The Leading Foodservice Focused Sales & Marketing Experience

Noon – 5:00 PM

The SMart Welcome Experience at the Collaboratory

Before the sessions kick off, step into the SMart Collaboratory —a high-energy hub where networking, innovation, and hands-on discovery collide. Check-in & chill by grabbing your badge and settling into lounge seating built for real convos with your foodservice peers from across the country.  Partake in some networking mocktails and make connections that matter (no awkward small talk). Touch test and explore the latest tools with hands on demos. Get exclusive one-on-one time with vendor experts’ next-gen solutions that can help propel your business forward. This is more than check-in—it’s where the SMart experience starts. Be there, or hear about it later.

Generously supported by:

12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Registration Open at The Collaboratory

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Learning Exchanges – pre-registration required.

The IFDA Learning Exchange at SMart is a unique opportunity to connect with fellow foodservice distribution professionals in small-group, 100% peer-driven discussions. No speakers, no presentations – just open, honest conversations about the challenges and opportunities you face every day. Learn more here.

5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

The Ultimate Yacht Rock Party

We’re throwing the ultimate boat party. Set sail on a night of smooth grooves, breezy vibes, and pure retro indulgence. We’re serving up a yacht worthy spread of appetizers and dinner while our DJ drops anchor on a set filled with yacht rock classics. Grab a beverage, a beer or a glass of wine and meet your fellow yachties. Or indulge in our Bubble Bar, a customizable champagne experience. Arrive decked out in your retro yacht chic – think linen fits, captains hats, boat shoes and oversized sunnies. Bonus points for a gold chain. Spots are limited—register early to secure your spot on this luxury yacht before it sails without you!

This event is generously supported by Sugar Foods.

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Breakfast Available

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Collaboratory Open

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM

Welcome & Opening

Mark Allen, President & CEO, IFDA

9:15 AM – 10:15 AM

State of the Restaurant Industry & Economic Outlook

Chad Moutray, Senior Vice President, Research & Knowledge, and Chief Economist at National Restaurant Association

Restaurant operators are navigating rising costs and a consumer base under financial pressure, both of which continue to impact profitability. However, signs of resilience in the U.S. economy, including modest growth, offer a balanced perspective. This session will explore the current state of the restaurant and foodservice industry, providing insights into the economic landscape, key operational challenges, and emerging trends shaping 2025 and beyond.

10:15AM – 10:30 AM

Break

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM

IFDA Live Podcast

Tech. Sell. Learn: The Marketing Tech Revolution Driving Growth
Welcome to the new era of foodservice distribution—where e-commerce and AI aren’t just tools, they’re sales engines and insight machines. In this podcast session, we’ll explore how SGC Foodservice embraces marketing technology to not only boost revenue but to uncover actionable intelligence about customer behavior.

11:00 AM – Noon

The Digital Transformation of Foodservice: How Technology is Driving Incremental Growth for Distributors

Hans Schatz, Executive Vice President at Cut + Dry

Art Bell, Partner at Kinetic12, LLC

The digital marketplace has arrived in foodservice and is driving incredible results for the early adopters. Processes and the customer experience have drastically improved and foodservice operators are quickly adopting the marketplace shopping concept. This session will discuss the digital technology movement and how it relates to your growth opportunities. It will share the genesis of how a digital environment works and show real results from a case study produced from an early adopter that achieved double digit case growth.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Networking Lunch

1:00 PM  – 2:30 PM

Stronger Together: Cracking the Generational Communication Code at Work

Lisa Walden, Good Company Consulting

Every generation brings a unique perspective to the workplace. From Baby Boomers who appreciate traditional communication channels to Gen Z’s digital-first mindset, Gen X’s self-reliant approach and Millennials’ collaborative spirit – each group has shaped how we work, communicate, and collaborate today. While these differences infuse organizations with diversity of thought, they can also spark unexpected friction and make it challenging to serve customers with varying preferences around communication and relationship-building. But different isn’t necessarily wrong, and when we can understand the “why” behind generations, the “what” becomes so much more intuitive (and easy!) to act on.

