September 28 – October 1, 2025
Columbus, OH
Executive Leadership Summit
Chart What’s Next.
Held in conjunction with the IFDA Solutions Conference, the Executive Leadership Summit is where foodservice distribution’s top minds tackle what’s next. This exclusive forum brings industry leaders together to explore the critical challenges and opportunities shaping the future, all while fostering peer-driven conversations that spark innovation and growth. Designed by distributors, for distributors, the agenda is built to push boundaries, inspire fresh thinking, and equip you with the insights to lead at the next level.
*Invite only event. Agenda subject to change.
Sunday, September 28
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Solutions Conference Welcome Reception
Hilton Columbus Downtown – The Atrium 401 Tower, 2nd Floor
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Executive Leadership Summit Dinner
Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse
Immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of the gilded age in Jeff Ruby’s vibrant, Art Deco-inspired, award-winning steakhouse. Located in a historic building adjacent to the Columbus Convention Center, they have earned a reputation for delivering over-the-top and incomparable total dining experiences.
Monday, September 29
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Solutions Conference Networking Breakfast
Greater Columbus Convention Center, Union Station Ballroom Foyer
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Solutions Conference General Session
Greater Columbus Convention Center, Union Station Ballroom
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Transition to the Executive Leadership Summit
Hilton Columbus Downtown, Gina Knee Room, Tower 402, 4th Floor
Transition from the Solutions Conference at the Greater Columbus Convention Center to the Executive Leadership Summit at the Hilton Columbus Downtown, Gina Knee Room, Tower 402, 4th Floor
9:30 AM – 9:40 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Mark Allen, President and CEO, International Foodservice Distributors Association
Julien Leblanc, Founder and President, Blueprint and Executive Leadership Summit Moderator
9:45 AM – 10:30 AM
Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt and Churchill: A Strategic Approach to Leading in Times of Crisis and Change
Taking advantage of the powerful lessons of history across three centuries, this dynamic and remarkably relevant presentation identifies eight common traits that these four extraordinary leaders used to guide their countries through times of great crisis and change. This discussion emphasizes the fundamental importance of strategic vision, effective communication, visibility, and collaboration in dealing with the inherent anxiety created by crisis and change and charting a positive path forward.
Dr. Peter H. Cressy RADM usn ret
Director, Executive Leadership Programs,
George Washington Leadership Institute
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
The Tech-Enabled B2B Distributor
The tech-enabled distributor of the future will have faster organic growth with higher profit margins and inorganic M&A will be easier to absorb. Through recent advancements in technology and artificial intelligence, distributors can leverage new, AI-powered infrastructure to solve age-old challenges unique to the distribution industry. Mr. Moazed will discuss his vision for the tech-enabled distributor, the technology needed to capture it and organizationally, what’s needed to successfully execute on this digital transformation opportunity.
Alex Moazed, Founder & CEO, Applico Capital
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
Monetary Masala
With the presidential and congressional elections of 2024 in the rearview, our eyes turn to 2025. Has the Federal Reserve engineered a soft landing, or is stagflation on the way? Can America continue to pace the advanced world, or will expanding indebtedness, policy uncertainty, and over-extended asset values prove our collective undoing? This presentation focuses on U.S. and regional economic performance with an eye toward discussing emerging risks to what has thus far been an economy that has surprised to the upside.
Dr. Anirban Basu, Chairman and CEO, Sage Policy Group
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
Lunch
Generously supported by:
12:45 PM – 1:15 PM
Inside the Beltway: What’s Happening in Washington and Why It Matters
Step into the heart of Washington with this session designed to keep you apprised of IFDA priorities and the latest developments in Congress and the Administration. We’ll unpack what’s happening, who’s driving it, and what it means for foodservice distributors. Whether you’re a policy pro or just trying to make sense of the noise, this session will offer clear insights and actionable takeaways. Bring your questions — this is your chance to get answers from the experts tracking Capitol Hill and regulatory agencies in real time.
Mark Allen (moderator), President & CEO, International Foodservice Distributors Association
Mala Parker, SVP, Policy and Government Affairs, International Foodservice Distributors Association
Kristin Spiridon, Senior Director, Policy & Government Affairs, International Foodservice Distributors Association
1:15 PM – 1:30 PM
Executive Leadership Summit Wrap-up and Adjourn
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Solutions Conference Expo
Greater Columbus Convention Center, Hall A
Thanks to Our Premier Sponsor
