Sunday, October 27

Welcome Reception

 

Monday, October 28

​8:00 a.m.

Opening General Session: How Great Leaders Thrive Amid Chaos


Speaker:
Robert Safian, founder of the Flux Group and the former editor and managing director of Fast Company

Robert is not only among the most acclaimed publishing executives in history but has deep relationships across the C-suite in multiple industries, accessing the cutting-edge developments that are reshaping our world.

Modern business is pure chaos—to succeed in an environment of constant change requires a whole new approach. During his session, Robert Safian will present a compelling framework for re-imagining the status quo and offers a narrative that is illuminating and entertaining.

9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

Prevention & Intervention: Combating Human Trafficking through the Transportation Industry


Speaker:
Laura Cyrus, MA, TAT Director of Corporate Engagement

Human trafficking is taking place in every state in our nation, even in places that truckers frequent (hotels/motels, rest areas, truck stops, and even places of business). What if every driver were trained, knew what to look for, and could help respond to potential trafficking situations? This is part of the mission of Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT). Join us to learn how you can help educate more members of the transportation industry to be a part of this important work and get involved with TAT. Laura Cyrus, director of corporate engagement at TAT, will help us understand human trafficking, explain more about TAT and the free educational materials they provide to the industry, share about the difference the industry is having in the fight against trafficking. Laura will also light other pathways of engagement so that all of us know how we can use our position and influence to help drive change and be a part of the solution.

Join us for this session and learn about the realities of sex trafficking and the vital role you can play in helping prevent this heinous crime.

​9:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
 

Warehouse Idea Exchange

Speaker:
Jon Birdwell, Director of Operations at OKC, Ben E. Keith

Every foodservice distributor has their own set of problems and difficulties that they feel are unique to their business. This round-table session will be an open discussion, facilitated by an industry veteran that allows all attendees to ask warehouse-focused questions and find out if their peers might have the answers they are looking for.

At the end of session, attendees will be able to:
  • Build a network of connections at other companies that you can leverage to work through similar challenges.
  • Obtain peer provided recommendations to common warehouse issues.
  • Identify solutions to real warehouse challenges.
 
​9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Concurrent Workshop Series 1

 

Change Management– How to Successfully Manage Change

Why is change management even a topic at the 2019 DSC? Because businesses are results oriented and the way companies deliver improved results is dependent on their ability to implement new processes and programs (i.e their ability to change something). This session will focus on why changes don’t typically “stick” within an organization and what can be done to improve the chances that changes will be embedded in an organization so that the desired results can be realized.

At the end of session, attendees will be able to:
  • Have a clear understanding of why change management efforts fail (i.e. why don’t changes stick)
  • Describe what it takes to start the slotting optimization process.
  • Recognize the key steps to improving your change management process
  • Understand the resources to help with your change management efforts going forward
 

Successfully Implementing Incentive Based Pay for Drivers

Speakers:
Beth Carroll, Managing Principal, Prosperio Group
Dr. Tony Vercillo, President & Chief Operating Officer, IFMC, INC.


Some professions have been built on incentives: salespeople are almost always driven by monetary commissions. Increasing Thru-put, reducing labor cost, increasing retention and being able to manage a happy environment are all goals we want to live with.   One solution to all of this is Incentive Based Pay.   The question is “Does it work?” What are the challenges everyone faces every day when it comes to payroll costs?  During this session, distribution managers will provide and share insights on successful incentive based plans.

