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Conference Agenda

The 2026 Food Shippers of America Annual Conference will take place March 1-3, 2026 at the Hilton Bonnet Creek in Orlando, FL.


Saturday, Feb. 28

1:00PM - 6:00PM | Bonnet Creek North Foyer

Early Conference Registration

Sponsored by

Armstrong Transport Group


Sunday, March 1

6:30AM - 7:30AM | Waldorf Astoria Golf Club

Golf Grab and Go Breakfast

Sponsored by

Optimal Dynamics
Trailiner

7:30AM | Waldorf Astoria Golf Club

FSA Morning Tournament Round -
Shotgun Start

FSA-2025-Conference-Golf

11:00AM - 6:00PM | Bonnet Creek North Foyer

Conference Registration

Sponsored by

Armstrong Transport Group

11:30AM - 1:30PM 

Welcome Luncheon

Enjoy a delicious lunch and take this opportunity to connect with fellow attendees. It's a great moment to meet new people, share ideas, and begin building meaningful connections for the days ahead.

Sponsored by

Covenant-Logistics-logo
PLM_Logo

1:30PM - 6:00PM | Floridian Ballroom A-C

Strategic Networking

A designated meeting area will be available for one-on-one discussions throughout the conference. Tables and chairs will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis to support your networking and private meetings.

Sponsored by

Cornerstone Systems, Inc

1:30PM - 6:00PM | Conference Center Promenade

Werner Driving Simulator

Think you've got what it takes to be a pro behind the wheel? Climb into Werner's high-tech driving simulator and put your skills to the test! Tackle sharp turns, surprise obstacles, and wild road conditions-all without leaving the safety of the simulator seat. Are you up for the challenge?

Sponsored byWerner

3:30PM - 5:00PM | Floridian Ballroom G-I

Unleashing Productivity with Generative AI: A Leadership Imperative

Generative Al could boost the productivity of up to 40% of U.S. workers, potentially increasing output by one-third. Expert Dave Nelsen highlights seven leading Al systems and their practical applications, including content creation, summarization, deep research, and tech support. These tools facilitate faster problem-solving and better insights by leveraging vast domain-specific knowledge. Nelsen emphasizes that successful integration requires leaders to understand where Al excels-at the "jagged frontier" of capability-and where it falters. Ultimately, organizations must proactively adopt Al to remain competitive and foster innovation. 

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Dave Nelsen
President
Dialog Consulting Group

5:00PM - 6:00PM | Promenade

First Time Attendee Reception

Kick off our 70th Annual Conference with an evening of great conversation, networking, and refreshments! Join fellow attendees, speakers, and sponsors in a relaxed setting to meet new colleagues, reconnect with familiar faces, and get ready for an exciting and inspiring conference ahead.

Sponsored by
 
PLS Logo

6:00PM - 7:00PM | Signature Island

Welcome Reception

Kick off our 70th Annual Conference with an evening of great conversation, networking, and refreshments! Join fellow attendees, speakers, and sponsors in a relaxed setting to meet new colleagues, reconnect with familiar faces, and get ready for an exciting and inspiring conference ahead.

Sponsored by
 

FST

TEL

7PM - 9PM | Waterside Event Lawn

Welcome Buffet Dinner

Wrap up the day with good food and great company! Join fellow attendees for a relaxed buffet dinner featuring a variety of delicious dishes. It's the perfect chance to unwind, share highlights from the day, and enjoy some casual networking in a friendly atmosphere.

Sponsored by
 

Amazon Freight 2026

Arrive

Tive-logo

8:30PM - 10:00PM | Waterside Patio

Cigar Social

Relax and unwind at our Cigar Social, where good conversation meets a laid-back atmosphere. Enjoy premium cigars, refreshments, and great company as you connect with fellow attendees in an informal, outdoor setting. Whether you're a cigar enthusiast or just looking to network in a relaxed environment, this is the perfect way to end the evening.

