery-related and cyber-driven exposures, and align their insurance and risk strategies with rapidly evolving safety, equipment, and regulatory standards. His consultative approach combines deep industry knowledge with practical risk-transfer solutions to support long-term business continuity and growth.

Rod Kahl

Director of Cybersecurity

Tusker

As Director of Cybersecurity at Tusker, Rod Kahl leads the work that helps customers reduce risk and protect their most important systems. He focuses on clear assessments, effective controls, and solutions that fit smoothly into day-to-day operations. With experience across areas like endpoint protection, cloud security, and vulnerability management, Rod brings a thoughtful, grounded approach to safeguarding each environment. A CISSP-certified leader, he works closely with teams and partners to ensure customers have the confidence and protection they need in a fast-changing threat landscape.

Pedrom Rejai

Founder

Elevate Growth Partners

Pedrom Rejai is the founder of Elevate Growth Partners. He was raised in the Midwest, and earned a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Nebraska. Pedrom began his career in manufacturing with Cargill and Unilever, working on products such as cornstarch, Dove Bar Soap, and Hellmann’s Mayonnaise. After completing is MBA at the University of North Carolina, he led sourcing strategy and capital projects for Unilever North America’s $1.2B portfolio, and later oversaw the end-to-end supply chain for Unilever International across the Americas, a $400M business.

In 2025, Pedrom founded Elevate Growth Partners, where they create self driving operations through process setting and automation for food companies to relieve the headaches of supply chain and operations

EVENT HOSTS:

(Moderator)

Ron Puvak

Executive Director

Contract Packaging Association (CPA)

Ron Puvak has been in the packaging industry for over 48 years. In 1976 he began his career as a Research Technician managing projects in Material Strength studies, Fracture Analyses and Technology Training. Later he was promoted to Technical Sales Representative with responsibilities for the development and promotion of inspection systems to the packaging industry. Next, he assumed the roles of Regional Manager – Europe, New Product Marketing Director and finally New Business Development Director.

An active member of the International Society of Beverage Technologists (ISBT). In 2014 Ron was elected to be the President of ISBT. In addition, he has been a member of the Society of Plastics Engineers Blow Molding.

Mariam Parker

Executive Director

Chicagoland Food and Beverage Network l Bigger Table

Mariam Parker has devoted her career to the food and beverage industry as a culinary expert, integrated marketer, and business builder. At the core of her work is a deep commitment to fostering relationships that elevate brands, people, and communities. Her work and insights have been featured in SXSW, Food Network, Rolling Stone, Forbes, and Thrillist. In 2026, she joined the Chicagoland Food and Beverage Network as Executive Director, where she focuses on broadening and growing the network, providing more value to members, and launching exciting, new programs and events.

This event is presented in collaboration with:

We thank the following companies for their participation:

Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network upcoming events

Reshaping the Manufacturing Industry Through AI and Cybersecurity (14 May 2026)

AGENDA