IGD Technical Leaders Lecture Series 2026
07 April 2026Join IGD's Technical Leaders Network Lecture Series, free events bringing together technical colleagues from across the supply chain.
The series features a range of in‑person and virtual sessions led by inspiring speakers exploring the emerging technologies and career pathways that shape the future of the food system.
The lectures are free to attend and bring together technical colleagues from across the supply chain including the Technical Leaders Forum and Network.
Whether you're a retailer, supplier, manufacturer or foodservice operator, this is your opportunity to make new industry connections and develop your understanding of sector leading innovations and pathways.
“Our ambition is to engage, empower and grow the IGD Technical Leaders Network."
Ross Dennison
Technical Leaders Forum Co-chair
"Engaging our technical colleagues through a series of virtual and in person events, empowering our teams through new projects and insight and growing the network to capture a broader representation of industry.”
Emmanuelle Lerges
Technical Leaders Forum Co-chair
Lecture series
Lecture 1: Microbial Biotechnology: The Engine for a Safe and Circular Food Bio-Economy
Registration now closed
Lecture 2: Career Pathways in Technical
Register below
Date:
6 May 2026
Time:
13:00 - 14:00
Cost:
Free, limited tickets
Location:
Virtual
Lecture 3: Showcasing AgriFood Futures
Registration open
Date:
2 June 2026
Time:
16:30 - 19:00
Cost:
Free
Location:
University of Reading, RG6 6UD
Lecture 4: TBC
Lecture 5: IGD Technical Leaders Conference
Registration opens June 2026
Date:
12 November 2026
Time:
TBC
Cost:
Free
Location:
In-person, TBC
Lecture 2: Career Pathways in Technical
Guest speaker
Sarah Bradbury
Chief Executive Officer, IGD
Sarah brings over 25 years of unparalleled experience in the retail and food sectors. Currently, she leads IGD, an influential organisation that has been helping to inspire and unite the food industry for more than 120 years. IGD is a strategic insights and foresight business, reinvesting all profits into impactful initiatives that benefit both the industry and society at large.
Throughout her career, Sarah has held senior commercial and marketing positions, including her previous role as Group Quality Director at Tesco. There, she was responsible for overseeing the delivery of high-quality safe products, sustainability, agriculture and regulatory compliance. It was in this role that Sarah honed her passion for driving collaborative change, mobilising the food and consumer goods sectors as a force for good, and working to improve the food system for the long term.
Lecture summary:
Join us for an inspiring live interview with Sarah Bradbury, CEO of IGD, as she reflects on her career journey across the food industry.
From commercial roles to leading technical functions and ultimately stepping into the CEO position, Sarah will share the pivotal moments, challenges, and insights that shaped her leadership pathway.
This candid conversation will explore how diverse experience, including technical roles, can fuel strategic vision and resilience in a rapidly evolving food system.
The session will conclude with a live audience Q&A, offering an opportunity to ask your own questions on personal development and career pathways.