3 DAYS OF INNOVATION

Each parallel session will be thematically centered on one of the conference themes. A specific question will be provided to anchor each theme. Each thematic parallel session will be approx. 2 hours in duration and features 3 x 10mins presentation from selected abstracts and interactive + structured group discussions.

The objective of this format is to spark dialogue. Presentation duration of 5mins to present a result, outcome, approach or concept in an accessible manner.

Typically, speed talks are a short vignette of key findings or methods for projects or on-ground acCons or plans. There can be a maximum of three supporting slides plus one title slide to accompany the talk.

Posters will be on display during the entire conference. In addition, there will be a dedicated poster session.

The committee will also select a few abstract submissions for posters to be presented as a “Hot Topic” talk during the conference.

‘Unconference’ is a participant-oriented session where the attendees decide on the agenda, the discussion topics and the speakers.

On the first day of the conference, participants will be given the opportunity to vote for open topics for breakout parallel session slots on Day 3. There are only two rules at an unconference:

1. Nobody is giving a presentation – unconferences are all about conversations
2. If a session doesn’t inspire attendees and they are not contributing, they should get up and find a different one

This session’s format is inspired by the BBC HARDtalk interview series, featuring hard-hitting questions about sensitive topics

The cool innovation corner will display cool CSA/future food systems innovations open during the full duration of the 3-days conference.

Day 1:
Speed Networking (30 mins) – Find Your Match

• Participants receive a color-coded badge based on their role (e.g., Investor, Researcher, Entrepreneur, Policymaker)
• A structured networking round where participants quickly introduce their key needs, offers, or collaboration interests
  

The Marketplace (30 mins) – Co-Create Deals

• The room is divided into “CSA Marketplace” zones based on key themes (e.g., Soil Health, Next-Gen Crops, Livestock, Policy & Finance) – Participants move freely, posting ‘offers’ and ‘asks’ on deal boards
• Facilitators/‘deal brokers’ help connect the right people to spark discussions on Day 2 and form collaborations/partnerships for deals

Day 3:
Pitch Your Deal (45 mins) – Make It Official

• Selected groups pitch their emerging collaborations in 3-minute rapid-fire presentations – A panel of ‘judges’ provides instant feedback
• The best 3 pitches receive a CSA Deal Catalyst Award

The Commitment Wall (45 mins) – Seal the Deal

• Participants write down key takeaways or action points on a ‘Commitment Wall’
• A moderator summarizes the commitments

Leigh Ann Winowiecki

Zachary Stewart

Bjoern Ole Sander

Thomas de Bang

Virginia Antonioli

William R. Sutton