WELCOME
Vitality in the Valley: Farm to Factory is an annual Manufacturing Expo that brings together New York State companies across the food, beverage, agriculture, and manufacturing ecosystems.
The event creates meaningful connections between producers, manufacturers, suppliers, and the technical and business resources that help companies grow, scale, and innovate.
Designed to foster collaboration from farm to factory floor, Vitality in the Valley highlights the intersection of agriculture, food and beverage, and advanced manufacturing, offering participants a focused environment to explore partnerships, discover solutions, and strengthen regional supply chains.
Be A Part of the Exclusive Reception – June 2, 2026
In addition to the expo, exhibitors, sponsors, and event partners are invited to an exclusive evening reception on June 2, 2026. This invitation-only event highlights the region’s food and beverage ecosystem through thoughtfully curated pairings from local restaurants, breweries, wineries, and producers.
The reception provides a welcoming environment for early introductions, meaningful conversations, and strategic connections ahead of the expo.
June 2-3, 2026
Location:
Herkimer College
100 Lou Ambers Drive
Herkimer, NY 13350
Lodging Options
The Red Roof Inn
100 Marginal Road,
Herkimer, NY 13350
(315)866-0490
Call and book under “FuzeHub” Room Block
Hampton Inn Utica
172 – 180 N Genesee Street,
Utica, NY 13502
(315)733-1200
We are seeking companies that have something to crow about. Exhibiting at Vitality in the Valley is a unique opportunity to showcase and sell your products and services to a targeted audience of manufacturers, growers, processors, and ecosystem partners from across New York State.
We’re welcoming exhibitors from food, beverage, agriculture, and manufacturing to ensure strong representation across sectors. This is your chance to connect directly with customers, collaborators, and potential partners while positioning your business within a growing innovation-driven community.
Exhibiting goes beyond visibility—it’s an opportunity to generate sales, build relationships, and grow your brand. You’ll be able to:
- Showcase and sell your products to a wide audience of attendees, buyers, and media
- Connect directly with new customers and generate real-time sales
- Network at our exclusive evening reception on June 2 with other top-tier NYS businesses
- Gain exposure through FuzeHub’s marketing channels
We’re building a vibrant mix of exhibitors, and we want your industry represented. If you’ve been thinking about signing up, now’s the time to lock in your spot and be part of a dynamic event that brings farm-grown goods and factory-built solutions under one roof. Apply to Exhibit here.
We offer a range of sponsorship opportunities for organizations looking to show their support and gain meaningful visibility at Vitality in the Valley. All sponsors receive logo recognition on our website and in email promotions, verbal acknowledgment during the event, and access to our exclusive pre-event reception.
Sponsorship levels range from Bronze to Gold, with higher tiers including speaking opportunities, exhibit space, and enhanced brand exposure. Breakfast and Lunch sponsorships also provide valuable stage time during key networking moments. Sponsoring Vitality in the Valley is a powerful way to connect with industry leaders, elevate your brand, and support the growth of New York State’s food, beverage, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors.
Vitality in the Valley 2025
AGENDA
June 2, 2026 - Day One
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3:00 PM
Exhibitor Setup Begins
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5:30 PM
Networking Reception
June 3, 2026 - Day Two
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7:30 AM
Doors Open
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8:00 AM
Registration & Breakfast
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8:30 AM
Event Begins
Welcome Addresses & Sponsors
- Dr. Everton H. Henriques – FuzeHub (MC)
- Cory Albrecht – AIM
- Bill McDonald – Herkimer College
- John Piseck – Herkimer IDA
- Dr. Scott Ferguson – The Institute for Rural Vitality at SUNY Cobleskill
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9:00 AM
Morning Keynote
- Frank Elias – President & Founder, Utica Coffee
- Dan Rickman – District Director, SBA
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9:45 AM
Exhibitor Showcase
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11:15 AM
Panel Breakout
- Moderator – Allison Madmoune, Regional Director Mohawk Valley Region Empire State Development
- Keri Pratico, Vice President and Senior Business Development Officer at Pursuit
- Patty Rechberger, Innovation Fund Manager, FuzeHub
- Grace Conners, Deputy District Director for the Syracuse District Office U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Tim Fitzgerald, Senior Vice President, Economic Development, Mohawk Valley EDGE
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12:15 PM
Lunch
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1:15 PM
Exhibitor Showcase
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3:00 PM
Event Ends
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
SPEAKERS & PANELISTS
SPONSORS
PARTNERS
