SNAC International has announced John Mackey, Co-Founder and CEO, Whole Foods as the keynote speaker for its 41^st Annual Executive Leadership Forum (ELF), scheduled for Sep. 17-19 at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO.

Mackey is credited with taking the natural and organic grocer from a single store in Austin, TX in 1978 to a $15.7 billion Fortune 500 company and a top U.S. supermarket with more than 460 stores and 87,000 Team Members across the U.S., Canada and U.K. Mackey will be added to packed executive educational agenda focusing on how the retail landscape is evolving to react and prepare for an influx of increasingly connected consumers.

"SNAC International is thrilled to welcome a true retail visionary as its Closing Speaker," said Elizabeth Avery, president & CEO, SNAC International. "With the prevalence of better-for-you snacking options, SNAC members – big and small – are eager to hear from an inspirational leader who has dedicated his company to promoting healthy food options and lifestyles."

As part of a comprehensive educational experience, ELF will also feature experts on retail, e-commerce, trends in new snack introductions and snacking as well as deep insights on what is motivating young consumers. A social media boot camp, a workshop on leading multigenerational teams and a panel discussion with some of the founders and funders of natural and organic food companies will round out the program. In between sessions there will be time for recreational and networking activities in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.