WEDNESDAY SESSIONS

 


Drugs and the Workplace
Wednesday, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Across the country, states are enacting marijuana decriminalization and legalization legislation that is changing the legal picture of recreational drug usage. Companies must be prepared with appropriate drug testing policies to ensure regulatory compliance and employee safety and productivity. IFDA’s counsel Littler will brief you on the latest policymaking and how to effectively engage employees about a drug-free workplace. 
Speaker: Jennifer Znosko, Shareholder, Littler



Managing Mental Health 
Wednesday, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
One of today’s most important labor trends is the increased focus on mental health and how it contributes to employee retention and productivity. This session will explore the many risk factors for mental health that may be present in your work environment, while highlighting tools and resources for investing in team members’ wellbeing.
Speakers: Jason Burns, Marketplace Chaplains

THURSDAY SESSIONS



The Business Value of Implementing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Policies 
Thursday, 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Improving the DEI performance of your organization isn’t a cosmetic addition – it can pay real dividends in terms of recruiting and retaining top talent. While there is no one blueprint for developing and implementing a successful DEI program, companies can synthesize what has worked for others with successful elements of their own workplace culture to create a program that will produce real results. Our speakers will dive deep into DEI implementation case studies to provide actionable information you can utilize for moving your company ahead in this increasingly important business arena.
Presenter: Ilhiana Rojas, BeLive Coaching and Consulting


Steering the Next Generation Toward Careers in Trucking
Thursday, 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
Attracting young people into professional trucking careers isn’t just important – it’s a five-alarm fire situation for an industry that relies on a robust transportation workforce. This session will focus on proactive steps that companies can take to invest in this critical pipeline, from collaborations with school systems to internal CDL pathway programs.
Speakers: Lindsey Trent, President & Co-Founder, Next Generation in Trucking Association
Scott LaHaie, Transportation Business Change Manager, Gordon Food Service
Dave Dein, Patterson High School
Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief, Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive (Moderator)

Smarter Succession Planning
Thursday, 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
Effective succession planning requires far more than just identifying up-and-coming leaders. You must also keep them engaged in their current roles, thoughtfully expand their knowledge base, convey clear paths for advancement, and prepare a strategic plan for handing off the baton. This session will break down a 9-block plan for ensuring a careful and effective transition to the next generation of distribution leaders.
Speakers: Ruben Riggins, Director of Employee Development, Ben E. Keith Foods
Sylvia Rodarte, MBA, SPHR, CEC, Director of Human Resources, Ben E. Keith Foods
Jon Birdwell, Director of Warehouse Operations, Ben E. Keith Company
Beco Maldonado, Operations, Manager, Ben E. Keith Foods - San Antonio


Success Stories from the Frontline of Hiring, Engagement, and Retention
Thursday, 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Our industry’s six million dollar question – how do I attract and keep talent in a tight labor market? – has no panacea answers. But with challenges come opportunities to think outside the box, discard outdated philosophies, and elevate your company ahead of the competition. This interactive session will focus on ideas, initiatives, and technology solutions that have led to success in the ongoing battle for personnel.
Speaker: Carrie Bruno, Vice President of Human Resources & Safety, Cash-Wa Distributing
Additional Speakers, TBA