Schedule of Events
Many of the details of our schedule are still being worked out
so keep checking back if you have any questions or contact [email protected]
Learn more about the speakers on the Speakers page!
Friday, October 20
8:30 - 9:00
Registration
The registration area is in the lobby of the second floor. Just follow the signs! Please bring your ticket, either in paper or mobile form. Come at 8:30 and start networking with other like-minded people!
9:00 - 9:30
Animal-based Protein: Debunking the Myth
T. Colin Campbell, PhD, Author, The China Study, Whole; Founder, the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies
The myth that animal-based protein is better than plant-based protein has been created based on serious bias and false evidence. Join Dr. Campbell as he discusses how our century-old virtual worship of animal protein has actually led to heart disease and cancer.
9:30 - 10:30
Unleashing the Power of Plant-based Diets
Brenda Davis, RD, Plant-based Nutrition Pioneer; Author, Plant-Powered Protein
According to the World Health Organization noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible from 74% of all deaths globally. Yet, an estimated 90% of type 2 diabetes, 80-90% of heart disease and 40-70% of cancers are considered entirely preventable. The lowest rates of NCDs are in populations living healthy lifestyles and eating unprocessed, plant-based diets. In this presentation, Brenda Davis, RD, plant-based trailblazer, author, and internationally acclaimed speaker, will review the evidence supporting the use of plant-based diets for the prevention and treatment of NCDs. She will share her experiences in using a plant-based diet and lifestyle protocol in a type 2 diabetes clinical trial in the Marshall Islands, and in a lifestyle medicine demonstration project in Lithuania. Brenda will discuss the reasons why plant-based diets afford protection and provide practical guidelines for designing an optimal plant-based diet for disease prevention, treatment, and reversal. The benefits of plant-based diets beyond human health will also be addressed.
10:30 - 10:45
Break
Use this time to stretch, make a phone call, visit our sponsor tables, and network with event coordinators, speakers, and other attendees!
10:45 - 12:00
Cooking Demonstration
Rich Landau, Chef; Co-Owner of Vedge and Ground Provisions
Description TBD
Creating Individual and Community-Supported Organic Gardens
Kegan Hilaire, Farmer, Blackbird Farms; Small Farm Consultant, Rodale Institute
Refrigeration and transportation of our food across long distances as well as ground pollution from commercial pesticides and fertilizers effects all us. Growing an organic garden and or supporting local community gardens through CSAs is a win win situation for not only our personal health but the health of our planet. Join our panel of farm experts as they share information on organic gardening and community supported agriculture (CSAs ).
Macrobiotic Perspectives on the Future of Food for Personal and Planetary Health
Patricio Garcia de Paredes, Macrobiotic Chef, Author, co-Founder of Macrobiotic Global Institute
Our food choices today directly impact our health and the planet. And that is good news because changing our way of eating is something that everyone can do. Join Patricio as he presents a set of healthy dietary guidelines that promote nutritional balance and offer suggestions for nourishing humanity in a more efficient, sustainable way.
12:00 - 1:00
Visit our Food Sponsors
Produced and Moderated by Sheri-Lynn DeMaris
Our generous food sponsors have supplied samples so you can enjoy lunch!
Screening: The Spirit of Rice Film Documentary
Produced and Moderated by Sheri-Lynn DeMaris
Please drop into the main room during lunch to view The Spirit of Rice!
The Spirit of Rice Film Documentary follows rice grower, Christian Elwell, over a year through the seven stages of rice, from seed selection to planting, harvesting, and natural processing. Christian, cofounder of South River Miso Company, has been growing paddy and dryland rice for over thirty years in the Northeast, where conventional wisdom said rice could not grow. He has developed a spiritual relationship with the plant, as well as the soil, water, and other elements.
The film also includes interviews with Doctors Neal Barnard and Colin Campbell, along with other environmental experts. Our hope is that the film will inspire children and adults to eat in a healthier direction and grow rice in apartment window boxes, backyard plots, and community gardens, thereby reducing climate change. The documentary is being funded by individual and corporate donations, including Eden Foods.
1:00 - 1:45
Topic: TBD
FX Rouxel, CEO and Founder, Gardyn
Description TBD
A Taste of Heritage and Health: Plant-Based Foods of the African Diaspora
Adante Hart, Registered Dietitian, Oldways
Description TBD
Nutrition and Addiction: What do we know?
Adam Sud, Nutrition and Behavior Change Expert
Description TBD
1:45 - 2:00
Break
Use this time to stretch, make a phone call, visit our sponsor tables, and network with event coordinators, speakers, other attendees!
2:00 - 3:30
How to Cook with Organic, Whole, Plant-based Foods
Sheri-Lynn DeMaris, Author, TV Host, Film Director, Co-Founder, Macrobiotic Global Institute
Scientific studies in nutrition and the new food pyramid have highlighted the power of organic, whole, plant-based foods to prevent and even reverse health conditions. Join Sheri in the Future of Food Kitchen as she demonstrates how to create simple, beautiful, delicious dishes using organic, whole, plant-based foods that you can easily begin to cook at home.
