Boise, Idaho - September 20-23, 2026

Welcome to the Freeze Dried Summit!

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Sept 20-23, 2026

Supplier Marketplace

Industry Experts

WHY ATTEND?

The Freeze Dried Summit is designed to empower freeze-drying professionals by providing a complete view of the industry. It’s the only event fully dedicated to the business of freeze drying, offering education on the latest trends, technology, and market innovations. Attendees gain practical knowledge, proven strategies, and valuable connections to strengthen every part of their operation, from production and packaging to marketing and sales. Join industry leaders and innovators shaping the future of freeze drying and take your business to the next level.

Event Highlights:

- Get insider strategies from top freeze-drying experts.

- Network with peers, suppliers, and global leaders

- Explore cutting-edge tech, tools, and innovations.

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An Event Worth the Trip

Education & Innovation – Learn from keynote speakers and industry experts who will share cutting-edge insights on business growth, product development, and market trends.

Networking & Community – Meet like-minded entrepreneurs, B2B partners, and suppliers who can help take your business to the next level.

Exclusive Industry Focus – Unlike general food processing events, this conference is dedicated specifically to businesses leveraging freeze-drying technology for product and service innovation.

Who Should Attend?

Entrepreneurs and business owners using freeze-drying for product manufacturing

Aspiring entrepreneurs looking to launch a freeze-dried product

B2B companies providing products and services to the freeze-drying industry

What to Expect?

Keynote Speakers – Gain insights from industry leaders and visionaries

Breakout Sessions – Choose from multiple tracks tailored to different aspects of the freeze-drying business

Social Events – Build meaningful connections at networking receptions

Exclusive Sponsorship Access – Meet suppliers and service providers who specialize in freeze-drying

Who Should Attend?

- Entrepreneurs and business owners using freeze-drying for product manufacturing

- Aspiring entrepreneurs looking to launch a freeze-dried product

- B2B companies providing products and services to the freeze-drying industry

Who's Behind This Event?

After years of navigating the complexities of freeze-drying in my own small business from regulatory hurdles to operations. I created The Freeze Dried Business to fill the knowledge gap for entrepreneurs in freeze-drying.

Through my growing YouTube channel and online platform, I provide:

1. EDUCATION on freeze-drying through video and other enriching content

2. CONNECTION through in-person freeze-drying events

3. MARKETING services that drive success in this expanding market.

My passion is in transforming industry challenges into growth opportunities and equipping freeze-drying professionals with the tools they need to thrive in their businesses.

I look forward to seeing you!

David Leaman, Founder, Freeze Dried Summit

Tentative Event Schedule

3 Days of Freeze Drying Insights!

Sunday, September 20

5:00pm - 6:30pm | Pre-Summit Social

Monday, September 21

8:00am | Summit Begins

*Full detailed agenda coming soon

Tuesday, September 22

8:00am | Summit Begins

*Full detailed agenda coming soon

Wednesday, September 23

8:00am - 12pm | General Session

*Full detailed agenda coming soon

PAST SPEAKERS

Jesus Macias

Jesus Macias, cofounder of Trendy Treats, transformed a pandemic side hustle into a $5.5 million candy empire with his wife Melinna! With 10M+ social followers and products in 500 stores nationwide, Jesus built their U.S. made candy sensation from just $3,000 in personal investment—proving that sweet success is possible in the freeze-dried industry!

CEO & Co-Founder

Trendy Treats

Gene Ligman

Gene Ligman is the founder of Suntorr Inc. and a freeze-drying industry authority with 20+ years of expertise! As the most sought-after consultant in the field, Gene delivers exceptional value through his profound understanding of applications and equipment in freeze-drying. His unique approach serves both equipment manufacturers and end users with unparalleled technical knowledge!

President & Owner

SunTorr

Troy Pettit

Troy Pettit, COO of TechSource Systems, revolutionized commercial freeze-drying with his exceptional automation programming and electrical design expertise! His innovative technology forms the backbone of TechSource's success as a top U.S.-based commercial freeze dryer manufacturer. Troy will share in-depth knowledge of how companies are scaling their freeze-drying businesses and how you can do it too!

COO

TechSource Systems

Jeffrey Bogusz

Jeff holds a B.S. in Food Process Engineering from Purdue. He developed non-chocolate confections at Hershey, then provided technical support at Cerestar/Cargill. At Ferrara Pan, he led R&D, improved gummy recipes, and helped create Nerds Clusters. In 2022, he started Lucky Teapot Consulting, developing nutraceutical confections and advising companies

Candy Maker

Lucky Teapot Consulting

Dr. Janna Hamlett

Dr. Janna Hamlett is a Food Processing Specialist at TechHelp and Associate Professor with the University of Idaho Extension. With 20 years in food manufacturing, she specializes in food safety, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance, serving as a trusted resource for the industry.

Food Processing Specialist

TechHelp Idaho

Matt Graunke

Matt Graunke, sales and marketing manager at Parker Freeze Dry, brings extensive commercial freeze-drying expertise to our event! Matt educates professionals on scaling their businesses with Parker's equipment. Don't miss his invaluable insights on transitioning from small-scale to commercial freeze-drying operations!

Sales & Marketing Manager

Parker Freeze Dry

Levi Weischedel

Levi Weischedel is an innovative marketing consultant and creative partner for the Freeze Dried Marketing agency. As a dynamic video producer, his refreshing approach creates strategies that deliver results while keeping the process enjoyable and effective!

CMO & Creative Director

Freeze Dried Marketing

Lloyd Parks

Lloyd Parks, VP of Sales at Cuddon Freeze Dry, is an innovative leader with global food-processing expertise. With a hands-on, results-driven approach, he helps organizations harness freeze-drying technology to boost efficiency, quality, and growth. Lloyd brings energy and vision to advancing what’s possible with freeze drying.

VP Sales (N. & S. America)

Cuddon Freeze Dry

Sean B Jones

Sean B. Jones, CEO and Co-Founder of Foodynamics, brings over 30 years of executive leadership to the premium freeze-dried pet food industry. Sean has built a family-operated business specializing in private label manufacturing of high-quality treats for cats and dogs, transforming his passion into action.

Owner & CEO

Foodynamics

Stephen Cowan

Stephen Cowan is the founder of BeMicro, the first company in the U.S. to specialize in freeze-dried microgreens, and the host of the Plant Frequencies podcast. With a background in tech sales, Stephen transformed a garage startup into a national wellness brand dedicated to making farm-grown, functional nutrition accessible and convenient. He’s on a mission to reinvent how vegetables fit into everyday life—one microgreen at a time.

Founder & Microgreens Innovator

BeMicro

Jerad Ducklow

Jerad Ducklow, Executive VP at Parker Freeze Dry, is a business development expert specializing in commercial freeze-drying operations. With proven expertise in scaling businesses, financial analysis, and project management, he helps clients transition from small-scale to commercial operations while maximizing profitability and efficiency in competitive markets.

Retail Sales Director

Parker Freeze Dry

Nathan Wise

Nathan Wise leads sales at Sev-Rend which is developing eco-friendly packaging solutions for the food industry. His expertise in recyclable, compostable materials helps brands balance product protection with environmental responsibility. Freeze-dried foods is one of their fastest growing segments with their clients and he is looking forward to sharing his expertise in packaging.

Retail Sales Director

Sev-Rend

Brian Bourne

Brian is a Business Development Associate at KLC Financial, where he helps commercial manufacturing companies—including freeze-drying businesses—secure financing to scale with new equipment. With a background in marketing, strategy, and client relationships, he’s passionate about connecting the dots between financing and growth. We’re excited to have him share insights on scaling freeze-drying businesses.