Boise, Idaho - September 22-23, 2025
Welcome to the Freeze Drying Summit!
Join us for an exclusive event designed for entrepreneurs and businesses in the freeze-drying industry. Whether you’re launching a new venture or scaling an existing business, this conference is your opportunity to gain expert insights, connect with industry leaders, and discover the latest innovations shaping the freeze-drying market!
Sept 22-23, 2025
Exclusive Breakouts
Industry Experts
The 2025 Freeze Dried Summit is SOLD OUT. Stay tuned for 2026 dates!
Why Attend?
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
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
Brought to you by David Leaman!
David has been navigating the complexities of the freeze-drying industry for years, from tackling restrictive regulations to building a thriving business. Seeing a lack of resources for entrepreneurs, he launched a YouTube channel and online platform to share insights and support others in the space.
Now, he’s taking it further by founding the Freeze-Drying Industry Conference—the first event dedicated to connecting business owners, industry experts, and B2B partners. His mission is to build a stronger, more connected community, providing the tools and knowledge entrepreneurs need to grow and succeed.
PARTNER SPONSORS
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Event Schedule
2 Days of Freeze Drying Insights!
Sunday, September 21
Apps & Drinks Social at location TBD (Early Evening)
Monday, September 22
8:00am | Breakfast
Kickoff
9:30am | Breakout Sessions
Break
10:45am | Breakout Sessions
Lunch
1:00pm | Sessions & Connection
Break
4:00pm | Social Event
*Full detailed agenda coming soon
Tuesday, September 23
8:00am | Breakfast
Keynote
9:30am | Breakout Sessions
Break
10:45am | Breakout Sessions
Lunch
11:45am | Final Session & Conclusion
Summit Complete
Who's Speaking?
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
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
Richard DeLong
Richard DeLong is a pioneering force in floral freeze-drying technology with 35+ years of industry mastery! After founding Botanique in 1989, his innovation transformed preservation methods industry-wide. Richard's science education background and entrepreneurial vision will be an exciting topic for the summit.
Owner & CEO
NutriFreeze & CannaFreeze
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
Freeze-Drying Companies Attending
Limited Availability – Only 120 Spots!
We’re keeping this event intimate to ensure high-value interactions and quality discussions. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the first-ever gathering of its kind.