We sat down with Emma Bostwick, Director of Business Ecosystem Development at LEAP, who attended the World Agri-Tech Summit and the Future Food Tech Conference in San Francisco, California. Continue reading to learn more about her experience attending.

What conference did you attended in San Francisco? 

It was the innovation summit that took place March 13th – March 17th with different focuses but all interconnected in the agriculture and tech ecosystem. I attended the World Agri-Tech Summit and the Future Food Tech Conference which took place Tuesday through Friday. It is the World’s #1 Agri-Food meeting that takes place. 

Why did you go? 

One of my main objectives of attending was to engage with companies and leaders as a partner to connect them within Michigan. Not only was I there to talk about all the great things the tri-county region and Michigan have to offer, but also learn more about this growing industry and what our role is for us in it. 

What was your favorite part? 

I loved meeting new people and having the opportunity to learn, but the samples and snacks were really interesting, especially during the Future Food Tech conference portion. Lots of innovation happening in that space with substitutes for protein and identifying new plant-based products. I didn’t eat one thing bad while attending.  

What’s next? 

I have been following-up on some of the contacts I met while there. I think I would also like to broaden the conversations in this space about where Michigan falls in the AgTech industry, especially in the innovative side. Also highlighting our M-21 AgTech corridor and the future opportunities that space could offer. Michigan offers such a range of resources that I think can be leveraged at all levels to really grow our state.