IFDA Announces Merger of SMart Conference and Solutions Conference
Combined Event to Debut Sept. 13–15 at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas
MCLEAN, Va. (Feb. 26, 2026) — The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) announced the merger of its SMart Conference into its Solutions Conference, creating a single, expanded annual event. Solutions 2026 will take place September 13–15 at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas, under the theme Forward in Focus.
The merger brings two of foodservice distribution’s premier conference communities together under one roof—creating an environment where entire leadership teams can experience the same keynotes, engage with exhibitors side by side, and leave with a unified strategy.
” In today’s foodservice distribution landscape, the most effective strategies aren’t built in silos,” said Mark S. Allen, president and CEO of IFDA. “By bringing the SMart community to Solutions, we are creating an environment where entire leadership teams—from talent and technology to sales, marketing, and operations—can participate in the same event and leave with the clarity and confidence to move forward in focus.”
Solutions 2026 will feature programming in operational excellence across transportation, warehouse, and supply chain; the technologies driving automation and modernization; and sales and marketing strategies to sharpen competitive edge.
Attendees will find content tailored to their specific roles—enhanced by cross-functional learning and collaborative problem-solving that delivers practical solutions they can implement immediately.
Registration opens in April. For more information, visit ifdaonline.org/solutions-conference.
About IFDA
The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) is the premier trade organization representing the $400 billion foodservice distribution industry. This industry ensures a safe and efficient supply of food and products to more than one million restaurants and foodservice outlets in the U.S. daily. Learn more at ifdaonline.org.
Media Contact:
Kristen Petersen
kpetersen@ifdaonline.org
