What stays the same as the summer IFDA Share Group meeting?
The meeting format of 100% peer-driven agendas to discuss everyday challenges and opportunities will remain the same, as will the focus on the core discipline areas of operations, IT/technology, human resources and finance. The unparalleled networking opportunities will also remain front and center.
What’s new in 2023?
We've consolidated the format to accommodate cross-over among many common discussion issues, so while we'll still focus discussions around the core areas, individual disciplines will not be broken out by day as previously done. We have also condensed the meeting to three full days, from the previous four. In addition, registration will not be combined with the
IFDA Solutions Conference, but a substantial discount will be applied to those who register for that event. Lastly, there will be no abbreviated Learning Exchange meeting in September.
Who should attend?
Meeting participation is exclusive to professionals at IFDA-member foodservice distribution and redistribution companies to foster open and uninhibited conversation. The June IFDA Learning Exchanges meeting focus is on the core disciplines of operations, IT/technology, human resources, and finance and is best suited for professionals in those fields, but individuals in other fields may also attend. There are no restrictions or requirements on title levels, but participants typically range from manager to vice president. Discussions are generally held around tactical ideas and solutions to everyday challenges and opportunities rather than strategic directions and concepts.
What happens at the meetings?
Participants submit discussion topics upon registration and are then asked to develop a specific list of questions they's like to ask their peers. The IFDA staff liaison will lightly moderate the discussion so everyone gets to ask their questions and each question is allowed robust group discussion. There are no speakers or presentations at these meetings; all participants are expected to participate in the discussions to share their questions, expertise and experience. There will be a networking reception at the end of day one, and breakfast and lunch will be provided throughout the three days. Dinners are on your own, but can often be casually coordinated with other participants.
What is the full Learning Exchanges Program?
We consolidated the various IFDA's Share Group meetings under one umbrella program for a more cohesive approach to these popular forums. The full IFDA Learning Exchanges program consists of one standalone meeting focused on operations, IT/technology, HR and finance in June; one meeting focused on sales and marketing in conjunction with
IFDA SMart in July (separate registration tied to SMart); and one meeting focused on transportation held in conjunction with
IFDA’s Truck Driving Championship in October (separate registration tied to TDC).
Questions?
Email
Annika Stensson.