The Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2026 Stakeholders Summit will open and close with two keynote sessions focused on leadership and collaboration across the animal protein value chain. The 2026 summit, themed “High Steaks: Navigating Pressure on Animal Protein,” is set for May 5-7 in Kansas City, Mo. Early bird registration rates are available through March 6, offering savings up to $100.

“The pressures facing animal protein today are real, complex, and growing, but we don’t have to face them alone,” said Hannah Thompson-Weeman, Animal Agriculture Alliance president and CEO. “We’re excited to have two high-energy keynotes to open and close the 2026 summit with an emphasis on the importance of collaboration across the food system. The annual summit focuses on practical strategies that can be implemented immediately, and this year’s speakers will focus on how we can effectively navigate a challenging, ever-changing environment.

Animal agriculture leaders face growing complexity, from volatile markets and sustainability pressures to workforce challenges and shifting expectations. In the 2026 summit opening session, agriculturally rooted leadership coach Sarah Bohnenkamp will draw on cross-commodity experience in leadership, strategy, and grassroots engagement to challenge leaders to move beyond the status quo. Through real-world examples from across the value chain, this session will highlight common pitfalls, unspoken challenges, and practical lessons that strengthen alignment, sharpen execution, and improve communication. Attendees will leave with clear insights on how effective leadership rooted in strong communication drives meaningful progress in animal agriculture.

Bohnenkamp is a leadership coach, speaker and strategist who helps high achievers unlock their full potential. With over two decades of experience and nearly 200 stages under her belt, she specializes in coaching leaders and organizations to communicate boldly, navigate change with confidence, and craft powerful leadership brands.

Closing out the 2026 summit, Crystal Mackay will provide a keynote that will challenge the audience. Drawing on real-world lessons and practical frameworks like Collaboration Math, the session will deliver clear strategies to build stronger relationships, overcome barriers, and accelerate results - equipping attendees with actionable tools to work smarter together and fuel the future of the food system.

Mackay is a professional speaker with a rich background in agriculture and food. She is passionate about fueling the future by inspiring the dedicated individuals who make the agri-food world turn. Mackay has an impressive track record for collaborating and connecting across North America's food system. She created many award-winning farm to fork efforts – including starting and leading two non-profit organizations, Farm & Food Care and the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity, and her own company, LOFT32 in 2019.

Source: Animal Agriculture Alliance