NEW TECH FOODS

Future-Proof Group Media, the organiser of The Future of Protein Production conferences in Amsterdam and Chicago and publisher of Protein Production Technology International, has welcomed the Cultured Meat Symposium (CMS), the longest-running conference dedicated to the cultivated meat industry, into its global portfolio. 

The move strengthens FPG Media’s role as a leading convenor and information hub for the fast-growing alternative protein sector. By integrating CMS, the company will expand its reach in North America and deepen its focus on the emerging cell-cultivated protein space.

Sebastian Sbuttoni, co-founder and CEO of FPG Media, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the Cultured Meat Symposium into the FPG Media family. CMS has built a strong reputation as a pioneering event, and by integrating it into our global platform, we can give innovators, investors and industry stakeholders even more opportunities to connect, collaborate, and accelerate the transition to sustainable protein.” 

Founded in 2018 in California, at the heart of Silicon Valley, CMS has served as a dedicated forum for researchers, startups and policymakers shaping the future of cultivated meat. It was also the first conference to host a cultivated meat tasting, when in 2019 it partnered with Wildtype to share samples of cultivated salmon with three attendees – a landmark moment for the industry. Its addition complements FPG Media’s international portfolio, which already convenes thousands of professionals annually across Europe and the USA. 

Alex Shirazi, founder and executive producer of the Cultured Meat Symposium, commented: “Joining Future-Proof Group Media is a natural next step for CMS. Their global reach, media expertise and commitment to advancing alternative proteins will ensure the event continues to thrive and grow alongside the industry it serves.” 

The first CMS under FPG Media ownership will take place on 24-25 February 2026 at McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois. This co-located event will create a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with a broader spectrum of the alternative protein ecosystem – spanning plant-based, fermentation-derived and cell-cultivated solutions – all under one roof. 

Sbuttoni added: “Cell-cultivated foods have always been part of our programming. Welcoming CMS into our portfolio allows us to create a dedicated stream while expanding The Future of Protein Production agenda to cover not only plant-based and fermentation-derived proteins, but also other upcoming novel protein sources. At the same time, our focus is broadening to embrace wider themes in food ingredients, functional health and system resilience – ensuring the content remains relevant, forward-looking, and commercially valuable."

"The co-location in Chicago means attendees benefit from cross-networking opportunities, shared exhibition access and cost efficiencies that make participation for exhibitors and attendees even more valuable. With CMS integrated, The Future of Protein Production Chicago is expanding its horizons under a new tagline, ‘North America’s meeting place for the pioneers reshaping proteins, ingredients, and the future of food’."

He concluded: “This is about creating synergies. From conferences to digital publishing, we’re building a connected ecosystem that supports the industry’s most ambitious innovators.”