2:00 - 2:30
"Wild Foods" Are The Solution
Lynn Landes, Founder, Wildfoodies.org
Description TBD
MGI Africa
Lorraine McCamley, Executive Coach, Author, Co-Founder, Macrobiotic Global Institute
Since 2019, Lorraine has had the honor of getting to know and collaborate with the upcoming generations of leaders across sub-Saharan Africa through the Mandela Washington Fellowship. In Lorraine's session, you will hear about the Macrobiotic Global Institute's partnership with respected leaders from many African countries to develop an impactful curriculum focused on leadership development, macrobiotic principles related to food as medicine, and economic emplowerment.
Topic: TBD
Speaker: Open
Description TBD
2:30 - 2:45
Break
Use this time to stretch, make a phone call, visit our sponsor tables, and network with event coordinators, speakers, and other attendees!
2:45 - 3:30
FUTURE FOOD Right at Home by Growing Microgreens in Rocks
Charlie Szoradi, President, the Agrarian Group
Join Charlie Szoradi to learn about one of the most cost effective and environmentally friendly ways to produce superfood right at home. Charlie is the President of the Agrarian Group and one of the instructors for the nonprofit Student Farmer.org. This presentation includes actionable ways for you to start growing fresh, nutritious, and affordable food at home right now. Charlie will also address paths to help solve the challenges of food deserts in underserved communities through in-home and in-community local food cultivation.
Greener Partners: Supporting School Programs and Healthy Kids!
Meg MacCurtin, President, Greener Partners
Description TBD
Reconciling with the Past: For the Future of Food and the Planet
Cory Davis, PAg, Professional Agrologist
Cory Davis, Agrologist, provides a brief history of animal exploitation that reshaped the ecologies of North America. In this new landscape, he discusses how our current agricultural system perpetuates a painful legacy of oppression through land-ownership, wildlife conflicts, and other environmental impacts. Then, he will provide personal strategies to untether ourselves from that system, and support agricultural economies that will move us toward a more sustainable future for the long-term benefit of people and the planet.
3:30 - 3:45
Break
Use this time to stretch, make a phone call, visit our sponsor tables, and network with event coordinators, speakers, and other attendees!
3:45 - 4:45
The Diet Wars: Drugs vs. Food for Weight Control
Neal D. Barnard, MD, FACC, President, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
Description TBD
4:45 - 5:00
Closing Remarks
Sheri-Lynn DeMaris and Charlie Szoradi
Can we count on you?
It's only through people and organizations like you that this event is possible! Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support this event, not only this year's, but also in the future!
Saturday, October 21
8:30 - 9:00
Registration
The registration area is in the lobby of the second floor. Just follow the signs! Please bring your ticket, either in paper or mobile form. Come at 8:30 and start networking with other like-minded people!
9:00 - 9:45
Let's Clear Up the Confusion About the Proper Food for Optimal Well-being
Steven Acuff, Author of Eating the Wu Way for a Longer, Healthier Life
Clearing up the confusion about what is and isn't healthy, starting with the greatest myth of them all, namely dairy products and calcium. Another myth is low carb for better health, now a hot topic with the popularity of the misleading ketogenic diet. Also the myth that food can supply all nutrient needs without supplements and then some specific food myths such as tomatoes to prevent cancer.
9:45 - 10:00
Break
Use this time to stretch, make a phone call, visit our sponsor tables, and network with event coordinators, speakers, and other attendees!
10:00 - 10:30
Topic: TBD
Lisa Scali, Entrepreneur & Foodie; co-Owner of Ocean's Balance
Description TBD
Innovative Physical Education Program for Families
Alex Johnson, Elementary Phys Ed Teacher; Founder, Family Phys.Ed.; CEO, Play DoGood, Inc.
Description TBD
Holistic Health Through Cleansing & Fasting
FT Leto, Health and Wellness Entrepreneur; Founder, Juice Dr. and Willow Creek Wellness Retreat
Description TBD
10:30 - 10:45
Break
Use this time to stretch, make a phone call, visit our sponsor tables, and network with event coordinators, speakers, and other attendees!
10:45 - 12:00
Whole Plant-based Sweets
Patricio Garcia de Paredes, Macrobiotic Chef, Author, Co-Founder, Macrobiotic Global Institute
We know that sweets can contribute to poor health, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Sweets can be part of an enjoyable, balanced way of eating and can be nutritious too. The key is wholesome plant-based ingredients, mild unrefined sweeteners and a bit of creativity in the kitchen. Join Patricio, a lifelong plant-based home cook, chef and author, as he guides you and shares his expertise for making wholesome sweets and get you started.