At the end of session, attendees will be able to:
  • Implement a successful compensation plan at your company
  • Understand the advantages of incentive based versus hourly pay
  • Prepare for the challenges of implementing incentive based pay
  • Measure and track results to see what kind of impact you are exposed to
 

Blockchain – A Case Study

Speakers:
Don Durm, VP, Customer Solutions, PLM Trailer Leasing
Beco Maldonado, Operations Manager, Ben E. Keith Foods - San Antonio Division


FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was supposed to bring transparency and food safety to the food supply chain.  Since enacting the FSMA rules, incidents of recalls have increased 92.7% according to FDA’s own statistics.  Emerging technologies are being developed now that may help bring supply chain transparency that FDA and consumers are demanding.  Blockchain is one of the more interesting developments in track and trace of our food along the supply chain.  Select IFDA member distributors will be participating in a blockchain case study from the food processor to their facility to provide true visibility of where that food has traveled.  Listen on how their experiences on how blockchain technology could potentially provide the seamless connection between unconnected ecosystems of individual companies along the food supply chain to help bring transparency and drive cost out of the business. 

At the end of session, attendees will be able to:
  • Discover real emerging technologies – Blockchain
  • Understand the problems Blockchain can solve for in the distributors business
  • Get insights into on future solutions for food safety
  • How to use Blockchain to increase sales and profits in a food commodity driven industry


On-Site Physical Therapy & Claim Management

Moderator:
Ethan DeWall, VP, Operations, Martin Brothers Distributing Co., Inc.
Speakers:
Ann Sacre, Hiring Coordinator, Martin Brothers
Wyatt Larimer, Safety Manager, SGC Foodservice
John Kruzich, Athletico


Session will focus on how to implement an on-site physical therapy program.  Discussion will include the benefits of the program and how it can help with injury prevention and positive employee morale.

At the end of session, attendees will be able to:
  • Implement an on-site physical therapy program
  • Help employees become comfortable with the program in order to achieve success
  • Evaluate the progress of the program
 
​10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

​Concurrent Workshop Series 2

 

The Marijuana Dilemma

Speaker:
Mason Weeda, Principal, Olsson Frank Weeda Terman Matz PC

The legalization of marijuana by some states creates a complicated landscape policy creation and compliance.  This session will give an overview on some of the issues legalization is causing with employment and some practices that are being put in place to cope with this growing concern.  This session will also provide an overview of the legality of shipping certain cannabis and cannabis derived products, e.g. CBD, and how ongoing policy changes at the federal and state levels should be considered.

At the end of session, attendees will be able to:
  • How to balance employment policy against the law
  • CBD use-how much should the employer know
  • What to expect moving forward
  • Navigate the legal and policy changes involving products containing cannabis
 

Safety as a Competitive Advantage- The Importance of DOT Compliance

Speaker:
Andrew Leavitt, Director of Fleet Risk Services, Ryder Systems, Inc.

Having a robust Safety and Compliance Program has never been more important for Motor Carriers.  This session will look at the many elements that are essential to creating and maintaining a DOT Compliance Program that will not just protect you in the event of a FMCSA Carrier Review (DOT Audit), but also from the many liabilities that come with operating a commercial motor vehicle on public roadway.   Topics will include Driver Qualification, Hours and Service, the ELD mandate, Drug and Alcohol, Vehicle Maintenance, and also the many Government systems you can use to navigate your compliance management. 

At the end of session, attendees will be able to:
  • Understand key Compliance Items - What do you really need to concentrate on? 
  • Use DOT Compliance to identify and eliminate liability exposures  
  • Learn the main systems you can use to navigate and manage your company’s compliance data
 

Buyer Training for Operations – SKU Management

Speakers:
Rob Keeney – Talent Coach – Grafton TDS Inc.
Phillip Lamb, Director, Logistics, Frosty Acres Brands

$100 Million-dollar food service distribution center, we believe that there is at least a $250,000 cost reduction opportunity simply by working more effectively with buyers and Vendors. In this Interactive workshop we will discuss specific ideas such as; Slots - HI TI, item rotation, item changes, among others so buyers and vendors are aware and will be motivated to assist you in reducing your operations costs.

At the end of session, attendees will be able to:
  • Provide a guided course for buyers from an operational perspective, to help, buyers, operations and warehousing to become more successful & efficient
  • Improve communications between operations and procurement on areas of shared concern and influence
  • Improved communications with vendors to operations  & procurement
  • Identify and resolve areas  of interdepartmental conflicts to aid in this becoming a successful process

Fuel Hedging 101

Speaker:
Dr. Tony Vercillo, President & Chief Operating Officer, IFMC, INC.