Sponsored by
 

Burns

rfx_rfe_mainlogo

 

Monday, March 2

7:00AM - 8:00AM | Waterside Ballroom

Continental Breakfast

Sponsored by
 

NFI

Royal_Transportation_Services_Logo

7:00AM - 8:00AM | Floridian Ballroom

Member Companies Private Breakfast

The Annual Member Meeting brings together members to review the organization's progress, discuss key initiatives, and outline priorities for the year ahead. Leadership will share updates on financial performance, strategic goals, and major achievements.

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Darica Schneider
Senior Director Transportation Operations,
Univar Solutions 

TREASURER & VICE PRESIDENT
Earnie Seibert

Earnie Seibert

MEDIA ADVISOR
Mary Kearney

Mary Kearney
Director of Sales,
Kottke Trucking, Inc.

8:00AM - 8:30AM | Bonnet Creek Ballroom

Welcome & Opening Comments

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National Anthem

Joe Everson is a multi-talented American artist best known as the country's only singing painter. He gained national attention for his live performances where he simultaneously sings-often the U.S. national anthem.

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Opening Comments

The conference will officially open with a welcome from Darica Schneider, President of Food Shippers of America. Her remarks will include a greeting to all attendees, introduction of the Conference Co-Chairs, recognition of volunteers, and a brief overview of the conference's goals and focus. 

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Scholarship Presentation

The John J. Murphy Scholarship Award is presented annually to recognize exceptional students or professionals demonstrating promise, dedication, and achievement in the fields of logistics, supply chain, and food distribution.

8:30AM - 9:30AM | Bonnet Creek Ballroom

70th Annual Conference Keynote: Bill Cowher

Bill Cowher is a former professional football player and coach, best known for his tenure as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1992 to 2006. Under his leadership, the Steelers won Super Bowl XL, and Cowher became known for his intense coaching style, strategic expertise, and ability to motivate players. After retiring from coaching, he transitioned into sports broadcasting as an analyst at CBS, continuing to contribute his insights to the game. 

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Bill Cowher
Football Coach, NFL Analyst, and Author

9:45AM - 10:45AM | Bonnet Creek Ballroom

Transportation Outlook with Eric Starks

Eric Starks is a leading authority in freight transportation intelligence. With over two decades of experience in analyzing freight movements and transportation equipment demand, Eric is widely recognized for his deep insights into the economic forces shaping the trucking, rail, and intermodal sectors. 

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Eric Starks
Chairman, FTR

10:45AM - 11:45AM | Bonnet Creek Ballroom

Together We Win

In today's tough freight market, success depends on collaboration. This session dives into how shippers, carriers, and 3Pls balance data with relationships, leverage QBRs, establish mutually aligned initiatives, simplify tech, and share contractual accountability to retain strong strategic partnerships. Hear real-world success stories, explore what "Shipper of Choice" really means to all parties, and walk away with at least one key takeaway to drive "together we win" results in your own organization. 

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Mike Regan
Chief of Relationship Development
TranzAct Technolies, Inc.

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Dan Egan
Vice President - Sales, Global Logistics
MODE Transportation

Craig-Paulsen

Craig Paulsen
VP of Commercial Development for Intermodal
Schneider

Peter-Andrews

Peter Andrews
Director of Transportation
Schreiber Foods

Mark-Lawver

Mark Lawver
General Manager
Stokes Trucking

Mark-Purdy

Mark Purdy
Director of North American Transportation
General Mills

12:00PM - 1:00PM | Waterside Ballroom

Conference Attendee Buffet Lunch

Sponsored by
 

Fuel Transport

XPO-logo

1:00PM - 2:00PM | Bonnet Creek Ballroom

Know Your Shipper

Join supply chain leaders from Food Shipper member companies for a candid panel discussion tackling the "elephants in the room." Topics include replacing incumbents despite strong service, changes in fuel surcharge pegs, extended payment terms, and how shippers assess rates in light of CSA alerts, equipment age, insurance coverage, and trailer pools. The panel will also explore the value of "premium" versus "average" service, among other pressing issues. Don't miss this opportunity to gain firsthand insights into shippers' perspectives and decision-making.

