The Leading Foodservice Focused Sales & Marketing Experience

Noon – 4:30 PM

Registration & Check-In

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Sales & Marketing Learning Exchanges – pre-registration required.

Formerly IFDA Share Groups, IFDA will hold small, peer-driven discussions on the issues important to your business and a valuable chance to discuss shared experiences, common challenges, and forward-looking solutions. 

5:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Taste of Charlotte Walking Tour

Come along for an exciting walking tour throughout Charlotte’s Uptown district with stops at some of the iconic spots that make up the city’s vibrant food and beverage scene.

We’ll snack on local treats as we stroll. You’ll learn some of Charlotte’s fascinating, old (and new!) history while enjoying Carolina southern staples, satisfying beverages and award-winning chef creations. Our experience will include a mini summer picnic, science-based surprise, deep dive into an iconic structure, trend setting in new spaces, and have instagrammable moments throughout the journey!

Paid event

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Breakfast Available / Registration Open    

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM

Welcome & Opening

9:15 AM – 10:00 AM

Leveraging Data Trends: Insights from Yelp

Join us for an insightful session led by a representative from Yelp, where we delve into the latest consumer and restaurant trends shaping the food and beverage industry. In this dynamic discussion, we’ll explore how distributors are utilizing data to effectively manage their businesses, catering to evolving consumer preferences and staying ahead of the curve.

Zefa Hakim, Head of Products, Yelp

10:00 AM – 10:15 AM

Break

10:15 AM – 11:00 AM

Navigating Foodservice Trends

Discover key strategies for navigating foodservice trends helping operators to thrive in the evolving landscape. These strategies include understanding shifts in consumer behavior, embracing menu innovation, prioritizing supply chain resilience, integrating technology solutions, and implementing sustainability initiatives. By addressing these areas, operators can adapt to changing market dynamics, enhance customer experiences, and position themselves for success

11:00 AM – 11:15 AM

Break

11:15 AM – Noon

Government Relations Update

IFDA’s Policy & Government Relations team will provide crucial insights into the latest developments from Washington DC, offering valuable perspectives on legislative and regulatory changes impacting foodservice distribution.

Mala Parker, Vice President of Government Relations, IFDA

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Networking Lunch

1:00 PM  – 2:30 PM

AI Interactive Session

This one-of-a-kind session explores the transformative power of artificial intelligence in sales and marketing. During this highly interactive experience,

• Discover new AI technologies in the changing sales and marketing landscape.
• Examine stories of AI Innovation through facilitation, hands on demonstrations and discussions.
• Build an AI Playbook to immediately incorporate into your work.

Bucky Dodd, Ph.D. CEO, Principal Consultant, ClearKinetic

2:30 PM – 3:15 PM

AI SHOWCASE – Extended Break

Explore the cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of the foodservice industry at the AI Showcase, featuring top vendors specializing in AI solutions.

Discover innovative tools and platforms designed to optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive efficiency in foodservice businesses.

3:15 PM  – 4:30 PM

NeuroSelling® – The Science Behind World Class Communicators

Impactful and influential communicators have one thing in common – they deliver the right information, the right way, in the right order. This session teaches the science behind trust, change resistance, and how to create urgency that turns information into motivation and ultimately application. 

Jeff Bloomfield, Author of Neuro Selling Mastering the Customer Conversation Using the Surprising Science of Decision Making

5:00 PM- 6:30 PM

A Moonshine Mixer, hosted by Pepper

Join us for an unforgettable networking reception with a twist of southern charm! As you sip on handcrafted moonshine while enjoying ambient and soulful bluegrass music.

Whether you’re a connoisseur or new to the world of moonshine, this event promises an evening of fun, camaraderie, and cultural exploration.

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Breakfast Available

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Welcome & Day 1 Recap

Join us for an invigorating start to our second day with Jeff Bloomfield as we recap our conference theme and explore actionable takeaways for your organization. Afterward, engage in dynamic team-building exercises aimed at fostering new connections and strengthening existing bonds. This session promises to energize and inspire, creating a collaborative atmosphere where participants can share knowledge, build relationships, and drive success. Get ready to stretch your legs and recharge as we embark on a journey of discovery and growth together.

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Breaking Boundaries: Revolutionizing Workplace Dynamics

Renowned generational expert Hannah Ubl explores the intricacies of communicating across different age groups in the workplace. In today’s diverse work environment, it’s essential to understand and appreciate the perspectives of all generations.

This session will debunk common myths surrounding generational differences, offering valuable insights into how each generation contributes to the workplace tapestry. Walk away with practical strategies to navigate and leverage the changing generational landscape, fostering collaboration, understanding, and synergy across all age groups. 

Hannah Ubl, Co-Founder of Good Company

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM

Break

10:45 AM – 11:45 AM

Storytelling for Business

Storytelling is the #1 business skill necessary to connect, motivate, and lead people in today’s world. Stories compel us to engage in experiences, learn lessons, and define our values and ourselves within our organization.

Matthew Luhn, a 20-year Pixar story veteran, brings his experience creating and developing ten blockbuster films at Pixar and provides practical strategies that teach and inspire people and teams to connect more effectively with audiences on an emotional level.

Matthew uses the power of storytelling to bridge the gap between business and heart, driving your story toward one unforgettable selling point.

Speaker: Matthew Luhn, Top Storytelling and Creativity Speaker, Disney/Pixar Veteran

11:45 AM – Noon

Closing Remarks & Adjourn