Fuel Hedging contracts allows a fuel – consuming company to establish a fixed or capped cost via a commodity swap or option. With fuel prices back in lower ranges, is now the time to look at hedging strategy to protect against future increases?

At the end of session, attendees will be able to:
  • Understanding the pros and cons of fuel hedging
  • Identify, analyze and quantify your Fuel Related Risks
  • Develop Fuel Hedging and implementation strategies
 

Best Practices in Slotting

Slotting optimization is an opportunity for distributors to increase productivity and reduce labor expenses. With the growing number of SKUs and the complexity of slotting rules in foodservice distribution, it is often best to use optimization tools to find and manage the biggest opportunities. This IFDA member-led session reviews the slotting process from mapping to execution and will demonstrate the necessary moves to help distributors review, improve, and evaluate their slotting processes.

At the end of session, attendees will be able to:
  • Describe what it takes to start the slotting optimization process
  • Recognize the different slotting rules and constraints that foodservice distributors face
  • Evaluate the impact of slotting optimization

Diversity – How to Work With & Lead People Not Like You

Speaker: Kelly McDonald

If you're in a diverse team, you know employee differences can cause miscommunication, lower trust, and hurt productivity. . . It doesn't have to be this way!
The people you work with may be from a different generation, different culture, different race, different gender, or just a different philosophy toward work and life in general, but you need to work together toward a common goal. How to Work With and Lead People Not Like You explains how to dial down the differences, smooth out the friction, and play upon each other's strengths to become more effective, more productive, and less stressed. The keys are to find the common ground and identify hidden conflicts that are hurting productivity.

​
11:30 a.m.

General Session: Bits & Bytes That WILL Disrupt Your Supply Chain

Speaker: John S. Phillips

John S. Phillips is the Senior Vice President of Customer Supply Chain & Go-To-Market for PepsiCo. John has been with PepsiCo for over 30 years, having worked his way up from route salesperson. In his current role, John is responsible for working with PepsiCo’s largest customers on supply chain and collaboration initiatives to drive both effectiveness and efficiency across the shared supply chains.  He also leads PepsiCo's Go-To-Market COE focused on global process and technology tools to optimize go-to-market systems.
 
Every week we read news articles, tweets, or blogs about new technologies that have the potential to disrupt our business and personal lives in profound ways.  Many of these new technologies are impacting the CPG industry and dramatically changing the way consumers research and shop for products.  These changes are also impacting CPG supply chains and the methods in which manufacturers and retailers get their goods to market.   The digital revolution before us presents enormous opportunities and challenges across the end-to-end consumer value chain.
 
John will share his perspective and insights on some of the technologies that have the greatest potential to drive dramatic change across the CPG consumer value chain.  These technologies include augmented reality, smart shelves, autonomous in-store robots, wearables, image recognition, self-driving vehicles, IoT devices, drones, micro-fulfillment centers, and many others.  Please join John for an exciting and thought-provoking session exploring how industry leaders can leverage these technologies to be at the forefront of driving transformational change in their organizations.
 

Tuesday, October 29

​1:00 p.m.

General Session: What Makes a Leader: Emotional Intelligence and the Keys to High Performance

Speaker:
Daniel Goleman, Psychologist and author of Emotional Intelligence and Focus


Daniel Goleman has transformed the way the world educates children, relates to family and friends, and conducts business. The Wall Street Journal ranked him as one of the 10 most influential business thinkers. His
article “What Makes a Leader?” remains the most requested reprint in the history of Harvard Business
Review.

During his session, "What Makes a Leader: Emotional Intelligence and the Keys to High Performance," Goleman will explain the four parts to emotional intelligence (EI): self-awareness and self-management, which are the basis of leading yourself; and social awareness and relationship management, which are essential for leading others. Strengths in all four parts are the basis of high performance leadership. Within each of the four parts of EI there are learned abilities, or competencies, that are crucial for outstanding leadership. For instance, for self-management some of the learned leadership abilities are: emotional balance, adaptability, and positive outlook.

