Food Safety Culture
with Frank Yiannas
đź“Ť Chicago, US | 5-6 November 2026
Build a Stronger Food Safety Culture. Drive Better Behaviors. Reduce Risk.
An immersive, two-day, in-person workshop led by Frank Yiannas, former U.S. FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy & Response and author of Food Safety Culture.
Food safety challenges are no longer driven by systems alone—they are driven by human behavior, leadership, and organizational culture. This workshop goes beyond traditional training and compliance models to focus on the real drivers of food safety performance.
Through evidence-based insights, real-world case studies, and interactive group work, you will learn how to evaluate, strengthen, and sustain a food safety culture that works—even when no one is watching.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
-
Identify the core attributes of an effective food safety culture
-
Apply behavioral science principles to influence employee behavior
-
Distinguish between traditional food safety management and behavior-based approaches
-
Strengthen food safety and quality as part of an organization’s value and belief system
-
Improve training, communication, and reinforcement strategies
-
Develop a personalized 90-day food safety culture action plan
Overview
Frank Yiannas
Former Deputy Commissioner, Food Policy & Response, US FDA
Smarter FY Solutions
Frank Yiannas is one of the world’s most influential voices in food safety leadership. He served as Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response at the U.S. FDA and previously led food safety at Walmart and The Walt Disney Company. With decades of experience managing food safety in high-risk, global operations, Frank brings unparalleled insight into regulation, crisis management, and preventive food safety systems.
Who should attend?
This workshop is designed for:
-
Food safety and quality leaders
-
Operations and plant managers
-
Regulatory and compliance professionals
-
Senior executives responsible for food safety strategy
-
Anyone responsible for influencing food safety behaviors and culture
"It’s impossible to make improvements in food safety, without influencing the thoughts, attitudes and behaviors of people who work with food.
Advancing food safety requires going beyond the traditional basics and it requires a better understanding of human behavior and concepts of organizational culture." - Frank Yiannas M.P.H.
Workshop Agenda
Registration & Welcome Coffee
Opening Keynote: Beyond Food Safety Management -WHY Culture
Frank Yiannas
Former Deputy Commissioner, Food Policy & Response, US FDA
Coffee break
Behavioral Science 101 for Food Safety Leaders
Frank Yiannas
Former Deputy Commissioner, Food Policy & Response, US FDA
Lunch Break / VIP Lunch (invite-only)
Key Elements of a Food Safety Culture
Frank Yiannas
Former Deputy Commissioner, Food Policy & Response, US FDA
Coffee break
Assessing Your Organization’s Culture
Frank Yiannas
Former Deputy Commissioner, Food Policy & Response, US FDA
Closing of Day-1 / Networking Dinner/ VIP and paid extra by Regular
Morning Coffee & Day 1 Recap
Designing a Behavior-Based Food Safety System, Part 1
Frank Yiannas
Former Deputy Commissioner, Food Policy & Response, US FDA
Coffee break
Designing a Behavior-Based Food Safety System, Part 2
Frank Yiannas
Former Deputy Commissioner, Food Policy & Response, US FDA
Lunch Break / VIP Lunch (invite-only)
Case Studies -When Cultures Fail
Frank Yiannas
Former Deputy Commissioner, Food Policy & Response, US FDA
Coffee break
Action Planning Workshop: Your 90-Day Culture Roadmap
Frank Yiannas
Former Deputy Commissioner, Food Policy & Response, US FDA
Coffee Break
Select Participants Presentations
Frank Yiannas
Former Deputy Commissioner, Food Policy & Response, US FDA
Certificate Ceremony & Closing Remarks
Secure your spot
Spaces are limited to ensure a high-quality, interactive experience.
- Regular tickets
- VIP tickets
$1525 (Early bird price)
This two-day workshop provides full access to all core sessions led by Frank Yiannas, with a strong focus on building a behavior-based Food Safety Management System where people make the right decisions under pressure.
Participants will gain a clear understanding of the current food safety risk landscape, including regulatory expectations, leadership accountability, and practical approaches to strengthening food safety culture across complex operations.
Ideal for:
Food safety and quality professionals, operations managers, and leaders across food manufacturing, catering, and ready-to-eat environments.
Early bird price available until June 20th.
- Full access to both workshop days
- Networking coffee breaks and lunches
- Welcome goodie bag
- A copy of Frank Yiannas’ book
- We create amazing digital products.
- Optional networking dinner available at an additional cost
$295
Available exclusively to Regular ticket participants, this intimate networking dinner on Day 1 offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with Frank Yiannas in a relaxed, off-stage setting.
The dinner is designed to encourage open conversation around food safety leadership, real-world challenges, and culture transformation, while fostering meaningful connections with fellow industry professionals.
- Limited to 10 seats
Upon request
Attend as a team and benefit from reduced rates while aligning your organisation around food safety leadership and innovation.
-
3–4 people: 10% discount
-
5–7 people: 15% discount
-
8+ people: 20% discount
$1950 (Early bird price)
The VIP experience offers everything included in the Regular ticket, plus enhanced opportunities for direct interaction with Frank Yiannas and select speakers. This premium format allows for deeper discussion around leadership accountability, culture transformation, and real-world implementation challenges.
VIP participants benefit from smaller, more focused sessions and private networking designed to foster meaningful dialogue and peer exchange at the executive level.
Ideal for:
Senior executives, directors, and decision-makers responsible for food safety strategy, culture, and organizational performance.
Early bird price available until June 20th.
- Full access to both workshop days
- Networking coffee breaks
- Private lunch and private dinner with Frank Yiannas
- Welcome goodie bag
- A copy of Frank Yiannas’ book
Upon request
Attend as a team and benefit from reduced rates while aligning your organisation around food safety leadership and innovation.
-
3–4 people: 10% discount
-
5–7 people: 15% discount
-
8+ people: 20% discount
