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– August 10-13, 2026 –

Where Performance Starts to POP

POPCORN Innovation Summit by CAT Squared | Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, Hot Springs, Arkansas

Register Now | Book Hotel

 

Hotel Group Code: BKG1497
 Booking Password: 58230192 

Why Attend POPCORN? 

POPCORN is built for food manufacturers who want to get more value from the systems, data, and technology they already have in place.

Across three days, you’ll hear how CAT Squared, CYNERGY, customers, and technology partners are connecting operations across the food value chain—from live production and processing to traceability, operational insight, and emerging AI applications.

You’ll leave with clearer direction, stronger context for where the platform is headed, and practical ideas you can apply in your own operation.

 

POPCORN logo - XL - tagline - invite
 

Agenda Preview

Monday, August 10

6:00PM
Welcome Reception
Join us in the Oaklawn Convention Center banquet hall for drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and relaxed conversation as we kick off the POPCORN Innovation Summit.

Tuesday, August 11

8:00AM
Breakfast
Conference Center
Grab a hot coffee and join us for breakfast as we kick off the Summit.
9:00AM
Morning Welcome
Main Ballroom
Join CAT Squared leadership as we set the stage for how connected data, systems, and partners can help food manufacturers improve visibility, performance, and decision-making across the production lifecycle.
9:30AM
Where Performance Begins
Live Production Systems: Chore-Time | Roxell | PigTek
See how earlier live-side insight can improve predictability before animals reach the plant by providing better visibility into feed performance, consistency, activity patterns, and environmental root causes.
10:20AM
Break & Networking
Grab a snack, stretch your legs, and connect with fellow attendees.
10:40AM
Turning Live-Side Data into Predictive Intelligence
OptiFarm | PoultrySync
See how live-side activity and environmental data can be turned into actionable insight that supports earlier intervention, better planning, and more predictable performance upstream. Learn how predictive analytics can help teams identify deviations sooner, improve planning accuracy, and make better decisions before variability reaches the plant.
11:45AM
Lunch
Take time to recharge, connect with fellow attendees, and continue the conversation over lunch.
1:00PM
Transforming Biological Input into Processing Execution
Meyn | Cabinplant | CAT Squared
As live inputs enter processing, biological variability becomes operational variability. See how connected processing and packaging systems can improve yield, reduce giveaway, increase uptime, and carry better production data forward into the rest of the plant.
2:00PM
Turning Production Activity into Operational Intelligence
visionAI | Allie AI
See how CYNERGY turns production activity, downtime, inventory, quality, and traceability into a real-time operational picture of the plant. Then explore how visual AI and AI copilots can add context to production losses, bottlenecks, and root-cause analysis so teams can act faster and make better decisions.
3:00PM
Break & Networking
Grab a coffee, connect with fellow attendees, and get ready for the final sessions of the day.
3:20PM
Turning Traceability Data into Retailer-Ready Compliance
Starfish
See how standardized, shareable traceability records can help manufacturers respond faster to recalls, meet retailer and regulatory requirements, and protect customer relationships through better data exchange.
3:50PM
Future Vision: Predictive Enterprise Intelligence
Vernon Smith, CEO, CAT Squared
Close the day with a look at how CYNERGY evolves from plant-floor visibility to predictive forecasting, automated decision support, cross-site benchmarking, and broader enterprise intelligence.
4:30PM
Pop & Pour Technology Showcase
Convention Hall
Grab a drink and explore immersive demo stations hosted by CAT² SMEs, technology partners, and sponsors. See the ecosystem in action, ask practical questions, and gather ideas to accelerate adoption and measurable ROI across your operation.
7:00PM
Extra Butter VIP Experience
Mainline Sports Bar
Unwind with CAT² leaders, partners, and invited guests during an informal evening designed for relationship-building, candid conversation, and a little fun after a full day of ideas and innovation.

