Conference Schedule and Registration
Building Bridges to a New Horizon
How do we stay true to our values while moving forward? Can we look forward and still honor our past? As we turn each new page, and turn the wheel of our lives once again, we have the good fortune to be able to meet once again in October for inspiration, cutting-edge education, and connection by participating in Provender’s Annual Educational Conference.
Real People, Real Connections
We all got into the natural foods trade not just to make a living but to make a difference and make the world a better place. Independent integrity matters for a healthy, just, and sustainable food system for our precious planet’s future. These ideas are the foundation that our community is built upon. It is so good to see familiar faces and find fresh connections after we’ve been so isolated. At the Conference you can look forward to connecting with long-time friends and making new ones. Socializing opportunities begin Wednesday evening with a Happy Hour as a great way to roll into conference mode, then continue through our famous Meet Your Makers Trade Show, then on to live music Friday evening. Don’t forget to visit the Samples Room!
Wednesday Intensive – John Mabbott
“How to Flail, How to Fail, How to Fly”
Life and Ledger Lessons from a Retail Unicorn
Join us for an insightful and electric day of conference and conversation with John Mabbott, a veteran of the Provender Alliance. John is currently engaged as a turnaround manager with the Los Alamos Food Co-op, marking his sixth mission in this role.
“I consider these missions,” John says. “I hate seeing grocery stores close, I hate seeing people lose jobs, and I hate it the most when it is clearly avoidable.”
Over the past three years, John’s presentation “Re-Imagining Managing” has captivated audiences nationwide employing his blend of humor, peppery speech, personal anecdotes, and poignant insights, to significantly enhancing leadership in food stores across the country.
Now back in the “turnaround business,” John aims to merge these experiences into a powerful and “good heavy” learning session.
Thursday Keynote Speaker – Paul Stamets, Host Defense
“Continuing the Revolution from the Fungal Underground”
The Never-ending Story of Beneficial Mushrooms
Long ago the Provender community were early adopters in supporting Stamets and his colleagues in their research on mushrooms. Given recent scientific results, the importance of our native fungi is more profound than what can be imagined. Stamets’ talk will cover retrospective and current breakthroughs in the usefulness of mushroom mycelium and fruit bodies for supporting the immune system in human health.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Paul Stamets has been a mycologist for 40 years and is the author of seven books. His new book on psilocybin mushrooms is due out in Spring 2025. He is an invention ambassador for the American Association for the Advancement of Science and was inducted into The Explorer’s Club in 2020. He has received numerous awards, including the National Mycologist Award from the North American Mycological Association, the Gordon and Tina Wasson Award from the Mycological Society of America, and the Disruptor Award from NextMed.
He has named four new species of psilocybin mushrooms, and a new species of mushrooms has recently been named after him: Psilocybe stametsii.
Paul is a dedicated Earthling, Knowledge Keeper, and is a leader in the protection of ecosystems focusing on the roles of mycelium and mushrooms. Paul’s philosophy is that “MycoDiversity is BioSecurity.” He funds research to save rare strains of mushrooms that dwell within the old growth forests. He believes the old growth forests contain a deep reservoir of species essential for pandemic defense. His contributions include supplying several clinical studies showing immune support with mushroom mycelium.
He is a collaborator with numerous scientific organizations and research institutes. His research is considered breakthrough by thought leaders for creating a paradigm shift for helping ecosystems worldwide.
His work has entered the mainstream of popular culture: In the new Star Trek: Discovery series on CBS, the science officer is portrayed by an astromycologist, Lt. Commander Paul Stamets. His work with mycelium has become a central theme of this series. In addition, he is the primary guide to the incredible mushroom documentary Fantastic Fungi, which first appeared in theaters in fall 2019, with a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: Paul will be appearing in a live virtual link
Friday Keynote Speaker – Dee Fretwell, Southern Oregon University
Balancing Change: a Change Management conversation with the Next Generation
Dee’s expertise ranges across executive coaching, strategic planning, organization design and transformation, and leadership development. Her industry experience encompasses SAAS, sales and marketing, professional services, manufacturing, publishing, financial services, and nonprofit development, grant writing and board governance.
In addition to her tenure at Southern Oregon University as Past Chair, Senior Faculty School of Business, Dee has worked at EcoTeas Fair Trade / Organic Teas as Vice-President of Operations, serving in a business development and manufacturing role for this privately held firm. She has also worked extensively with many nonprofits within the United States.
Dee received an M.B.A. degree from SOU as well as a Certificate in Business Analytics from Harvard Business School. A natural educator, Dee is also TESOL certified. Dee has completed certification work through the University of South Florida in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as well as in Global Retail and Supply Trends. She is the founder of the Global Innovation Scholars Program and is a Board of Advisor and/or Director on multiple national nonprofit boards. She also received the graduate award, The Guanajuato Award, for her commitment to community and service.
Dee will be leading our Friday Keynote panel conversation with SOU students Sierra Garrett, Alex Ashmore and Willa Fretwell!
Sierra Garrett – Honors College Student at Southern Oregon University; Sustainability – I am an undergraduate student in the Honors College at Southern Oregon University, where I major in Sustainability, minor in Communication Studies, and am receiving certificates in Environmental Communication and Sustainability Leadership. My academic and professional goals include increasing equity in food production and access, promoting circular economic and agricultural frameworks, and using eco-social art as a vehicle for change.
Alex Ashmore – I initially started folding clothes at Kohl’s after graduating high school and community college simultaneously as Covid hit. That job made me realize I wanted to be outside more, so I entered the Washington Conservation Corps as a Crew Member for 11 months. After that, I got a scholarship and an award that I could put to paying and going to college. I wanted to pursue my passion for photography and video, so I went to SOU.
Willa Fretwell – Passionate Advocate for Equality l Psychology & Business Student l Future Leader in Ethical-Decision Making & Social Impact – Willa Fretwell is a 19-year-old double major in Business and Psychology at Southern Oregon University dedicated to social justice, environmental sustainability, and LGBTQ advocacy. With over 12 years of experience playing various instruments, Willa uses music as a powerful tool for self-expression. Actively involved in LGBTQ organizations on campus, she mentors youth and works to foster inclusivity. Willa’s passion for climate change drives her to advocate for sustainable practices and corporate social responsibility, believing in the intersectionality of social and environmental issues.
Conference Workshops + Schedule is LIVE!
These are not just a series of one-way seminars. The Provender Conference provides multiple opportunities for you to engage in meaningful ways, formally and informally. You’ll experience authentic networking with presenters and other attendees. Be a part of the deep connection that Provender Alliance provides during the 48th Annual Educational Conference.
The whole Provender community looks forward to connecting with you!