Segments & Speakers
Keynote Speaker
Visionary expertise from one of the industry’s brightest minds
Mark Maggio
As the visionary co-founder of Boulder Canyon snacks in 1994, Mark Maggio successfully built and sold the brand to a public company just six years later. Mark’s dynamic career continued as he founded a consulting firm, dedicating a decade to launching new brands like Koia, Nawgan, and Vertical Water, while also fueling growth for over a dozen companies, including Popcorn Indiana and Smári Icelandic Yogurt.
With a remarkable 30 years of experience, Mark has a proven track record of not only building brands but also navigating the complexities of the industry. He has been instrumental in multiple capital raises, and he has a deep understanding of buy and sell-side transactions.
As the current CEO of Madhava, a role he took on in 2023, Mark continues to drive innovation and success. Get ready to be inspired by a leader who has helped shape some of today’s most exciting brands and understands what it takes to thrive in a fast-paced market.
Pitch Slam
Experience 5 dynamic pitch slams as Cultivate Bend member brands present to a panel of industry judges.
What is the Pitch Slam?
Up to five brands will have the opportunity to participate in a 5-minute company pitch to a judging panel of national CPG leaders and will receive 7 minutes of valuable feedback live on stage in front of an audience of 150-200.
The goal of the pitch is to present your business where it is today, its strengths and challenges. You will be able to pose questions to the judges for guidance. You will get honest feedback about your brand and business and potentially receive a prize to help you pursue your goals.
Applications close on Tuesday, 9/2. Selected applicants will be notified by email with further information and will receive an example slide outline, a pitch rubric, and a 30-minute coaching session to refine and practice their pitch with a Cultivate Bend Board Member. You will also get focused time with the judging panel after the pitch to discuss your product and questions.
*Please note that Pitch Slam applicants MUST be Cultivate Bend members and will purchase a Cultivate Live! ticket at the $65 discounted rate.If you have any questions please email Tera Shaver at opsmanager@cultivatebend.com. Prize packages do not include any guarantee of a partnership with participating judges and the companies they represent.
Pitch Slam Judges
Bill Capsalis
Seasoned CPG Advisor & Previous Executive Director of Naturally Boulder
Bill Capsalis is a veteran of the healthy lifestyle healthy living industry where he’s been helping emerging brands find a path to market for over 30 years. Having worked with over 500 natural products brands his deep knowledge of the industry keeps him busy helping all kinds of founders. He has a unique perspective on the entrepreneurial journey and the challenges entrepreneurs face every day. He has served as the VP of Marketing at GAIAM, been the cofounder of a cleaning products brand, worked in agency settings and most recently left his full-time role as the Executive Director of Naturally Boulder a trade association dedicated to helping emerging companies learn and grow. His passion for all things sustainable and regenerative impacts everything he does. He also loves playing the bass guitar in several local bands.
Stay Tuned for More Judges!
Community Marketplace
Sample, taste, and purchase a wide assortment of local natural products from Cultivate Bend members.
What is the Community Marketplace?
The Community Marketplace features member tables where attendees can sample and learn about the wide variety of local natural products. The Community Marketplace provides a chance to explore and connect with different brands and their stories in a relaxed, engaging environment.
Applications will close on Tuesday, 9/23, and applicants will then be contacted with specific day-of details. In the meantime, if you have any questions please email Tera Shaver at opsmanager@cultivatebend.com.
*Please note that applications to the Community Marketplace are only available to Members of Cultivate Bend. Selected brands will be contacted through email with more information. All selected brands will purchase a Cultivate LIVE! ticket at the discounted rate of $65 with an option to purchase 1 additional $35 ticket for a booth helper.
Post-Event Happy Hour
Relax & network after a great day with the local natural products industry!
Happy Hour & Community Marketplace
To close out the event, we’ll be hosting a lively happy hour and another session of the Community Marketplace. This informal gathering offers attendees a chance to reflect on the day’s insights, meet and mingle with speakers and panelists, and explore opportunities for partnerships and collaborations. Continue to enjoy samples from the participating brands while making valuable connections in a relaxed, engaging setting.