​2:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
 

Transportation Idea Exchange

Speakers:
Richard Toya Jr, Director of Transportation, Wood Fruitticher
Sean Jones. Sr Vice President of Transportation, Eby-Brown

Every foodservice distributor has their own set of unique problems and difficulties. This interactive discussion, facilitated by industry veterans, allows attendees to ask transportation focused questions and get real-time insights from their peers.

At the end of session, attendees will be able to:
  • Identify actionable insights to common transportation issues provided by their peers
  • Receive feedback from their colleagues on how they addressed similar problems
  • Build a network of connections at other companies that you can leverage to work through similar challenges
2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

​Concurrent Workshop Series 1

 

Handling an FDA Audit-Processor Perspective

Moderator:
Phillip Lamb, Director, Logistics, Frosty Acres Brands
Speakers:
Don Durm, VP, Customer Solutions, PLM Trailer Leasing
Glenn T. Bass, Senior Advisor, Human and Animal Food Program - West
Acting, Human and Animal Food Program, Deputy Director-West, FDA


The Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) rules have changed the directive of FDA from a reactive regulatory body to locate a problem in the food supply chain to a pro-active law enforcement agency that is focused on risked based to prevent an illness before it enters commerce.  Since enacting FSMA, the incidents of recalls have increased 92.7% according to FDA’s own statistics.  FDA audits will become a tool for enforcement.  As reported by the Produce Association that their member past audit experience were between 2 and 3 hours and now they are experiencing audits that range from 3 to 5 days.  This panel discussion with an FDA officer and a Food Shipper will explore what to expect and prepare for in this new age of FDA to provide the intent of the FSMA rules; food safety and transparency.    

At the end of session, attendees will be able to:

  • Have a better understanding of an FDA audit for 2019 and beyond
  • Understand what Areas Operations Managers and Supervisors need to focus on, Food Safety Plan, HACCP, etc.
  • Hear from FDA and a Facility Manager that has gone through an actual audit and their takeaways from that audit
 

Delivery Time Windows –  Who Should Be Involved, Why and What’s the Cost?

Moderator:
Chuck Bianchi, Vice President & General Manager, Palmer Food Services
Speaker:
Bernadette Funches, Transportation Manager, Reinhart Foodservice
Susana McLoughlin, Regional Sales Manager, Trimble MAPS


Your transportation department faces a daily struggle in an effort to satisfy the internal customer (sales), the external customer (client), and changing DOT regulations.  What are some best practices that will help set up a framework that considers your client needs while minimizing expenses to your business?  Who are the influencers in your organization that are needed to formulate effective logistics strategies and client relationships?  This session offers you an interactive opportunity to compare and contrast methodologies that work best for your Company.

At the end of session, attendees will be able to:
  • Understand how to set up a routing strategy…how much time is needed for the average route?
  • Understand your client’s business and effectively communicating mutual benefit
  • Understand key drops and night runs that actually work
 

The Fundamentals of Budgeting Transportation and Warehouse Operations

Speakers:
Kevin Bullock, Ben E. Keith
Ryan Ferguson, Palmer Food Services
Sara Green-Hamann, Vice President of Operations, Dennis Paper & Food Service


Your company develops budgets to set goals and establish priorities.  The budget is used by your finance department to plan cash flow and to set expectations with the company's leadership, shareholders and lenders.  This session will be a discussion of best practices in approaches to developing realistic budgets for the warehouse and transportation departments.

At the end of session, attendees will be able to:
  • Identify key components of an operating department budget
  • Understand who should be involved in developing the budget
  • Identify how to evaluate past performance and trends
  • Identify approaches to forecasting future performance
  • Understand how to analyze monthly variances of actual results against the budget
 

#roughroadahead - Navigating the Twist and Turns of the Social Media Highway

Speaker:
Andrew S. Goldberg - Partner, Laner Muchin Ltd.

