Top 7 Reasons You Should Come To The 2024 ReFED Food Waste Solutions Summit

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Top 7 Reasons You Should Come To The 2024 ReFED Food Waste Solutions Summit

April 9, 2024

We’re excited to convene the food community to talk about progress, solutions, and remaining challenges in Baltimore this summer at the 2024 ReFED Food Waste Solutions Summit—and with just two months left until the big event, we thought we’d put together this list of reasons why you don’t want to miss it:

1. Gain Actionable Insights From Mainstage and Breakout Sessions

As food waste reduction continues to grow in awareness as a top solution to climate change, it’s imperative to show that organizations and initiatives are making progress toward food waste goals. How we achieve this progress is what the Summit is all about. Attending a mix of sessions allows you to learn new information about the food waste problem from all angles, giving you insights into how best to address it in your organization and sphere of influence. (See our session schedule.)

2. Be Inspired and Challenged by Subject Matter Experts

Sessions would be nothing without the speakers, panelists, and moderators who lead them. This year’s Summit will feature subject matter experts not only from across the food system, but also across the world. Our speakers are sure to provide engaging content that inspires new thinking and challenges assumptions. (See our current speaker line-up.)

3. Network With People Across the Food Waste Ecosystem

Networking with peers and mentors is a key reason that we bring the food community together at this annual event. Opportunities to network are built into the schedule—whether it’s during a happy hour or during a free half-hour, the Summit offers many chances for you to meet with new and returning attendees across the food system and talk about food waste solutions.

4. Meet the People Making a Difference on a Field Trip

This is where the rubber hits the road! Among the favorite activities of past Summit attendees, field trips kick off this year’s schedule on Tuesday afternoon. They’re a chance for you to get out from behind your desk and visit an organization working directly to reduce food waste. Learn best practices, ask questions, and connect with your fellow attendees about food waste reduction efforts in a hands-on environment. But hurry—sign up soon because spaces are limited! (Sign up for a field trip.)

5. Learn About the Latest Solutions from Our Exhibitors

Since progress is always a key theme of the Summit, there will be plenty of opportunity to explore tangible solutions. Between sessions, you can find a floor of exhibitors who are working hard to address food waste with fresh approaches and strategies. From new technologies to high-impact initiatives, this year’s exhibitors are sure to inspire learning, collaboration, and engagement.

6. Understand The State of Funding and Philanthropy in the Food Waste Sector

We know that one of the biggest challenges in scaling solutions is funding. Through sessions and networking, this year’s Summit will give attendees a chance to hear directly from investors and philanthropists who are working to fund solutions—touchpoints that are intended to provide critical information that allow stakeholders to align and take advantage of funding opportunities.

7. Experience Baltimore's Beautiful Scenery and Unique Relationship to Food

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention our host city as a major reason to come to this year’s Food Waste Solutions Summit! As a city with an historic and active harbor, Baltimore provides a unique look into the U.S. food system, particularly the country’s seafood industry. It’s also a city dedicated to environmental justice, with many of its local initiatives and organizations featured in a number of experiences at this year’s Summit. Be sure to check the schedule to see how you can take advantage of Baltimore-based teachings. (Learn more about the host city.)

Still need to register? Act fast—our past Summits have all sold out, and already this year some ticket types are almost gone. Make sure you’ll be there by registering here.

ReFED is a national nonprofit working to end food loss and waste across the food system by advancing data-driven solutions to the problem. ReFED leverages data and insights to highlight supply chain inefficiencies and economic opportunities; mobilizes and connects people to take targeted action; and catalyzes capital to spur innovation and scale high-impact initiatives. ReFED’s goal is a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food system that optimizes environmental resources, minimizes climate impacts, and makes the best use of the food we grow.

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