Powering Innovation: Systems that Sustain Growth

IOP FALL FORUM 2026

Member Host:

OCTOBER 13-15, 2026
Mars Snacking Corporate Office
110 Edison Place, Suite 5&6, Newark, NJ 07102

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

    LinkedIn

  • Claudio Gutierrez

    CG CREATIVE STUDIOS
    CEO, Chief Creative Officer
    IOP Board Chairman

    LinkedIn

  • Michael Ku

    PFIZER
    Senior Vice President, Head of Global Clinical Supply

    LinkedIn

  • Mary Lombardo

    FORMERLY, RTX
    IOP Emeritus Board Member


    LinkedIn

  • Nick Scappaticci

    BIG DREAMS
    Founder

    LinkedIn

  • Rainer Struck

    MARS SNACKING NA
    Global SVP, R&D Digital Transformation

    LinkedIn

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

  • “As a CTO, the IOP is vital to our enterprise's growth. Grateful to be part of this community fueling transformative ideas and collaborative progress.”

  • "IOP fuels our software's success. Grateful for this innovative community driving growth and fostering collaboration."

  • "IOP has revolutionized our software enterprise; grateful to be part of this innovative community driving supply chain excellence."