Power the Future of Innovation
Growth depends on more than great ideas—it relies on the energy, systems, and leadership that bring them to life. Together, we'll discover how organizations are harnessing the technologies, infrastructure, and leadership needed to sustain growth in an increasingly intelligent and interconnected world. Featuring insights from industry and academic thought leaders and candid member stories, the Forum will focus on the issues our members identified as most critical today, including AI, advanced manufacturing, resilient infrastructure, emerging energy sources, adaptive leadership, and high-performing teams.
Experience Innovation at Mars
Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic M&M'S factory, where you'll trace the evolution of one of the world's most recognizable brands from its 1941 origins, when M&M'S were created so soldiers could enjoy chocolate without it melting in their hands, to today's highly advanced manufacturing operations.
Learn From Leaders Who've Been There
More than a conference, the IOP Fall Forum is an opportunity to learn directly from peers who are leading transformation inside their organizations, sharing practical lessons, proven approaches, and real-world experiences that can help you accelerate progress, avoid common pitfalls, and bring new ideas back to your own organization.
As an IOP member, you’re invited to extend the experience—bring up to five colleagues from your company to join us.
Powering Innovation: Systems That Sustain Growth
3 Days of Innovation & Networking
Engage with thought leaders, senior innovation peers and entrepreneurs.
❈
Tuesday, Oct 13
WELCOME RECEPTION
MARS SNACKING, NEWARK
6:00-8:00p
❈
Wednesday, Oct 14
GENERAL SESSION & TOUR
MARS M&M FACTORY, HACKETTSTOWN
9:00a-4:00p
↓
DINNER
FIG & LILY GARDEN
2 Cattano Ave, 32 Speedwell Ave, Morristown, NJ
6:30p-9:30p
*Round-trip shuttle transportation will be provided from the Element Hotel in Newark to Hackettstown, NJ. The shuttle will stop in Morristown for the IOP Member dinner on the return trip.
❈
Thursday, Oct 15
GENERAL SESSION
MARS SNACKING, NEWARK
9:00a-4:00p
OUR GROWING LIST OF EXPERT SPEAKERS
HOST
Former Executive Director, Advanced Research
Ford Motor Company
IOP Emeritus Board Member
JIM “BUZZ” BUCZKOWSKI
-

Jaime Boyes
MARS SNACKING NA
Senior Vice President, R&D and Q&FS -

Claudio Gutierrez
CG CREATIVE STUDIOS
CEO, Chief Creative Officer
IOP Board Chairman -

Michael Ku
PFIZER
Senior Vice President, Head of Global Clinical Supply -

Mary Lombardo
FORMERLY, RTX
IOP Emeritus Board Member -

Nick Scappaticci
BIG DREAMS
Founder
LinkedIn -

Rainer Struck
MARS SNACKING NA
Global SVP, R&D Digital Transformation
Hotel Base
The Element by Marriott Harrison–Newark will serve as the Forum's home base throughout the event.
Element by Marriott Harrison - Newark
399 Somerset Street, Harrison, NJ 07029
The hotel is conveniently located adjacent to the Harrison PATH train station and provides a complimentary shuttle to the Ironside Building, home to the Mars Snacking offices.
On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, charter transportation to the Hackettstown programming and M&M'S Factory Tour will depart from the hotel.
We have secured a special IOP room rate of $239 per night, plus applicable taxes. To receive this rate, please use the provided link below when booking online. The discounted rate is available through September 19, 2026. After that date, reservations will be accepted at the group rate based on hotel availability.
BOOK NOW: IOP Room Block Reservation
Other suggested hotel options include:
Newark Airport
Morristown - ~ 25 minutes from Newark Airport, 25 minutes from Element Hotel (Base Hotel for event)
Share Your “Beg, Brag, or What If”
We Want Your Stories!
Your experiences and lessons learned - good, bad or ugly, are an invaluable part of our programs.
Please contact Stephanie Denman with your stories: stephanie@cgcreative.com, IOP Executive Program Director.
OUR MEMBERS