Wednesday, August 12

8:00AM
Breakfast
Conference Center
Fuel up for Day 2 with coffee, breakfast, and time to connect before the morning sessions begin.
9:00AM
Morning Welcome
Join us as we open the day with a focus on applied innovation, ecosystem partnerships, and practical ways connected data can drive better decisions across food production.
9:30AM
FROM SILOED DATA TO ACTIONABLE INTELLIGENCE
Dr. Amit Morey
Dr. Morey will explore how Industry 4.0 can help poultry processors connect existing automation, sensors, and plant data to cloud-based analytics that improve efficiency, food safety, and yields. Drawing on his work in poultry processing and applied research, he will share a practical vision for breaking down data silos and turning existing technologies into more actionable intelligence.
10:20AM
Break & Networking
Refill your coffee and continue the conversation with fellow attendees.
10:40AM
PANEL Q&A: DIGITIZATION ON THE FARM
Moderator: Meaghan Ziemba
Join a discussion on how live-production systems and data are helping producers improve predictability, identify root causes sooner, and support better planning before variability reaches the plant.
11:15AM
WHERE TRUSTED PLANT-FLOOR DATA BEGINS
Keyence | Teguar | Bizerba
See how reliable plant-floor data begins at the point of work through better identification, weighing, labeling, device readiness, and operator interaction. Learn how stronger data capture at the source supports traceability, visibility, and faster decision-making across operations.
12:00PM
Lunch
Recharge and connect over lunch
1:00PM
PANEL Q&A: OPERATIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE PLANT
Moderator: Meaghan Ziemba
Hear how connected plant-floor systems, visual intelligence, and AI-assisted decision support are helping manufacturers improve visibility, identify losses faster, and move from fragmented review to faster action.
1:45PM
CUSTOMER CASE STUDY: CONNECTING THE PLANT TO THE BUSINESS
Hear how tighter integration between plant-floor execution and ERP can improve planning, inventory visibility, traceability, and operational decision-making while reducing reporting friction and manual handoffs.
2:30PM
BREAK & NETWORKING
Take a short break before the afternoon closing discussions.
2:50PM
PANEL Q&A: ERP Integration Lessons Learned
Moderator: Meaghan Ziemba
Learn from processors with real-world experience connecting ERPs to the plant floor.
3:30PM
WHAT WE’RE HEARING FROM THE MARKET
Greg Bodak, VP Business Development, CTB, Inc.
Hear the recurring challenges, priorities, and opportunities we're hearing directly from processors, including demand for better visibility, interoperability, traceability, and connected performance across operations.
4:30PM
Customer Insight Studio
Pop into the Customer Insight Studio in the Showcase Hall to record a short testimonial, share your POPCORN experience, explore opportunities to participate in future case studies, and connect with the CAT Squared team. Attendees who complete select activities will also be eligible for exclusive POPCORN giveaways.
6:00PM
POPCORN 30th Anniversary Celebration
An evening of partnership, recognition, and the unveiling of CAT Squared’s next chapter.

Thursday, August 13

8:00AM
BREAKFAST
Conference Center
Join us for breakfast and one final morning of conversation before we close out the Summit.
9:00AM
INDUSTRY & REGULATORY OUTLOOK ACROSS PROTEIN PRODUCTION
Bryan Burns, General Counsel, Meat Institute
Hear a broader perspective on the policy, regulatory, and business issues shaping the future of protein production—and what processors should be watching as they prepare for what’s next.
9:30AM
NAVIGATING A CHANGING WORLD: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE POULTRY INDUSTRY
Blake Rollins, President, The Poultry Federation
Exploring the forces reshaping our world and why poultry is well-positioned for what comes next.
10:00AM
DATA STANDARDS, INTEROPERABILITY, AND THE FUTURE OF CONNECTED AGRIFOOD SYSTEMS
Brent Kemp, CEO, AgGateway
Explore how data standards and interoperability can help the agrifood industry move from disconnected systems to more coordinated, connected operations. This session will examine the role shared frameworks play in improving data exchange, enabling collaboration across the value chain, and creating a stronger foundation for traceability, analytics, and future innovation.
10:30AM
BREAK & NETWORKING
Take a short break, grab a coffee, and get ready for the morning panel discussion.
10:50AM
PANEL DISCUSSION: FROM DATA OWNERSHIP TO SHARED VALUE
Moderator: Meaghan Ziemba
Hear a cross-industry conversation on trust, competitiveness, standards, traceability, and what it will take for connected data to deliver more practical value across protein production. Panelists: Bryan Burns | Blake Rollins | Pat Sweeney | Wiggs Civitillo
11:20AM
SHAPING WHAT’S NEXT
with Vernon Smith
Join us for an open customer listening session focused on priorities, opportunities, and what CAT Squared should be thinking about next as the industry continues to evolve.
12:00PM
Lunch
Recharge, connect with fellow attendees, and wrap up the morning before the afternoon activities begin.
1:00PM
POPCORN Unplugged: Hot Springs Experiences
Wrap up the Summit with a relaxed afternoon of curated Hot Springs activities, giving attendees time to connect, explore, and enjoy the local experience together.
 

