From astronaut to economist, the Alltech ONE Virtual Experience announces stellar keynote lineup

Alltech has announced the keynote speaker lineup to be featured in the Alltech ONE Virtual Experience when the digital program launches on May 18, 2020. The virtual experience offers attendees on-demand insights that transcend culture and industry, presenting innovation-driven solutions for overcoming challenges in agriculture, business and our everyday lives.  

Cady Coleman, former NASA astronaut and Air Force Colonel, will launch the virtual experience with a streaming presentation on Monday, May 18. Coleman spent a total of 180 days on the International Space Station, taking “working remotely” to another frontier. A chemist with a doctorate in polymer science and engineering, Coleman is a pioneer in the research of materials science, biotechnology, combustion science and fluid physics. She is passionate about the importance of inclusion, collaboration and innovation in problem-solving. She will present a captivating discussion of life in space, resilience and staying connected from any realm.

The Alltech ONE Virtual Experience will also feature David McWilliams, economist and adjunct professor of global economics at Trinity School of Business, Trinity College Dublin. McWilliams has dedicated his career to making economics accessible, adding a bit of humor and historical context. Ranked among the most influential economists in the world, McWilliams examines operational risk, human behavior and successfully adapting to shifting markets. He will share his insights on how business decisions will be made amid global disruption.  

Jessica Adelman, CEO of ESG Results, also joins the speaker lineup to offer insights on consumer trends. Adelman has held numerous leadership positions in the food, retail and agriculture sectors, including most recently as group vice president of corporate affairs for The Kroger Co., serving as chief corporate affairs officer, chief communications officer, chief sustainability officer and president of both Kroger Foundations. She will share her insights on the long-lasting habits of the new consumer emerging from lockdown.     

To explore the next frontier of food production, Jack Bobo, CEO of Futurity, also joins the Alltech ONE Virtual Experience. Bobo works with food and agriculture businesses to better understand emerging food trends and consumer attitudes so they can position themselves to thrive in an ever more complex world. He will share his perspective of the challenges and opportunities found in the next era of agriculture.

The keynote lineup also includes Dr. Frank Mitloehner, professor and air quality specialist in the Cooperative Extension in the Department of Animal Science at the University of California, Davis. Mitloehner has successfully taken on the negative narrative surrounding the environmental impact of agriculture with clear communication and data, illustrating the relationships among human activities, animal digestion, food production and atmospheric chemistry. He will offer an in-depth look at separating fact from fiction and bridging the communication gap.

Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech, rounds out the keynote lineup with a call for collaboration to improve farm management and food production, human and animal well-being, and the preservation of natural resources. He will share his vision for a Planet of Plenty™ and the promise, possibility and opportunity we have — together —to shape the future of our planet.

“Our world has changed significantly over the last several months,” said Lyons. “It is perhaps more important than ever to be innovative and connected as we embrace the next normal. We look forward to sharing the captivating insights and inspiration offered by the Alltech ONE Virtual Experience in a way that is accessible to everyone.”  

A different keynote presentation will be streamed on the Alltech ONE Virtual Experience each day at 9 a.m. EST, beginning Monday, May 18, through Friday, May 22. Registrants can engage with select speakers via Q&A chats directly following their presentations. Registrants who miss the scheduled streaming can access the presentations on demand afterward.

On-demand session topics will also be available beginning May 18 and will explore challenges and opportunities in agribusiness, aquaculture, beef, crop science, dairy, pig, poultry and sustainable agriculture. Additional Q&A opportunities are also on the agenda, along with special panel discussions and entertainment.

Registrants have 24/7 access to all the presentations, with exclusive content added monthly.

To learn more about the Alltech ONE Virtual Experience and to register, visit ONE.ALLTECH.COM.