Panel: Farm to Healthcare
Breah Banks, Farmer Manager/Educator, Deaver Wellness Farm at the Lankenau Medical Center
Amy Sapola, Pharm.D., FAIH, IFMCP, Director, Farmacy at the Chef's Garden
Farm to Healthcare is an exciting venture created to offer organic produce to patients and staff of hospitals and nursing homes. Current model programs at St. Lukes’ University Health Network supported by an organic farm through Rodale Institute and Lankenau Hospital supported by a year round farm through Greener Partners are serving as models for these innovative programs. Learn from panel members how these new innovative approaches are helping so many individuals in the health care field. Join in becoming an inspiration for your health care leaders by encouraging them to become involved and create farm to institution models in their own communities.
Getting In Your Best Shape Yet on a Plant-Based Diet
Giacomo Marchese and Dani Taylor, VeganProteins and PlantBuilt co-founders
Description TBD
12:00 - 1:00
Visit our Food Sponsors
Produced and Moderated by Sheri-Lynn DeMaris
Our generous food sponsors are bring samples so you can enjoy a light lunch!
Screening: The Spirit of Rice Film Documentary
Produced and Moderated by Sheri-Lynn DeMaris
Please drop into the main room during lunch to view The Spirit of Rice!
The Spirit of Rice Film Documentary follows rice grower, Christian Elwell, over a year through the seven stages of rice, from seed selection to planting, harvesting, and natural processing. Christian, cofounder of South River Miso Company, has been growing paddy and dryland rice for over thirty years in the Northeast, where conventional wisdom said rice could not grow. He has developed a spiritual relationship with the plant, as well as the soil, water, and other elements.
The film also includes interviews with Doctors Neal Barnard and Colin Campbell, along with other environmental experts. Our hope is that the film will inspire children and adults to eat in a healthier direction and grow rice in apartment window boxes, backyard plots, and community gardens, thereby reducing climate change. The documentary is being funded by individual and corporate donations, including Eden Foods.
1:00 - 1:45
Rocks: A New Frontier in Sustainability
Richard Campbell, President, The Geological Agriculture Institute LLC
Geological agriculture or GeoAg is the novel study and application of growing plants to maturity in rocks from the hardware store without the use of soil and fertilizers. Patent, Copywrite and Trademark owner and Founder of the Geological Agriculture Institute of Miami (formerly To Soil Less) and the Academic Association of Geological Agriculture Research (AAGAR), Richard Campbell, will share insights into the team of more than 150 Ph.D. researchers from some of America's top HBCUs who are re-investigating and refining this new use of rock for agriculture and other purposes. Campbell will share sustainability research outcomes from the 3rd Annual Geological Agriculture Global Virtual Conference held in May 2023, where 29 speakers presented their GeoAg research and lifestyle applications to global viewers, offering a wide range of methods and practices to address the United Nations' sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Regenerative Healthcare: The Impact of Regenerative Organic Agriculture on Soil Health & Human Health
Nadine Clopton, Program Manager, Rodale Institute
Description TBD
Get Hip on Healing Foods: Food as Medicine and the Energetic Properties of Foods
Sheri-Lynn DeMaris
You may have heard the phrase, "Your kitchen is your medicine cabinet." But what does that actually mean? Many foods carry healing properties. The key is learning how to harness that energy! Join Sheri in the Future of Food Kitchen as she demonstrates some simple-to-learn healing remedies and dishes which she teaches you about the energy of food.
1:45 - 2:00
Break
Use this time to stretch, make a phone call, visit our sponsor tables, and network with event coordinators, speakers, other attendees!
2:00 - 3:30
Cooking Demonstration
Chef AJ, TV and Podcast Personality
Description TBD
The Future of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)
Panel Members still being finalized
Learn from a panel of experts in greenhouse and indoor hydroponics, shipping container farming, light-emitting diode (LED) grow lights, robotic harvesting, financial management of farms, and next-generation farming with artificial intelligence.
3:30 - 3:45
Break
Use this time to stretch, make a phone call, visit our sponsor tables, and network with event coordinators, speakers, and other attendees!
3:45 - 4:45
Your Food Revolution
Ocean Robbins, Co-Founder and CEO, Food Revolution Network
When it comes to food and your health, the stakes are rising exponentially. A toxic food culture is fueling epidemic rates of chronic illness. If there’s ever been a time when we need to stay informed and take a stand, it’s right now. But there’s great news, too. You can radically extend your life span and decrease your chances of getting cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart disease and many other ailments - deliciously. Join Food Revolution Network CEO Ocean Robbins for a candid and inspiring look at the truth about food, heartwarming stories that illustrate the power of the human spirit, and practical insights to help you be part of the solution on planet Earth.
4:45 - 5:00
Closing Remarks
Sheri-Lynn DeMaris and Charlie Szoradi