A discussion regarding on-line activity and an employer’s right to safeguard its image and control its messaging as balanced by an employee’s right to criticize their employer, their supervisors and theirs terms and conditions of employment.

At the end of session, attendees will be able to:
  • Understand that employer’s may control content on their own websites and message boards
  • Understand Federal law protects many forms of “speech” that many employers would consider to be in violation of their rules against civility, insubordination, productivity, harassment, violence and others
  • Guidelines for social media sites and take action when you find objectionable content.  Like other matters, this requires strategic thinking and planning
  • Identify effective management techniques that are better at reducing negative employee posts than rules or threats of punishment
3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

​Concurrent Workshop Series 2


Great Dock-to-Driver programs for Tall, Grande, and Vente DC’s

Speakers:
Nic Lowther, Director of Transportation, SGC Foodservice
Jim Novak, Corporate Project Manager, Eby-Brown

Three leading distribution companies will present insights of successful dock to driver programs, within their companies, all at different stages.  Each presenter will provide a 10 minute discussion on specific steps they took in setting up their respective programs, qualifying employees, training driver candidates, and final sign off to a successful driver.
At the end of session, attendees will be able to:
  • Understand how to set up a successful dock to driver program no matter the size of their company
  • Get a visual outlook of 3 varying company sizes at different stages in their dock-to-driver programs
  • Come away with parameters for identifying prime candidates and the steps for qualifying employees
  • Add new opportunities for warehouse employees to grow their career while increasing the pipeline of quality drivers for the company.
 

Lean Thinking in Distribution – Improving Your Bottom Line and Operational Performance

Distributors work in a cost competitive industry where pennies matter every day. Given that, they are constantly looking for ways to control costs and improve operational performance. While many ways to manage costs require some significant investments, there are methodologies that require very little. Enter Continuous Improvement (CI), an approach to work that seeks to achieve small, incremental changes in processes in order to improve efficiency and quality while attacking root causes of inefficiencies systematically. This session will introduce attendees to Continuous Improvement by using real life examples from the warehouse.

At the end of session, attendees will be able to:
  • Describe a framework that breaks down problems to get to the root cause of an issue
  • Decide which problem-solving tools and approaches will work best in their warehouse
  • Understand an example of how standardization can reduce variation and improve performance
 

GS1 Standards and Impact to The Food Distributor

Speakers:
Bryan Fucetola, Director, Community Engagement, GS1
Kevin Otto, Senior Director-Foodservice, GS1

As a fiercely competitive, multi-trillion-dollar industry, Foodservice is driving forward at an accelerated rate. This extensive market includes manufacturers, distributors and operators, all of whom are tasked and responsible for increased visibility, efficiency and food safety, among other regulatory demands.  

The Foodservice supply chain is known to be complex, dynamic, and consumer driven, but with the help of GS1 standards, the process becomes simplified. GS1 enables users to speak a common language and begin to share trusted information, which allows for stronger communication between trading partners, ultimately benefiting the consumer.  Learn from world’s leading consensus organization on how GS1 impacts your business and your customers business to help them be successful.  From business efficiencies, food safety and emerging technologies and the role of the distributors.      

At the end of session, attendees will be able to:
  • Understand how GS1 works in your business from a marketing purpose
  • Understand food safety and recalls
  • Identify emerging technologies to consider

5:30 – 7:30 pm

Networking Reception

Enjoy an authentic “southern hospitality sendoff” complete with great food, great conversation, and some of the best live music in Orlando!
 

Wednesday, October 30

McLane Facility Tour

The McLane Orlando facility is state of the art and encompasses more than 268,000 square feet. The main operation is strategically located in north central Florida with a domicile operation in Sunrise. The service area extends the length of the state, from just east of Tallahassee to Key West. The Orlando distribution center is 380 teammates strong and provides superior service to over 1600 customers.