2026-05-13 – 2026 Auction & Bash

Bring on the Summer Bash

Network & Give Back Fundraiser

Kick off summer with MNIFT at our most fun event of the year! Join us for summer social event and a evening of networking, games, and a silent auction—all while supporting local student scholarships.

Mingle with industry professionals, enjoy drinks and appetizers, and try your luck at interactive games and prizes. From games to silent auction to networking, there’s something for everyone.

We’re excited to welcome Allison Hohn, Executive Director of Naturally MN, as our master of ceremonies for the evening. Allison brings deep experience as a former food scientist and R&D leader, along with a passion for supporting entrepreneurs and building connections across Minnesota’s food and ag ecosystem. She’ll help guide the evening and share her perspective on community impact and industry engagement.

What to Expect:
• Open, casual networking with food and CPG professionals
• Interactive games and activities with chances to win prizes
• A lively silent auction with mobile bidding, supporting MN IFT scholarships
• Door prizes and fun ways to engage throughout the night

Come for the fun, stay for the connections, and leave knowing you made an impact.

Supporting the Next Generation of Food Leaders
100% of proceeds from fundraising activities during the event directly support local student scholarships. These scholarships help empower local students pursuing careers in food science and related fields, providing financial support and opening doors to future opportunities in our industry.

Browse & Bid: Silent Auction

Speaking:

Allison Hohn Executive Director Naturally MN

Read Bio

Allison Hohn is the Executive Director of Naturally MN, formerly known as Grow North, leading strategy and growth for the organization.

Prior to joining Naturally MN in 2020, Allison spent 10+ years building a holistic understanding of the food product development cycle as a food scientist at Land O’Lakes and Target Corporation, where she mentored corporate accelerator companies on product development, go to market strategies, and scaled production. She also previously served as the Director of R&D for the 15/16 Group, an NYC-based consulting firm advising startups in various capacities.

Allison has been a part of the Twin Cities community her whole life; a native of Saint Paul, Minnesota, where she now resides, she holds a BS in Chemistry from Butler University, a Master’s in Food Science from CFANS, and a Master’s in Supply Chain Management from the Carlson School of Management. She is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs across MN from ag tech companies to CPG brands and welcomes introductions to all those in the industry.

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