This interactive workshop focuses on the “what” and “how,” providing foodservice professionals with tactical tools to strengthen both employee loyalty and customer relationships across generations. Participants will gain key insights about generational differences—from Boomers to Gen Z—and learn how to leverage these insights on a daily basis. Through guided exercises, real-world case studies, and collaborative problem-solving, this hands-on workshop takes attendees beyond “Generations 101,” diving deep into specific, practical strategies to thrive in a multigenerational work environment.

Takeaways Include:

• A look at generational communication and collaboration styles, including strengths and blind spots for each cohort
• Techniques to build stronger connections with both multi-generational employees and customers
• Practical approaches to align the varied work approaches of experienced staff and recent hires

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM

The Collaboratory Partner Showcase

Experience live demos of the latest sales and marketing tools shaping foodservice and exchange insights with your new networking connections. This is perfect place to collaborate with peers and vendor partners in a relaxing and experiential environment.

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM

IFDA Live Podcast

StorySelling at Scale: Turning Everyday Moments into Marketing Gold

Content is no longer optional—it’s the fuel of modern marketing. But how do you keep it flowing across every channel? This session shows how foodservice marketers are scaling content creation by tapping into an unexpected source: the sales team. From customer stories to behind-the-scenes shots, your frontlines hold the key to authentic, high-impact content. Plus, hear how influencer chefs and expert voices can boost your organic reach without blowing the budget.

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Becoming the Meaningful Business Your Employees & Customers Are Looking For​

David Salyers,  Chick Fil A

You may be surprised to learn that 80% of what Chick-fil-A does is exactly the same as what their competitors do. But 20% is dramatically different – and it’s what sets Chick-fil-A apart as a remarkable organization. A business worth “remarking” about that drives incredible results for their customers, employees, and stakeholders alike. What if you could take a deep dive into understanding that 20% in order to help your organization create your own, unique 20% that will help you get 100% better results? In other words, what if we could truly understand what makes certain businesses “remarkable” and apply those principles to our own organizations? In this signature talk, David Salyers powerfully does just that. Exploring key themes on culture, values, and mission, “Remarkable” is an engaging and memorable talk that has the potential to impact you and your organization to the very core.

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Strikes, Hoops and Hops Happy Hour

Unwind after a day of sessions with drinks, light bites, and a little friendly competition. Duckpin bowling, throwing a few hoops, and other games are all on the menu for a laid-back evening of networking and mingling with peers. It’s the perfect chance to connect, relax, and have some fun in a casual, vibrant setting.

This event is generously support by Pepper.

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Breakfast Available

8:00 AM – 12:30 PM

The Collaboratory Open

9:00 AM – 10:15 AM

NeuroCommunication® Applying Decision-Making Science in Sales & Marketing

Jeff Bloomfield, Author

Jeff will lay out the latest research in decision making science, change resistance and habit formation for effective communication. He will also set the stage for the breakout sessions to align the outcomes to the specific roles of sales and marketing, respectively.

10:15AM – 10:30 AM

Break

10:30 AM – 11:15 AM

NeuroCommunication® Applying Decision-Making Science in Sales & Marketing

BREAKOUT 1 – Prospect/Problem Story

➡ Sales Track – Braintrust coaches will lead sales teams through the process of identifying the key goals, objectives and problems of the various buying personas they regularly speak with and give them a template to be able to story tell from the customer’s perspective

➡ Marketing Track – Braintrust coaches will lead marketers through the process of identifying the key goals, objectives and problems of the various buying personas and a formula to begin creating content that drives engagement in the buyer journey

11:15 AM – 12:00 AM

NeuroCommunication® Applying Decision-Making Science in Sales & Marketing

BREAKOUT 2 – Product/Solution Story

➡ Sales Track – Braintrust coaches will lead sales teams through a unique process of clarifying their company’s value related specifically to the problems they solve for the customer.

➡ Marketing Track – Braintrust coaches will lead marketers through a unique process of both explaining their product/solution through brand storytelling but also how to help support sales teams with the most impactful product/solution content.

12:15 PM

Recap / Adjourn