Conference Schedule
Monday, September 14
Board of Directors Meeting
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM UTC-6
Early Arrivers Reception
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM UTC-6
Join other early arrivers for a reception featuring drinks and hors d'ouevres as we welcome you to Scottsdale for our 2025 annual conference.
Tuesday, September 15
Golf Tournament
7:30 AM - 1:00 PM UTC-6
Registration Open
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM UTC-6
Connection Corner
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM UTC-6
FEDA's Connection Corner is our networking space aimed at fostering connections focused on building relationships through networking among participants while enjoying refreshments.
Exhibits Open
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM UTC-6
Emerging Distributors Council Meeting
2:00 PM - 3:15 PM UTC-6
Future of Distribution Council Meeting
3:30 PM - 4:45 PM UTC-6
Legislative Advocacy Presentation and Reception with Elected Officials
5:00 PM - 6:15 PM UTC-6
Young Industry Leaders Reception
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM UTC-6
The Young Industry Leaders Reception is an opportunity for emerging and established young leaders in the industry to reunite and network with their peers. For any member of FEDA’s Young Industry Leaders or conference attendees between ages 21 and 46.
Opening Night Welcome Reception
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM UTC-6
Start networking over drinks and hors d’oeuvres at the conference’s opening reception.
Opening Night Dinner and Party
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM UTC-6
Kick off the 2026 FEDA Annual Executive Leadership Conference with this opening night networking event!
Wednesday, September 16
Opening Breakfast Buffet
7:00 AM - 8:30 AM UTC-6
Exhibits Open
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM UTC-6
Connection Corner
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM UTC-6
FEDA's Connection Corner is our networking space aimed at fostering connections focused on building relationships through networking among participants while enjoying refreshments.
Registration Open
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM UTC-6
General Session
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM UTC-6
8:30-8:35 a.m.
Welcome and Chairman's Opening Remarks
Featuring FEDA Chairman Marc Tell, President, Sam Tell Companies
Welcome and Chairman's Opening Remarks
Featuring FEDA Chairman Marc Tell, President, Sam Tell Companies
8:35-8:40 a.m.
Featured Supplier Presentation
Amerikooler
Featured Supplier Presentation
Amerikooler
8:40-9:00 a.m.
State of the Industry Reports
Featuring Jameel Burkett, president and CEO of Burkett Restaurant Equipment, and Aaron Brown, CEO of Refrigerated Solutions Group
9:00-9:20 a.m.
Financial Outlook for Businesses
State of the Industry Reports
Featuring Jameel Burkett, president and CEO of Burkett Restaurant Equipment, and Aaron Brown, CEO of Refrigerated Solutions Group
9:00-9:20 a.m.
Financial Outlook for Businesses
9:20-10:10 a.m.
Distributor Focus
Featuring Jason Boomer, vice president of technology at Burkett Restaurant Equipment & Supplies, Rory Clarke, president of Avanti Restaurant Solutions, and J Schneider, managing director for Dorn Group
Distributor Focus
Featuring Jason Boomer, vice president of technology at Burkett Restaurant Equipment & Supplies, Rory Clarke, president of Avanti Restaurant Solutions, and J Schneider, managing director for Dorn Group
10:10-10:15 a.m.
Host Milano Presentation
Host Milano Presentation
10:15-10:45 a.m.
Networking Coffee Break
Networking Coffee Break
10:45-10:50 a.m.
Featured Supplier Presentation
RATIONAL
Featured Supplier Presentation
RATIONAL
10:50 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Keynote Presentation
Featuring Verne Harnish, Founder, Entrepreneurs' Organization
Keynote Presentation
Featuring Verne Harnish, Founder, Entrepreneurs' Organization
FEDA Chairman's Lunch (for All Attendees)
12:10 PM - 1:00 PM UTC-6
FEDA Tech Talks
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM UTC-6
These short presentations provide a deep introduction to the technologies that distributors and manufacturers are most interested in integrating into their operations and services. The talks are led by technology experts who are actively using those digital solutions, and each segment will cover real-world applications and best practices.
Industry Roundtable Discussions
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM UTC-6
By bringing together distributors, manufacturers, and other industry representatives, these roundtable discussions will foster an understanding of various business challenges and how companies can work together to implement meaningful solutions — including those enabled by new technologies — to improve outcomes and help generate growth.
Pickleball Tournament
3:45 PM - 5:00 PM UTC-6
Pickleball is a fun and easy-to-learn tennis-like game that is playable by all skill levels. Network with FEDA conference attendees over a doubles pickleball match. The event includes paddles, balls and beverages. Teams will be based on number of players on site.
Putting Contest
3:45 PM - 5:00 PM UTC-6
Meet up with fellow conference attendees for a fun putting challenge.
VIP Reception
5:15 PM - 6:00 PM UTC-6
Cocktail and Networking Reception
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM UTC-6
Enjoy refreshing cocktails and hors d'oeuvres as you mingle with fellow foodservice equipment and supplies industry professionals.
Thursday, September 17
Gold Awards Breakfast
7:45 AM - 9:00 AM UTC-6
FEDA is again excited to be recognizing the unique achievements of members during the Gold Awards presentation. All winning companies will be featured in FEDA News & Views, the FEDA weekly newsletter, social media, and other eblasts.
8:00-9:00 a.m.
Presentation of FEDA Gold Awards
Presentation of FEDA Gold Awards
9:00-9:05 a.m.
Featured Supplier Presentation
CFS Brands
Featured Supplier Presentation
CFS Brands
Connection Corner
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM UTC-6
FEDA's Connection Corner is our networking space aimed at fostering connections focused on building relationships through networking among participants while enjoying refreshments.
Exhibits Open
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM UTC-6
Special Guest Presentation: Fireside Chat With Steve Wozniak
9:05 AM - 10:15 AM UTC-6
As a co-founder of Apple and a pioneering engineer who values thinking outside constraints and artificial limits, Steve Wozniak understands what it takes for companies to innovate around challenges and break their industries open. During his 60-minute fireside chat at the FEDA conference, Wozniak will share pragmatic insights into how companies can foster innovation and leverage technology to drive growth. Attendees will hear about lessons Wozniak has learned over his 50-year career in technology, including how building the first Apple I prototypes and his continuing work with students have informed his perspective on the potential and trajectory of today's artificial intelligence breakthroughs.
Last Night in Park City Party
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM UTC-6
FEDA will close out the 2026 conference with one final chance for attendees to network and meet with their peers and colleagues in a relaxed setting, perfect for decompressing after three days of learning and connecting. The Last Night in Part City event will offer live music, food and drinks amidst the seclusion of the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley.
Friday, September 18
Closing Breakfast Buffet
7:00 AM - 8:30 AM UTC-6