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Young Industry Leaders

The 2026 FEDA Young Industry Leaders Retreat offers a chance for up-and-coming professionals to step outside their day-to-day work and into an engaging and forward-thinking experience that will hone their leadership skills and broaden their perspectives.

This year’s retreat will take place June 10–11, 2026, at Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) corporate headquarters, located at 155 Harlem Ave., Glenview, Illinois. Participants can look forward to interactive leadership development sessions led by industry experts and designed to sharpen their decision-making and industry knowledge. They’ll also have a chance to connect with their peers for insightful discussions on industry trends, challenges, and opportunities, as well as collaborate in problem-solving activities designed to spark innovation and growth.

The full agenda will be available soon, but FEDA members can get a jump-start on being part of the program by completing their registration using the button below. Attendees can also help shape the event by completing a short survey to ensure the retreat content is relevant to their roles.

Mission

Formed to help identify and develop the talent within the foodservice equipment and supplies industry, FEDA’s Young Industry Leaders (YIL) seeks to engage distributor and manufacturer professionals ages 21-46 who are growing into or already serving in leadership roles by offering leadership development training and opportunities to network with other young industry professionals.

History

YIL was founded by the Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association (FEDA) in 2018. As outlined in the Association’s strategic plan, one of FEDA’s highest priorities is to elevate the status of young professionals within the Association and beyond. YIL serves as a vehicle to solicit feedback and guidance from this key demographic as well as to ensure YIL participants have an opportunity to play a more active role in shaping FEDA’s future.

Program Overview

YIL seeks to carry out its mission by organizing the following:

  • On-site leadership development retreats hosted by FEDA manufacturer members.

  • More activities at the FEDA annual conference designed to increase the attendance of young industry leaders and foster a greater sense of connection and belonging.

  • Use recruitment efforts and meetings as a vehicle to encourage diversity in association leadership and involvement.

Participants

Young Industry Leaders are nominated by the principals in FEDA member dealerships, distributors, and manufacturers. They are ages 21-46, serve in a variety of leadership roles within their companies, and must meet the following criteria to participate in YIL’s Leadership Development Program:

  • Serve in a full-time role within a FEDA-member organization

  • Manage people or manage a process

  • Make strategic decisions

  • Collaborate well with others

How to Participate

Industry professionals, age 21 to 46, interested in participating in FEDA’s Young Industry Leaders Development Program must be nominated by the principal in their dealership, distribution, or manufacturing company and meet the following criteria:

  • Serve in a full-time role within a FEDA-member organization

  • Be responsible for managing people or a process

  • Have the authority to make strategic decisions

  • Play an active role in problem-solving and conflict management

  • Be a team player

Nomination Form Word PDF Online Form
Application Form Word PDF Online Form

Once the nomination form is filled out by the nominee’s employer, he or she is then required to fill out an application form and return both forms to the FEDA office for review. Upon completion, FEDA’s Communication Manager Tim O’Connor will contact the applicant.