8:00 - 9:15 AM EST

Welcome & Opening Keynote

Randy Mitchell, Perdue Farms

Vice-President of Technical Services at Perdue Farms, Mitchell has over 20 years of experience in food manufacturing. Holding a PhD in poultry science and an MBA, he previously served as a Technical Services Nutritionist at British United Turkeys of America. His career highlights a dedication to food safety, risk management, and sustainable practices. He was also named a PSA Fellow in 2025! 

9:15 - 10:30 AM EST

Time Management & Setting Priorities

Marlene Eick

With stories of adventures, Marlene examines the multitude of ways we show up for others in our lives - our colleagues, family and friends, and larger community - especially post-pandemic. You'll leave with a better sense of how you can expand your relationships as you build authentic influence and leadership.

10:30 - 11:00 AM EST

Break

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST

Building Supportive Networks

April Levy, DSM

Strong professional relationships are key to long-term success and personal fulfillment. This session focuses on the value of building and nurturing a supportive network within the poultry science community and beyond. Attendees will learn effective strategies for initiating connections, maintaining professional relationships, and creating mutually beneficial collaborations. With an emphasis on authenticity and shared goals, the session will explore how diverse networks can provide mentorship, opportunities, and resilience throughout your career. Whether you're expanding your circle or deepening existing connections, this session will help you strengthen the relationships that support your growth.

12:00 - 1:00 PM EST

Lunch

1:00 - 2:00 PM EST

A.I. Keynote

Steve Lerch

Feeling overwhelmed by the AI revolution? Don't worry, you don't need to be a tech genius (not even close) to harness the power of artificial intelligence! Join Steve Lerch, former Google executive, on a captivating journey into the practical side of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot.

In this eye-opening and accessible presentation, Lerch cuts through the jargon and demystifies AI for everyone, regardless of your technical background. Through real-world use cases, fun examples, and a simple playbook, he'll show you how AI can revolutionize your work or even your personal life.

Discover how to:
● Boost your productivity: Learn how AI can simplify complex tasks, generate creative content, and even provide personalized coaching.
● Unlock new possibilities: Explore the fascinating world of AI-powered tools, from chatbots to image generators, and see how they can spark your imagination.
● Supercharge your career: Gain a competitive edge by leveraging AI to streamline your work, improve your decision-making, and deliver exceptional results.

2:00 - 3:00 PM EST

Technology Workshop with Drew Benson:
Following the keynote, Drew Benson will lead a practical workshop designed to help you apply what you’ve learned. You'll get live demonstrations, guided activities, and simple takeaways for using AI tools in your day-to-day work.

3:00 - 3:30 PM EST

3:30 - 4:30 PM EST

You Don't Need A Title To Be A Leader

Mark Sanborn

You don’t need a leadership title to be a leader. This empowering session is designed for individuals at all career stages who want to make an impact—regardless of their position on the organizational chart. Learn how to build credibility, earn trust, and inspire action by developing the soft skills that drive influence: communication, empathy, initiative, and reliability.

4:30 - 5:30 PM EST

How to do Professional Networking

Christine Alvarado & Doug Britton

Networking doesn’t have to feel awkward or transactional—it can be one of the most rewarding parts of your professional journey. In this practical and candid session, longtime PSA members Christine Alvarado and Doug Britton will share their experiences and tips for building meaningful professional connections in the poultry industry and beyond.

5:30 - 6:30 PM EST

Networking Reception

Innovation in Poultry: How to Pitch Ideas and Drive Change
Big ideas can shape the future of poultry science—but only if they’re heard and supported. This session will empower you to take your innovative thinking to the next level by learning how to effectively pitch your ideas and influence decision-making within your organization or industry.

Explore the essential components of a persuasive pitch, from clearly defining a problem to presenting practical, science-based solutions. You'll also gain insight into navigating resistance to change and building coalitions that move ideas forward. Whether you’re proposing a new research direction, process improvement, or business initiative, this session offers the tools to help you communicate your vision with confidence and impact.

Leadership in times of crisis and change

Craig Rowles, Versova Farms

Uncertainty is inevitable—but how you lead through it can define your impact. This session explores the vital role of leadership during periods of disruption, whether it’s industry shifts, organizational change, or global challenges. Participants will examine the traits and behaviors that build trust, stability, and resilience during turbulent times.

10:30 - 11:00 am

Presentation Skills and Leadership Development

Barry Scarbrough

The attendees will engage in a live, fun, interactive conversation with Barry around Presentation excellence, fundamentals, practicing a few techniques.  From a leadership standpoint, they will learn 6 coordinated styles that are the most common amongst leaders across cultures, both how to spot them and how to use those styles they find most effective!