In an increasingly competitive food landscape, being first to emerging trends and reaching influential category managers can define a brand’s next phase of growth. That’s why Nosh Live 2025 is expanding its structured 1:1 networking program to include conversations with investors and veteran operators, adding to the curated retailer and buyer meetings that have made Nosh Live a standout.

This is focused, high-impact access to people who can open doors, offer perspective, and help you navigate what’s next.

“At Nosh Live we’re focused on continually raising the bar for connection and learning,” said John Craven, BevNET CEO. “Expanding our 1:1 networking to include investors and seasoned operators means attendees can gain perspectives and contacts that immediately impact their business trajectory.”

Meaningful Connections Start Here

From retail reset cycles and cost pressures to capital access and supply chain adaptation, today’s food entrepreneurs are navigating more complexity than ever. Whether you’re scaling a clean label innovation, entering club, or exploring M&A, these structured meetings give you direct time with experts who’ve lived it and are willing to share what worked (and what didn’t).

This new addition is designed for conversations that are:

• Intentional: Pre-scheduled, 10-minute 1:1s with aligned goals
• Curated: Based on business stage, category, and mutual fit
• Action Oriented: Bring specific questions or challenges and leave with insight, leads, or next steps

Confirmed meeting hosts include:

• Jing Gao, Founder & CEO of Fly By Jing
• Eric Skae, CEO of Carbone Fine Food
• Jeni Britton, Founder of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams & Floura
• Kristen Ready, Director of Merchandising–Grocery at Fresh Thyme Market
• Todd Davis, Natural Foods/Multi-Cultural Category Manager at King Soopers/City Market.
• Becca Millstein, Co-Founder + CEO, Fishwife
• Rich Gillmore, Vice President of Center Store, Gelson’s
• …and more added soon.

How It Works

• When: Meetings take place December 4–5 in a dedicated space at Nosh Live
• What: Private 10-minute meetings with industry hosts, scheduled in advance
• Who: Hosts include retail buyers, seasoned operators, and (soon-to-be-announced) investors
• How: Attendees request meetings with specific hosts; all meetings are approved at the host’s discretion to ensure value for both sides

Structured 1:1 networking at Nosh Live means your next meaningful conversation could be guaranteed, not left to chance.

Who Can Participate?

This opportunity is exclusively available to registered Nosh Live attendees. Early registrants will receive first access to meeting requests.

To participate:

• Register for Nosh Live 2025
• Receive the sign up forms in your confirmation email
• Submit your requests and prepare for real conversations that can move your business forward

Register for Nosh Live 2025 (December 4–5, Marina del Rey, CA)

Interested in hosting a meeting as an industry mentor? Fill out this form.

About Nosh Live

Nosh Live is the definitive event for emerging and established food brands to connect with the industry’s leading retailers, investors, advisors, and partners. Through thoughtful programming, strategic networking, and a curated community, Nosh Live is where the next generation of food brands gets serious about growth.

Join us this December to gain insights, make connections and meet the people who might just shape your next big move.