24
25
FEB
2026

The Future of Protein Production Summit

The meeting place for accelerating the commercialization of alternative proteins in the Americas

This year's event, originally scheduled for 29/30 April 2025, will now take place on 24/25 February 2026.The conference will still be held at McCormick Place in Chicago.

The Future of Protein Production Chicago opens in:

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The Premier About Event for Scaling Alternative Proteins the eventAbout About About

Join 400+ senior executives and 40+ exhibiting companies at the leading conference and exhibition dedicated to accelerating the commercialization of alternative proteins.

💡 Discover groundbreaking innovations driving sustainability and efficiency in the food system.

🌍 Tackle global challenges from reducing pollution to improving human health and eliminating animal cruelty.

🤝 Engage with world-leading experts in an unbiased, high-level forum designed for industry decision-makers.

📈 Stay ahead of the curve with insights on the latest technology, policy, and market trends shaping the future of food.

Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to connect with key industry contributors and be part of the movement transforming protein production!

+85
Expert Speakers
+50
Presentations
+30
Exhibitors
+400
Attendees

Expo

Explore the latest products and solutions to address the industry’s major challenges in scaling and commercializing alternative protein-derived foods. This is the industry’s most specialized event to meet contacts throughout the supply chain under one roof — from raw materials through to retail.

microphone on a lecturn for a conference about sustainable food

Conference

Meet entrepreneurs, investors, tech suppliers, experts and thought-leaders from leading companies to develop your knowledge and take away practical insights on the latest sectoral hurdles from scaling, regulations and manufacturing to sourcing, consumer acceptance, funding and go-to-market.

Exhibit

Join more than +30 suppliers in a focused environment to showcase products representing the entire supply chain, from ingredients to processing and everything in between.  Connect with hundreds of key C-suite decision-makers looking for your products and services – and all in just two days!

Industry Expert Advisory Board

Abin Kuriakose
Abin Kuriakose
Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer
World Business Chicago
Andrew D. Ive
Andrew D. Ive
Founder / Managing General Partner
Big Idea Ventures
Angela Anandappa
Angela Anandappa
CEO
Alliance for Advanced Sanitation
Benjamin Happ
Benjamin Happ
Partner
BERA
Brian Jacobson
Brian Jacobson
Associate Director of Strategic Operations
University of Illinois
Brian P. Sylvester
Brian P. Sylvester
Partner
Perkins Coie
Kaitlin Grady
Kaitlin Grady
Director of Strategic Partnerships and Public Affairs
Clever Carnivore
Kantha Shelke
Kantha Shelke
Senior Lecturer, Regulatory Science and Food Safety Regulation
Johns Hopkins University
Laine Clark
Laine Clark
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Manager
The Good Food Institute
Mervyn de Souza
Mervyn de Souza
Senior Director Business Development
Ginkgo Bioworks
Nadji Rekhif
Nadji Rekhif
Principal Scientist
Nestlé
Nicki Briggs
Nicki Briggs
Founding Chair/Founder
Here/There Communications
Thierry Duvanel
Thierry Duvanel
Director of Innovation
Bühler Group
Tim Geistlinger
Tim Geistlinger
CHIEF SCIENCE OFFICER
Perfect Day

Why attend?

Discover the latest solutions

✔️ Gain exclusive insights from companies pioneering cutting-edge protein production technologies.

✔️ Stay informed on the latest research and trends driving sustainable production solutions.

✔️ Explore next-generation processes, technologies, and innovations for scaling alternative proteins.

Connect and network

✔️ Build meaningful connections with senior executives, entrepreneurs, and investors from around the globe.

✔️ Meet the innovators and companies driving the future of environmentally friendly proteins.

✔️ Network with thought leaders transforming the alt-protein industry.

Grow and promote

✔️ Showcase your technology or services to help accelerate the new agrarian revolution.

✔️ Expand your knowledge and professional horizons with actionable insights from industry experts.

✔️ Equip yourself with tools and ideas to advance your organization and create impactful change.

Expand Your Knowledge Of

  • Supply Chain Collaborations

  • Regulatory Pathways

  • Technical Innovations

  • Molecular Farming

  • Microbial Fermentation

  • Cell-Cultivated Meats

  • Precision Fermentation

  • Plant-Based Proteins

  • Consumer Trends

  • Industry Projects

  • Reducing Production Costs

  • Alternative Dairy

  • Traditional Fermentation

  • Cell Lines

  • Scaling From Lab to Plate

  • Go-to-Market Strategy

  • Growth Media

  • Investment Landscape

  • Processing Technology

  • and more...!

Speaker Highlights

Abin Kuriakose
Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer
Brian Jacobson
Associate Director of Strategic Operations
Caroline Cotto
Director, NECTAR
Chris Biondolilo
Director Bioprocessing; Sr. Project Manager
Christie Lagally
CEO and Founder
Hannah Lester
CEO & Principal Consultant
Kaitlin Grady
Director of Strategic Partnerships and Public Affairs
Lou Cooperhouse
Founder, President & CEO
Melissa Musiker
Upside, Interim Head of Comms
Nicki Briggs
Founding Chair/Founder
Paul Shapiro
CEO
Thierry Duvanel
Director of Innovation

What Our Past Attendees Said

Register Now

What was special about The Future of Protein Production - everyone was straight to the point. I felt that people really came to work here, not chat or brag.

