08/04/2015
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm	Registration
2:00 pm - 2:10 pm	Welcome & Introduction Unraveling the complexity of foodservice and setting the stage for insights and best practices that drive excellence in planning and execution are core elements of IFMA’s Foodservice 2020 Strategic Plan. And excellence can only be achieved through seamless collaboration between marketing and sales.
2:10 pm - 2:45 pm	Between the ears of the Consumer Interest lies not only in “what” consumers are doing but “why.” Leading foodservice research firms Datassential and the NPD Group will deliver a presentation on key consumer trends to help you understand consumer dining motivations, how they are changing, and how you can impact their behavior.
2:45 pm - 3:20 pm	The changing Operator Operators: the window to the consumer. In addition to segment forecasts and dynamics, Datassential will provide a look into operator needs and expectations.
3:20 pm - 3:55 pm	Distribution Landscape How has the distribution landscape changed and what is its future? Listen as Bill Hale from the Hale Group discusses the dynamics of broadline, systems, and cash ‘n carry distribution.
3:55 pm - 4:20 pm	Break
4:20 pm - 4:40 pm	Best Practices in using insights and planning The foodservice industry has evolved from “data poor” to “data rich”. Learn how to take the insights presented on the consumer, operator and distributor and use them to create actionable strategic plans from partners at The Partnering Group.
4:40 pm - 5:20 pm	From the distributors perspective Listen and learn as George Eversman, Executive V.P. of Retail and Business Development at Dot Foods provides insight into best practices observed from manufacturer partners and a glimpse into the future of distribution.
5:20 pm - 5:30 pm	Collaborative Challenges in Planning Close out the day with a reflection on the challenges in planning and a recap of the afternoon sessions.
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm	Reception Mingle and connect with new and old acquaintances in a one-of-a-kind venue: the Anheuser-Busch Biergarten.

08/05/2015
7:00 am - 8:00 am	Breakfast in the Biergarten
8:00 am - 8:20 am	Importance of Manufacturer Product Data E-commerce has become an important part of the foodservice distributor’s toolset to drive both operator sales and to gain and retain sales personnel.Product information fuels distributor’s ecommerce solutions.David Leppert, Director Field Support at PepsiCo Foodservice and Jason Gunn, Manager Product Information at US Foods, will present findings from a recent survey that clarifies the importance of providing product information to your distributors and why you should be taking an active role to ensure its quality.
8:20 am - 8:55 am	Technology Technology has transformed our lives…and how we do business.Learn how to best think about and employ it in all your touch points; internally; with distributors and brokers; with operators; and with consumers.
8:55 am - 9:05 am	Best Practice Go-to-Market Models Learn how the Operator/Manufacturer Collaboration Model (OCM) and Full Plate™ Category Management Model are transforming how business is conducted in foodservice during this brief update.
9:05 am - 9:45 am	Go-to-Market Resources and Tools: Independent Operators & LLO’s (Large Leverage Operators) Arguably the most profitable operator communities, one that has been called the “life blood of foodservice,” it is also the most challenging to reach. This session unveils how best to utilize all of the tools and resources to reach, support and influence these operators.
9:45 am - 10:25 am	Independent Operator Panel Hear from a panel of local independent operators themselves on several pressing topics, including their pain points, needs, and where they receive the latest market information.
10:25 am - 10:45 am	Break
10:45 am - 11:25 am	Foodservice Management Companies & LLOs: Go-to-Market Resources and Tools FSMs and the primarily non-commercial large leverage operators they manage are an integral element in many foodservice companies’ portfolios. Executives from Foodmix Marketing Communications will discuss how you can best reach, support, and influence these operators utilizing cumulative best practice case studies.
11:25 am - 12:05 pm	From the Perspective of the Foodservice Management Company Listen and learn as Dan Mueller, Senior Director of Supply Management at Sodexo, discusses how best to do business with them, what they view as a “gold standard” relationship, and how they view the evolving foodservice landscape.
12:05 pm - 1:00 pm	Lunch in the Biergarten
1:00 pm - 1:40 pm	Chains: Go-to-Market Resources and Tools A critical component of foodservice performance over the last 20 years, chains have morphed into an ever-changing complex array of concepts. Executives from Noble Communications will cover best practices, utilizing case histories, on how best to break through the clutter and engage chain operators in a meaningful relationship.
1:40 pm - 2:20 pm	From the Perspective of the Chain Operator With the evolving consumer and operator landscape, operators need to stay ahead in today’s foodservice environment. Tom Gumpel, Vice President of R&D/Innovation at Panera Bread will discuss how his organization has adapted and what manufacturers need to know about working with them.
2:20 pm - 2:30 pm	Collaborative Challenges in Execution Close out the day with a reflection on the challenges in executing and a recap of the day’s sessions.
2:30 pm	Closing Comments