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Thom Albrecht 
Chief Revenue Officer
Reliance Partners, LLC

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Jim Carver
Senior Director of Supply Chain
Michael Foods

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Scott Haldeman
Director, Transportation
The Marzetti Company

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Mike Schwersenska 
Vice President of Transportation
Brakebush Transportation, Inc.

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Peter Callagy
Senior Manager of Transportation
Seaboard Foods

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Meghan Charboneau
Director of Transportation
Mars

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Robert Morris
Senior Director of Transportation
WK Kellogg Co.

2:00PM - 3:00PM | Bonnet Creek Ballroom

Fraud and Theft

How well do you know your business partners? With the ongoing challenges regarding theft and fraud in the supply chain, learn how the technology used by freight brokers, shippers, and carriers can help verify partner identities, reduce fraud, and build trust in digital transactions. Efficient use of technology can enable safer, more efficient, and transparent freight operations- streamlining carrier on boarding and offering real-time compliance monitoring.

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Michael Caney
Chief Commercial Officer
Highway

3:15PM - 4:15PM | Bonnet Creek Ballroom

Trucking's Top 10 - Cracking the Code

The trucking industry continues to face significant challenges, including rising costs, depressed rates, workforce shortages, and the need for infrastructure investment. Research from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) provides trucking stakeholders with valuable insights to navigate these critical issues and make informed decisions.

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Rebecca Brewster
President & COO
ATRI

4:30PM - 6PM | Bonnet Creek Center Foyer

Strategic Networking

A designated meeting area will be available for one-on-one discussions throughout the conference. Tables and chairs will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis to support your networking and private meetings.

Sponsored by

Cornerstone Systems, Inc

6:00PM - 10:00PM 

Reception & Banquet

6PM - 7PM | Waterside Event Lawn

Cocktail Reception

Sponsored by

PECO

Trimble

7PM - 8:15PM | Bonnet Creek Ballroom

Annual Banquet Event

Sponsored by

CN

DTL TransportGiltner-Transportation

8:15PM - 10PM | Waterside Veranda

After Dinner Drink & Dessert Reception

Sponsored by

Descartes_CMYK

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Tuesday, March 3

7:00AM - 8:15AM | Floridian Ballroom G-L

Continental Breakfast

Sponsored by

AiLO Logistics

Greg Smith Enterprises

8:15AM - 9:00AM | Bonnet Creek Ballroom

Opening Comments & FSA Gives Back

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Opening Comments

Food Shippers of America President Darica Schneider will start the day with a recap of the opening day's key takeaway points.

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FSA Gives Back

Food Shippers of America President Darica Schneider will present the organization's annual "Give Back" acknowledgments to:

  • American Logistics Aid Network
  • Feeding America
  • United Against Poverty

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Golf Awards

Justin Allen, VP of Sales and Strategic Partnerships, Cheema Freightlines and Food Shippers of America Golf Chair, will announce the golf tournament winners.

9:00AM - 10:00AM | Bonnet Creek Ballroom

70th Annual Conference Keynote:
John Ratzenberger

John Ratzenberger is an acclaimed actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, widely recognized for his role as Cliff Clavin on Cheers. Beyond acting, he has lent his voice to every Pixar film, becoming a beloved figure in animation. John is also a passionate advocate for American manufacturing and small businesses, using his platform to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and community impact. 

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John Ratzenberger
Actor

10:15AM - 11:15AM | Bonnet Creek Ballroom

Economic Update with Bob Costello

Bob Costello, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the American Trucking Associations, returns to present the latest economic data and its impact across the supply chain. This essential session provides actionable insights you can bring back to your teams and executive leadership-­ don't miss it!

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Bob Costello
Chief Economist
ATA

Download Full Conference Agenda

2026-FSA-Conference-Brochure-Booklet
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