Conference

Jyoti Stephens – VP Mission and Strategy, Nature’s Path Foods

September 17th 2020

Jyoti’s Stephens activist upbringing transformed into her dream work, where she now ensures environmental sustainability is top-of-mind for every business decision at Nature’s Path. Under her leadership, all three of the company’s manufacturing facilities were designated Zero-Waste and she’s implemented programs to encourage a purpose-focused culture in the organization, as she believes everyone can make a difference in the world. Jyoti has a deep-rooted passion for sustainability and organics. As Vice President of Mission and Strategy for Nature’s Path, she [Read More]

Voices from the 2019 Conference: Provender’s 43rd Annual Educational Conference Highlights

November 12th 2019

Here are just a few of the many comments from a fun, informative, and inspirational 2019 Provender Alliance Conference:   Introduction to Conscious Leadership “The awareness and responsibility for my own emotions and approaching those without judgement. And so much more. This was an excellent workshop.” “So many tools we walked away with and seriously–this intensive was INTENSE in a good way.” “Applies to every aspect of my life. Rich material I’ll be thinking about and building on for [Read More]

A Provender Conference Attendee’s Summary of his Experience

November 5th 2019

I just got back from an educational and inspiring conference put on by Provender Alliance (PA), a non-profit trade organization that serves natural food businesses. A decade ago, I was on the PA steering committee, and I am pleased to announce I’m back in service of this great organization. I will begin a two-year term as the newest PA board member starting in January 2020.  PA caters to businesses (manufacturers, distributors, and retailers) that practice humane treatment of [Read More]

Two Videos and Chapters 1 & 2 of ‘The 15 commitments of Conscious Leadership’ Book

September 28th 2019

2019 Intensive Introduction to Conscious Leadership with Deb Katz Please take the time to watch both of these 3-minute videos by the Conscious Leadership Group, in preparation for Wednesday: Locating Yourself – A Key to Conscious Leadership Learn the difference between leading from trust versus threat.   Content Vs. Context Good leaders pay attention to the content of their business, conscious leaders also pay attention to context. They ask, “From where is the conversation occurring?”   You [Read More]

Provender Alliance Annual Educational Conference Video Highlights

September 9th 2019

Provender Alliance’s 43rd  Annual Educational Conference includes an all-day intensive focusing on Conscious Leadership, and three keynotes on Food, Farm, and Climate Justice, Moving From Fear to Discovery: Harnessing the Power of an OPEN Mind, and a presentation by West Coast writer of Hippie Food fame. Register for the conference here. You don’t want to miss out on this juicy annual event! Hands down, there’s no other conference like it in the natural products trade. Choose from a full line-up [Read More]

Hippie Food: How Back-to-the-Landers, Longhairs and Revolutionaries Changed the Way We Eat

July 8th 2019

Presented by Keynote Speaker Jonathan Kauffman WHEN: Thursday, October 3rd, 8:30 pm LOCATION: Provender Educational Conference 2019 in Hood River, OR This dynamic talk is presented by Jonathan Kauffman, a Portland-based writer who covers the intersection of food and culture, from the spread of regional Chinese cuisines in the Bay Area to the race to develop cultured meats. A former line cook turned journalist, he was a restaurant critic in the San Francisco Bay Area and Seattle for more than [Read More]

From Fear to Discovery: Harnessing the Power of an OPEN Mind

May 15th 2019

Presented by Keynote Speaker Margi Simmons In this laughter-filled, interactive keynote, you will gain inspiration and proven techniques from the world of improvisation to help you expand your comfort zone to create meaningful connections and drive positive change in your industry. You’ll practice the “Big Five” behaviors from the world of improvisation and learn how to foster a Mindset of Discovery to develop your power to innovate and connect with others in the room through hands-on exercises and open conversation. [Read More]

Food, Farm, and Climate Justice: A New Deal for a Just Transition

April 10th 2019

Presented by Keynote Speaker Eric Holt Giménez Over the last three years, farm, food, and climate crises have unleashed a perfect storm on our food system. Droughts, hurricanes, and fires have exacerbated the creeping disasters of erosion, food and water contamination, and have worsened food insecurity. Fracking, pipelines, CAFOs, and bankruptcies rock the heartland, as family farmers, farmworkers, and people of color bear the brunt of our agrarian meltdown. In response, frontline communities are forging alternatives and building bold new [Read More]

Meet Your Makers – Growing Stronger 2023

July 22nd 2023

Provender Alliance invites you to participate in another year of “Meet Your Makers”, an unconventional sales event. Our manufacturer showcase produces greater success each passing year.  This event is a tabletop show “Provender-style”. Manufacturers tell the story of their business and sample their wares to conference attendees and presenters. This is an opportunity for retailers to find new products, learn more about the people behind the products they sell, and for everyone in the Provender community to network in a [Read More]

Meet Your Makers RE-Generate! 2022

August 10th 2022

Provender Alliance invites you to participate in another year of “Meet Your Makers”, an unconventional sales event. Our manufacturer showcase produces greater success each passing year.  This event is a tabletop show “Provender-style”. Manufacturers tell the story of their business and sample their wares to conference attendees and presenters. This is an opportunity for retailers to find new products, learn more about the people behind the products they sell, and for everyone in the Provender community to network in a [Read More]

Keynote Panel Confirmed

July 20th 2014

Join our keynote panel for this discussion on current issues in our shifting landscape, and how working together we can create significant and meaningful change.  Panelists will discuss their work organizing on the national and state level on campaigns such as the Right To Know GMO, organics’ future and bringing fair trade home, and working for farm worker empowerment in our food system. Rosalinda Guillen is a widely recognized farm worker and rural justice leader. The oldest of eight she [Read More]

Scholarship

June 13th 2014

Do you know someone who qualifies for our One Person Can Make a Difference scholarship program?  It is funded by our silent auction and is designed to recognize someone who is making a difference in their community.  Here’s the application.

Conference Planning

June 13th 2014

We are working fast and furious on conference workshops and activities and are confident you will be delighted with the results.  Be patient, stay tuned and come back to visit often for most current updates to the schedule.