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IFDA Solutions 2026


  • Henry B. González Convention Center - West Lobby Corner 900 East Market Street San Antonio, Texas, 78205 United States (map)

Join more than 1,500 attendees as foodservice distributors of all sizes convene for the industry’s largest event, IFDA Solutions. Distributor attendees include broadliners, specialty, grocery wholesale and convenience with operations ranging from regional to national scope. IFDA Solutions is where industry powerhouses and the up and comers collaborate to create the future of foodservice distribution.

The people moving foodservice distribution forward.

IFDA Solutions 2026 brings together the industry’s top minds to gain clarity on the challenges and opportunities shaping foodservice distribution.

New for 2026: The SMart Sales & Marketing Community joins Solutions for the first time, bringing the full scope of foodservice distribution leadership under one roof. With every corner of the business represented, attendees can collaborate across functions and move their organizations forward together — with greater focus than ever before.

Every attendee leaves with a sharper focus on what matters most. Sessions cover operational excellence across transportation, warehouse and supply chain, the technologies driving automation and modernization, and strategies for sales and marketing leaders to sharpen their competitive edge. Attendees will also gain practical tools to strengthen their teams — addressing workforce acquisition, engagement and retention head-on.

Insights That Move You Forward.

At IFDA Solutions 2026, every session is built around one purpose: moving your business forward with clarity and intention. Forward in Focus means bringing the right insights, the right conversations, and the right strategies into clear view — so you can act on what matters most. Whether you’re optimizing operations, embracing innovation, or growing into stronger leadership, this is where your next move comes into focus. Explore the agenda and see what’s waiting for you, your team, and the future of foodservice distribution.


Sunday, September 13

IFDA Welcome Desk

Sunday, September 13: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Henry B. González Convention Center - West Lobby Corner

 

General Session

Leadership in Action: Foodservice Distribution’s Defining Moments

Every industry has defining moments—moments that challenge what we believe, how we lead, and where we’re headed next. This is one of them. Through candid conversations and collective reflections, powerhouse leaders share lessons learned and unique perspectives from their personal journeys. Join us in San Antonio as we kick off Solutions 2026, bringing foodservice distribution Forward In Focus—coming together to shape what’s next.

 

IFDA Western Welcome

Howdy! We look forward to welcoming you to Solutions 2026 western style. We’ll mosey on over to the LDR Grotto on Sunday, September 13 from 6:00 – 7:30 PM to kick things off with some sips, light bites and one heck of a good time as we set the stage for a great conference!

The LDR Grotto, HBGCC | Please note that badges must be worn to participate in meetings and social functions.

Sunday, September 13: 06:00 PM - 07:30 PM


Monday, September 14,

FDA Welcome Desk

Sunday, September 13: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Henry B. González Convention Center - West Lobby Corner

 

General Session

Leadership in Action: Foodservice Distribution’s Defining Moments

Every industry has defining moments—moments that challenge what we believe, how we lead, and where we’re headed next. This is one of them. Through candid conversations and collective reflections, powerhouse leaders share lessons learned and unique perspectives from their personal journeys. Join us in San Antonio as we kick off Solutions 2026, bringing foodservice distribution Forward In Focus—coming together to shape what’s next.

Sunday, September 13: 04:30 PM - 05:45 PM

Lila Crockrell Theater

 

IFDA Western Welcome

Howdy! We look forward to welcoming you to Solutions 2026 western style. We’ll mosey on over to the LDR Grotto on Sunday, September 13 from 6:00 – 7:30 PM to kick things off with some sips, light bites and one heck of a good time as we set the stage for a great conference!

The LDR Grotto, HBGCC | Please note that badges must be worn to participate in meetings and social functions.

Sunday, September 13: 06:00 PM - 07:30 PM


Tuesday, September 15

IFDA Welcome Desk

Tuesday, September 15: 07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Henry B. González Convention Center - West Lobby Corner

The EXPO Breakfast Meet-Up

Tuesday, September 15: 07:45 AM - 09:45 AM

Henry B. González Convention Center - Hall 3

 

Operations + Supply Chain: Cybersecurity Share Group

SHARE GROUP: Produced by the IFDA CISO Community. Distributor Only Session. As foodservice distributors continue to digitize operations, automate workflows, and connect more systems across warehousing, transportation, finance, and customer service, they also create new opportunities for cyberattacks and internal fraud. This share group explores how modern distribution environments are expanding the attack surface through 3rd party automation, system integrations, remote access, mobile technology, vendor connectivity, and data-driven processes. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of where the greatest risks now exist, how those risks can affect operations and revenue, and what leaders can do to reduce exposure without slowing the business down.

Tuesday, September 15: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Henry B. González Convention Center - Room 006AB

 

Warehouse: Safety Share Group

SHARE GROUP: Produced by the IFDA Safety & Risk Management Community. Distributor Only Session. Join safety professionals and industry peers for a focused, solution-oriented discussion group hosted by a member of the IFDA Safety & Risk Management Community with extensive expertise in the field. This interactive workshop brings together safety leaders and professionals to address workplace safety protocols, hazard identification and mitigation, safety training programs, incident prevention strategies, regulatory compliance, emergency response procedures, and implementation of safety best practices. The format encourages open dialogue about current safety challenges while providing a platform to share successful approaches and develop actionable solutions through collective safety industry wisdom. Bring your most pressing safety issues and leave with practical strategies you can implement immediately in your workplace.

Tuesday, September 15: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Henry B. González Convention Center - Room 006CD

 

Talent Development: Talent & HR Share Group

SHARE GROUP: Produced by the IFDA Human Resources Community. Distributor Only Session. Join HR professionals and industry peers for focused, solution-oriented discussion groups hosted by a member of the IFDA Human Resources Community with extensive expertise in the field. This interactive workshop brings together HR professionals and talent leaders to address best practices in recruitment strategies, employee retention, workforce development, compensation and benefits, performance management, workplace culture initiatives, and more. The format encourages open dialogue about current HR and talent challenges and opportunities, while providing a platform to share successful approaches and develop actionable solutions through collective HR industry wisdom. Bring your most pressing talent management issues and leave with practical, peer-tested strategies you can implement immediately in your organization.

Tuesday, September 15: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Henry B. González Convention Center - Room 007CD

 

Transportation: Sponsored by Fleet Advantage: Transportation Share Group

SHARE GROUP: Distributor Only Session. Join transportation industry peers for a focused, solution-oriented discussion group led by distinguished Solutions Planning Council members with extensive transportation expertise. This interactive workshop brings together transportation professionals to address logistics innovations, fleet management strategies, regulatory compliance, dock management, shipping optimization, carrier relationships, and freight cost management. The format encourages open dialogue about current transportation challenges while providing a platform to share successful approaches and develop actionable solutions through collective transportation industry wisdom. Bring your most pressing transportation issues and leave with practical strategies you can implement immediately in your operations.

Tuesday, September 15: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Henry B. González Convention Center - Room 007AB

Next
Next
September 15

Operational Excellence Workshop