Aleh Manchuliantsau
Founder & CEO
Planetarians

The Future of Protein Production LIVE! was a very well organized conference with a variety of topics, touching on some of the big problems/challenges of protein production and commercialization today.

Dr Eleni Ntokou
Product Development and Sustainability Manager
Unibio

The Chicago edition of the Future of Protein Production was an absolute success, from everything from business development, networking, educational, interactive and logistical perspectives. The content was phenomenal for anyone in the alternative protein industry; indeed, I would consider this event to be crucial for anyone who works in this space because the access to leaders in the alt-protein industry is unmatched.

Udi Lazimy
Founder & Principal
Lazimy Regenerative Impact Partners

The Future of Protein Production provided a fantastic opportunity to explore the incredible innovations being pursued by companies and startups around the world.

Susana Soares
Assistant Professor
Universidade do Porto

McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois

The future of food starts in Chicago

There are currently ~1,000 alt protein startups in the USA, joining a category that has seen the establishment of high-profile consumer brands and attracted traditional animal protein producer collaborations. Chicago’s F&B manufacturing industry is the USA's largest, generating US$9.4 billion annually in output and employing +65,000 people. Chicago is also a leader in food and agriculture innovation. From high-profile startups to the established industry leaders, the city is uniquely poised for continued innovation within the food ecosystem.  

It was therefore a natural choice for The Future of Protein Production to establish a US event that will flourish alongside this nascent industry. McCormick Place, the largest convention center in North America, is situated on Chicago’s lakefront, just minutes from downtown and facing one of the most iconic skylines in the world.

Plan Your Visit

Meet decision-makers in these sectors

  • Cell-Based Meat/Seafood

  • Meat Producers

  • Associations & NGOs

  • Molecular Farming

  • Alternative Dairy

  • Retail & Foodservice

  • Food & Beverage Brands

  • Flavors & Colors

  • Growth Media

  • Academics & Researchers

  • Food Manufacturing

  • Governmental Organizations

  • Equipment Providers

  • Plant-Based

  • Regulatory & Policy Experts

  • Public Health Organizations

  • Biotechnology & Fermentation

  • Certification & Food Safety

  • Ingredients & Inputs

  • Investors & VCs

  • Agricultural Industry

  • CDMO & Scale-Up Facilities

  • Automation & AI Specialists

  • Food-tech Startups

Who You will meet

22%
Food Producers
19%
Start-ups
18%
Retailers
11%
Brands
13%
Investors
17%
Other

Top 5 Reasons To Attend

From discovering breakthrough technologies to networking with industry leaders—and enjoying the vibrant city of Chicago—there are countless reasons to join us but here are a few of the top reasons to attend

1.

Discover and source the latest advancements from +500 companies across the alternative protein supply chain.

2.

Learn about cutting-edge trends and transformative innovations that are reshaping the industry.

3.

Gain practical strategies to enhance efficiency, optimize production processes, and reduce manufacturing costs.

4.

Hear about and even sample the latest products and food technologies redefining the protein landscape.

5.

Join our receptions to connect with hundreds of industry peers and collaborate with innovators who are driving change.

ARE YOU READY?

The Future of Protein Production Chicago

The Meeting Place for Sustainable Protein Production in the Americas

February 24th & 25th 2026

Previous Attendees Include

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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When and where does this event take place?

This show will take place from 24th to the 25th of February 2026 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois

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When will I receive registration confirmation?

An email confirmation should be received within 24 hours of registering

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Can you recommend a hotel?

Please enquire for more information and special room rates for the official show hotels

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Is The Future of Protein Production for beginners or experts?

Everyone is welcome at the conference. We include participants from a wide range of industries and technical backgrounds so there will be plenty available for everyone

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Are there discounts available?

We are able to offer reduced rates for academia, non-profits, NGOs and Early Stage Startups. Full details can be found on our tickets page here

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How much does it cost to attend the expo?

A full-price delegate pass is US$1,295, however book early to take advantage of our Super-Early or Early Bird offers

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I registered online and received a confirmation of a barcode, what do I do now?

Bring your confirmation barcode to any Print Your Badge station to get your badge printed

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How can I network?

We will have over seven hours of networking built into the agenda across the two days. From networking breakfasts, coffee breaks, networking lunches and a drinks reception, plus an event app to connect with and schedule meetings with other attendees, plus dedicated networking area for one-on-one private meetings

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How can I view and contact the exhibitors?

Attendees are able to meet exhibitors at their booth or move to a one-to-one or group meeting in the networking area

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What is the refund policy?

We offer a 14-day 'No Questions Asked' refund on all passes

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Do you have any more questions?

If so, please contact us on info@futureofproteinproduction.com

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