IFDA’s Premier Advocacy Event

May 12 – 13, 2026

Washington, D.C.

Note: May 13^thactivities will go into the late evening.

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2026 IFDA WASHINGTON INSIGHT CONFERENCE

May 12 – 13, 2026

IFDA’s next premier advocacy event, the Washington Insight Conference, will be held on May 12th – 13th, 2026. (Note: May 13^thactivities will go into the late evening). Join us in Washington, D.C. to elevate our dynamic industry on Capitol Hill and brief lawmakers on the issues that matter most to your business.

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During the conference, you will have the opportunity to:

Engage directly with your lawmakers and key staff to educate them about the foodservice distribution industry.
Gain insights into IFDA’s policy and government affairs priorities, what’s happening in Congress, key issues that may affect your business, and the administration’s policy priorities.
Network with peers at the stunning Thompson Washington D.C. hotel, an exclusive venue near the U.S. Capitol, and special evening events.
Walk away from the conference armed with a better understanding of how to build effective relationships with your lawmakers and shape policy.

Wood Fruitticher

“This was my first time attending the Washington Insight Conference, and it was an incredible experience. It gave me the opportunity to speak directly with lawmakers about the policies that matter most to our industry and connect with fellow foodservice distributors.”

– Ford Hamilton, President & CEO, Wood Fruitticher Foodservice & IFDA Board Member

Gordon Food Service

“I’ve attended many of IFDA’s Washington Insight Conferences during my tenure with Gordon Food Service. Each time I attend, I am reminded how important it is for lawmakers to hear directly from our industry leaders on the issues that matter most. The conference is an invaluable tool for building and maintaining bipartisan relationships. It’s crucial for all IFDA members to consider engaging with their lawmakers so that we may raise the profile of our industry in Washington.”

– Alisha Cieslak, former Chief Legal & Risk Officer, Gordon Food Service

Dennis Food Service

“I’ve attended back-to-back IFDA Washington Insight conferences, and I am always glad I invested the time. We have had the opportunity to develop a relationship with one of our senators and always look forward to the constructive dialogue.”

– Ginger Shubert, Director Risk Management, Dennis Food Service

Ben E. Keith Foods

“As Board Chair, it was an honor to attend IFDA’s annual Washington Insight Conference and represent the interests of foodservice distribution. I know how important it is for us to advocate for our industry and the IFDA team does a great job preparing attendees for the meetings with lawmakers so we can help make an impact.”

–Mike Sweet, President, Ben E. Keith Foods & IFDA Chairman