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Whether you’re wondering about the benefits of IFDA membership, the value of attending an event, or how we advocate for the foodservice distribution industry, you’re in the right place. This page answers common questions about how IFDA connects members to valuable research, peer networking, professional development, and advocacy efforts. Explore how we support your business growth, foster industry connections, and provide solutions that help your team thrive.

What are the key benefits of becoming an IFDA member?

IFDA connects you to the greater industry community and provides access to:

Members-only proprietary research and data that helps support company leaders’ business decisions
Peer-to-peer networking across all disciplines
Professional development and recognition opportunities for all team members
Government advocacy on Capitol Hill for key issues around Tax, Labor, Food Safety, and Transportation, and regulatory insight and compliance guidance
Timely communications that keep you abreast of industry insights, trends and opportunities
Industry-leading conferences and programs that deliver actionable solutions and results that help grow your business and improve your bottom line

How does IFDA support the foodservice distribution industry?

IFDA is the industry’s voice on Capitol Hill, advocating for our members on issues that matter most to their business
IFDA provides thought leadership on today’s greatest challenges and opportunities, from practical application of latest technologies to best practices benchmarking
IFDA’s resources and programs support professional development of our members’ rising leaders, and tools for recruiting and retaining the best and brightest talent for our industry

What types of resources, tools and opportunities are available to members?

Industry research reports and white papers
Live webinars and a library of recorded webinars on timely, relevant topics
Premier conferences and Learning Exchanges that focus on and support key discipline areas
Online training modules for onboarding new employees
Executive Development Program collaboration with UVA Darden School of Business
Recognition programs including Truck Driver Hall of Fame, Rising Stars for emerging leaders, IFDA National Championship for transportation and warehouse professionals
Opportunities to serve on leadership committees and planning councils
Access to Solutions Directory of industry-leading suppliers to meet all your business needs

How does IFDA support and promote government advocacy efforts?

Capitol Hill Fly-In with representative meetings
Member Facility Tour Fly-Outs for local elected representatives
Grass-roots toolkit
Industry Awareness Campaign
Newsletters that keep you informed on the industry, and Federal and State government affairs

What can I expect from attending an IFDA event or conference?

Outstanding networking and peer connections
Highly curated educational content on subjects most important to you and your business
A welcoming experience with like-minded professionals
Options to choose from specific learning tracks
Nationally renowned speakers and content experts
Solutions to business challenges that you can immediately utilize
Fresh ideas that support company growth
Insights and knowledge to bring back to your company and share with your entire team
Exciting destinations and new experiences
Condensed agendas with less time away from your business

Who typically attends IFDA events, and what industries are represented?

Depending on which conference or event you are attending, the content is focused on certain discipline areas, and attendees range from Owners and C-Suite Executives to Mid-Level Management and new Trainees:

Solutions Conference covers all things Operations including Warehouse, Transportation, Finance, Food Safety, Technology, HR
SMart is geared to Sales & Marketing professionals
Partners Executive Forum is for top executive leadership from Distributor member companies and Manufacturing partners
Our Distributor community includes Broadline, Customized, Specialty, Re-Di, and Convenience
Industries include Wholesale Food Distribution, Food Manufacturing, Technology, Transportation, San-Jan, Restaurant Equipment, Agricultural

What networking opportunities are available through IFDA events and membership?

Connecting our members to each other and to the broader industry community is at the core of the organization:

Social, collaboration and networking opportunities are offered at all IFDA conferences, programs and events
Specific platforms for sharing and business-building through the Partners Executive Forum and Learning Exchanges
Solutions Directory which puts Allied supplier contacts at your fingertips
Expo at Solutions Conference provides hands-on, face-to-face connection with the industry’s leading suppliers and innovators
The Facility Tour option during the Solutions Conference is an open invitation to network and learn from other successful distribution centers
IFDA is 100% member driven, and members have the opportunity to serve on a variety of active leadership committees and planning councils

Can you share examples of how IFDA has helped member companies achieve their goals?

Members who attend the Solutions Conference are often looking for specific solutions to meet their warehouse and/or transportation needs and find them on the Expo show floor where they can meet one-on-one with representatives from leading industry suppliers, and in the educational sessions
Executives who participate in the annual Partners Executive Forum come prepared with a shared agenda with their trading partners, looking to elevate collaboration, form new partnerships, strengthen existing ones, discover innovation, and business-building opportunities. Post-event surveys show the majority of attendees meet or exceed their goals
For members seeking the next level of professional development, the IFDA Executive Development Program at UVA Darden provides a unique immersive experience that pushes their comfort zone to help propel them to the next level of their foodservice distribution career. This program consistently garners 5-star reviews for meeting and exceeding expectations and goals
Participants in IFDA’s Learning Exchanges share challenges and insights with their peers, and walk away with actionable solutions
These are just a few examples of how IFDA resources and opportunities help members achieve their company and individual goals

Are there opportunities to connect with industry leaders or potential business partners?

IFDA provides many opportunities, woven into every IFDA event and program are elements for networking, building and strengthening business relationships in a variety of formats that facilitate connections and business-building:

Peer-to-peer
With industry-leading food manufacturers and allied suppliers

What is included in the registration fee for events, and are there group discounts?

IFDA does offer a group discount. Depending on the event or program, the registration fee includes:

Access to IFDA’s event hotel room block with negotiated discount
All educational content
Networking receptions
Food and beverages
Access to industry Expo exhibits and demonstrations
Optional add-ons such as Facility Tour and Social Outings

How can I stay updated on future IFDA events and membership opportunities?

Be sure to subscribe to the IFDA Daily Update e-newsletter which provides not only timely industry news, but keeps members abreast of upcoming conferences, research, webinars, surveys and more. Members also receive communications relevant to their specific area of responsibility to ensure they are aware of resources and opportunities that support their role within their company.

Who should I contact at IFDA if I need assistance or have questions?

IFDA’s professional staff is here to assist you and your company, please reach out to us at:

General inquiries: Membership@ifdaonline.org
Policy & Government Affairs: PGA@ifdaonline.org
Events/Registration: Events@ifdaonline.org