Upcoming Events
Our exclusive webinars are typically accessible to Navigator Lighthouse Foundation members only. If you are a member and have questions about how to access a webinar, please contact us at contact@navigatorlighthousefoundation.org
WAFC NextOnShelf 2027
Saturday, May 1, 2027 | WAFC Convention
Navigator Lighthouse Foundation is excited to support WAFC NextOnShelf 2027, a program designed to help emerging consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands connect with retailers, showcase their products, and build valuable industry relationships.
The program offers participating brands exposure to more than 350 retailers representing over 40 retail companies through meetings and networking opportunities during the WAFC Convention.
Participants will have access to a dedicated 10' × 10' exhibit space for product showcasing and sampling, along with membership and coaching opportunities, including a pre-convention webinar to help maximize their success.
Applications are open from October 15 through November 29, 2026.
Apply Now: https://lnkd.in/gQAaH9NY
Past Events
Navigator Lighthouse Foundation welcomes Allison Luvera, Co-Founder & CEO of Juliet Wine, and Donald Wilson, Jr., Senior Counsel at Zhong Lun Law Firm, for a conversation on building and protecting a brand.
Allison brings founder experience and marketing leadership from Pernod Ricard, TIME, Condé Nast, and Hearst. Donald specializes in intellectual property, branding, and entertainment law, with a career that includes Quincy Jones Productions.
Together, they’ll share business and legal perspectives on why brand protection matters early, how IP connects to brand strategy, what to watch for in agreements and partnerships, and why legal support is key to long-term growth.
Whether you’re launching a brand or preparing to scale, join us for this conversation.
𝐆𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐚 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐏𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | 13:00 PM (PDT)
Navigator Lighthouse Foundation is proud to partner with the California Grocers Association to launch the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐏𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭.
This is an opportunity for emerging CPG brands to pitch directly to grocery retailers, buyers, and industry leaders at 𝐆𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐚 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔—one of the West Coast's premier grocery industry events.
How to Grow Your Brand at Raley’s and Bashas’ Supermarkets
Thursday, July 9, 2026 | 9:00 AM (PDT)
Join NLF for a members-only webinar with Levi Wingo on what helps emerging CPG brands stand out and grow at Raley’s and Bashas’ Supermarkets.
Levi will share a retailer-side perspective on buyer expectations, product positioning, and how brands can build stronger retail opportunities.
For sponsorship opportunities, email
contact@navigatorlighthousefoundation.org
The CPG Convergence Conference
Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (PT)
Join us for the CPG Convergence Conference — where growth, capital, and innovation come together. This exclusive, invitation-only event brings together emerging brands, visionary retailers, and leading investors for a day of connection, insight, and opportunity.
Learn what it takes to scale in today’s retail landscape — from understanding what buyers want to how storytelling, capital, and distribution intersect.
Winning At Wakefern
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 | 9 AM (PDT)
Join NLF for an exclusive member webinar with Wakefern Food Corp. leadership, featuring Mike Stigers, President, and Darren Caudill, Chief Sales Officer.
This conversation will focus on how emerging CPG brands can better understand retailer expectations, build stronger buyer relationships, earn shelf placement, and drive sustainable growth.
Hear directly from Wakefern leaders on what brands need to know when approaching retail partners — from standing out in a competitive market to creating long-term growth opportunities.
NextOnShelf
Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 11:30 AM (CT)
Apply now for NextOnShelf — a new showcase program launched in partnership with the Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) to spotlight emerging CPG brands at the 2026 WAFC Convention. Only a few slots remain for this opportunity to present your brand to hundreds of retailers on May 2 in San Antonio.
Doing Business With Costco
Thursday, April 2, 2026 | 9:00 AM (PT)
Reserve your spot for our members-only “Doing Business with Costco” webinar on Thursday, April 2 at 9AM PST, featuring Costco leaders Pam Brandt and Wendy Coldesina. Learn what it takes to get your product on Costco’s shelves and succeed within the Costco retail ecosystem.
