By Invitation Only
IFDA Executive Leadership Summit
September 14, 2026
San Antonio, TX
Agenda
Sunday, September 13, 2026
| START | END | ACTIVITY | LOCATION | ROOM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:15pm | 5:45pm | Solutions Conference Opening General Session | Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center | Lila Cockrell Theater |
| 5:45pm | 7:00pm | Solutions Conference Welcome Reception | Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center | The Grotto |
| 6:30pm | Executive Leadership Summit Dinner |
Monday, September 14, 2026
| START | END | ACTIVITY | LOCATION | ROOM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00am | 8:45am | Executive Leadership Summit Breakfast | Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk | Lone Star Ballroom |
| 8:45am | 9:00am | Executive Leadership Summit Welcome and Introductions Mark Allen President & CEO International Foodservice Distributors Association Julien Leblanc Founder and President blueprint and ELS Moderator | ||
| 9:00am | 9:45am | Leadership Discussion Boston Consulting Group (session title, description and speaker to be confirmed) | ||
| 9:45am | 10:30am | Safely Enable Artificial Intelligence at Speed As enterprises rapidly embed Generative and Agentic AI into core operations, risk exposure expands alongside value creation. This session presents an executive-level, cyber-inclusive approach for scaling AI responsibly—positioning cybersecurity as a design principle rather than a downstream control. The session will introduce Deloitte’s Cyber AI Transformation Blueprint, a leadership-ready approach to scaling AI with confidence—aligning growth and resilience while modernizing the cyber function with AI. We will discuss how Generative and agentic AI are reshaping enterprise risk, operating models, and accountability, and outline the key decisions executives should make to balance “Cyber for AI” (governance, controls, and assurance for the AI journey) with “AI for Cyber” (productivity and effectiveness gains across security operations). Naresh Persaud Principal Deloitte Cyber Practice | ||
| 10:30am | 11:15am | Redefining Advantage: Strategic Priorities for the Next Era of Growth This executive briefing will deliver a concise, forward-looking assessment of the forces reshaping the foodservice industry through 2027 and beyond. Grounded in data and real-world implications, this session will examine critical shifts in traffic, consumer behavior, economic pressures, and demographics. Designed for CEOs and senior leaders, the discussion will focus on strategic implications such as where to invest, how to differentiate, and how to align your organization to win in an increasingly complex and margin-pressured environment. Leave with a clear point of view, sharper priorities, and the confidence to make decisions that position your organization for sustained success. David Henkes Senior Principal Technomic Advisory Group | ||
| 11:15am | 11:45am | Inside the Beltway: What’s Happening in Washington – and Why It Matters in 2026 Washington is moving fast—are you keeping up? With the 2026 election cycle reshaping priorities and political dynamics, this session cuts through the noise to deliver a clear, real-time look at what’s happening in Congress and the Administration, who’s driving it, and what’s coming next. We’ll zero in on the policy and regulatory shifts that matter most to foodservice distributors—so you can stay informed, prepared, and ahead of the curve. No jargon, no fluff—just sharp insights and practical takeaways. Bring your questions and get straight answers. 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 and Government Affairs International Foodservice Distributors Association | ||
| 11:45am | 12:30pm | Lunch | ||
| 12:30pm | 12:45pm | Executive Leadership Summit Wrap up and Adjourn | ||
| 12:45pm | Solutions Conference Exposition | Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center | Hall 3 |