Featured Speakers & Contributors

More speakers to be announced.

Meaghan Ziemba Host of Mavens of Manufacturing Podcast

Meaghan Ziemba

Mavens of Manufacturing

Meaghan Ziemba is the host of the Mavens of Manufacturing podcast and owner of Z-Ink Solutions, LLC. With advanced training in professional and technical writing and more than a decade of experience creating content for industrial manufacturing, she is known for spotlighting the voices, stories, and issues shaping the industry today.

Alex Sandoval co-founder of Allie AI

Alex Sandoval

Allie AI

Alex Sandoval is the CEO and Co-Founder of Allie Systems, a SaaS platform that transforms manufacturing operations. He is a tech enthusiast with a profound conviction to help shape how things are produced. Alex has held leadership positions at companies such as Rappi and Google. He is an expert in building and scaling B2B SaaS products.

Amit-Morey-Auburn-university-poultry-science

Dr. Amit Morey

Auburn University

Dr. Amit Morey is an Associate Professor of Poultry Science at Auburn University, where his research focuses on poultry processing, product quality, and technology. His work is centered on advancing practical, innovation-driven solutions that improve the quality and safety of poultry products. Dr. Morey earned his Ph.D. in Poultry Science from Auburn University.

Neamat ElTazi poultrysync

Dr. Neamat ElTazi

PoultrySync

Dr. Neamat ElTazi is Co-Founder and COO of PoultrySync, an agri-tech SaaS platform helping poultry producers improve performance through AI-driven, data-based decision-making. With a background in computer science and digital transformation, she focuses on applying practical technology to poultry production, sustainability, and operational improvement.

johann-de-wet-visionai

Johann de Wet

visionAI

Johann de Wet serves as Chief Revenue Officer at visionAI, helping manufacturers unlock production efficiency through AI and machine vision. He brings more than 20 years of experience as a founder and SaaS sales leader, with a proven record of scaling growth and building high-performing revenue organizations.

wiggs-civitillo-starfish-network-supply-chain-traceability-system

Wiggs Civitillo

Starfish

Wiggs Civitillo is Founder and CEO of Starfish, where he helps food companies improve traceability and data sharing across the supply chain. He previously led IBM’s global supply chain intelligence practice and has worked closely with industry leaders to advance interoperability, transparency, and traceability adoption.

 

The Venue

Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, Hot Springs, Arkansas

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See What’s Popping at POPCORN

Watch the preview and get a feel for the ideas, innovation, and industry connections waiting at this year’s Summit.

POPCORN brings together customers, partners, and industry leaders to explore how better data, systems, and integration can drive stronger performance across food manufacturing.

Reserve Your Seat

 

Early Bird Rate

Ends June 30, 2026

$959

Register Now

 Full access to all sessions

 Networking events and evening programming

Meals included

 All applicable taxes included

 

Standard Attendee

Applies after June 30, 2026

$1,069

Register Now

 Full access to all sessions

 Networking events and evening programming

Meals included

 All applicable taxes included

 

Sponsor Registration

Pay by Invoice

Sponsor Registration

 Full access to all sessions

 Networking events and evening programming

Meals included

 Sponsorship fees invoiced separately per agreement 

Hotel Registration

Group Rate

$160

per night

Book Hotel

 Group Code: BKG1497

 Password: 58230192 

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