2024 Conference Agenda

Golf Grab and Go Breakfast
Sponsored by Sonwil Logistics/Sonwil Transportation & Trailer Corp.
Waldorf Astoria Golf CLub

FSA Morning Tournament Round - Shotgun Start

Waldorf Astoria Golf CLub

Conference Registration
Bonnet Creek North Foyer

Welcome Luncheon

Upon your arrival and conference check in, this luncheon is a great start for you to seek out old friends, meet new ones and start your networking!
Sponsored by Covenant Logistics & PLM Trailer Leasing

Waldorf Astoria Golf CLub

Opportunity for Strategic Networking

There will be available designated meeting areas for you to have one on one meetings. There will be tables and chairs available on a first come first serve basis to facilitate your networking meetings.

Bonnet Creek Foyer

Gender Diversity: A Path to Business Success with Jennifer Hedrick & Brian Everett

Gender diversity continues to be an important business strategy for many companies in the food transportation, logistics and supply chain industry. In fact, many studies associate a direct link between diversity of talent, thought, and experiences to the ability for a company to deliver optimum value and results. Join Jennifer Hedrick, President & CEO of Women In Trucking (WIT) and Brian Everett, Publisher of Redefining the Road (WIT's official magazine) and strategic advisor, to learn about the growing presence and importance of women in the trucking industry. Hear about how WIT came to be, what the association is doing to improve diversity in the industry, and what you can do to strengthen gender diversity through strategic initiatives in your own organization.

Florida Ballroom D-F

FSA Member Networking

Please stop by to meet with your fellow FSA members in a room set aside exclusively for networking and sharing best practices on current industry challenges. This time is available to meet casually with your fellow supply chain professionals. No suppliers allowed for this members-only event.

Citrus/Collier

Transportation Outlook & What to Consider Going Forward with Eric Starks

In the aftermath of the Covid 19 pandemic's various crunches, supply chains are becoming more integrated into business strategies. The C-suite now understands the value of holistic supply chains rather than treating them as a series of cost centers to attack for savings. This session will address the key supply chain and logistics indicators expected to impact the economy and shipper costs along with a forecast and risk assessment to help craft a better supply chain strategy.

Floridian Ballroom D-F

First Time Attendee Reception

If this is your first time attending the conference please attend the First Time Attendee Reception to meet other new comers as well as Food Shippers of America’s Officers, Board Members, Advisors and 2024 Conference Co-Chairs.

Sponsored by PLS Logistics Services

Signature Island

Welcome Reception

Come enjoy a cocktail, reconnect with old friends and reach out to make new ones while enjoying the Florida twilight!
Sponsored by e2Open & FreightPlus

Waterside Event Lawn

Welcome Buffet Dinner

Continue your networking and catching up with old (and new) friends while enjoying a buffet dinner immediately following the Welcome Reception.
Sponsored by Amazon Freight, Arrive Logistics & Surge Transportation

Waterside Event Lawn

Continental Breakfast
Sponsored by NFI Industries, Inc. & Royal Transportation Services, Inc.
Waterside Ballrom

Shippers & Receivers Private Breakfast

Designated time for our shipper and receiver member company attendees to interact and get an update on Food Shippers of America activities. David Domencic, Director of Procurement, ARMADA and President of Food Shippers of America will open the annual meeting at 7:15 AM followed by the Treasurer’s report as required by Food Shippers of America bylaws.
Floridian Ballroom

National Anthem

Joe Everson will perform a live-action painting while singing the National Anthem.

Welcome and Opening Comments

Dave Domencic, Director Transportation Procurement, ARMADA and President of Food Shippers of America will open the 68th annual conference and introduce our 2024 Conference Co Chairs.

13th Annual Presentation of the John J. Murphy Scholarship

We are pleased to have the 2024 recipient of the John J Murphy Scholarship present to receive the award from Food Shippers of America Chairman of the Board, Steve Stein, Senior Manager Transportation East, Danone North America. All 2024 award recipients will be acknowledged at this time.

SESSION 1
68th Annual Conference Keynote Speaker

Cal Ripken Baseball’s all-time “Iron Man” and an American icon. Raised in a baseball family his playing career spanned 21 seasons, all with his hometown Baltimore Orioles. After retiring from the game in 2001 he remained dedicated to baseball through the establishment and growth of Ripken Baseball and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation. He has traveled the world celebrating the game he loves at the grassroots level and continues to work with Major League Baseball and the US State Department to keep kids from all walks of life engaged with the sport of baseball and use the game to spread good will.”

Conference Break
Sponsored by Direct Connect Logistix
Bonnet Creek Foyer

Cal Ripken Baseball Raffle

After the break autographed baseballs will be given away through a random drawing of business cards. Must Be Present to Win

SESSION 2
An Intern's View of Supply Chain Management with Dr. Stephanie Thomas

Join us as Dr. Stephanie Thomas, Associate Professor, Department of Supply Chain Management, University of Arkansas solicits candid feedback and observations from recent and current college students working as interns in the supply chain departments of food industry companies. Gain insights into what these students find attractive about working in the supply chain industry and their views on ideal work environments.

SESSION 3
The Future of Talent in the Supply Chain with Joshua Evans

Joshua Evans is on a mission to fundamentally change the way people view their work by bringing deeper purpose into the workplace. The modern workplace has increased levels of uncertainty leading to individuals becoming burned out, disengaged, unfulfilled, and unhappy. Joshua is destroying toxic workplace preconceptions and pursuing a future of work where individuals derive deeper meaning and purpose in the work they do.

Conference Housekeeping

Conference Attendee Buffet Lunch
Sponsored by Convoy & Redwood Logistics
Waterside Ballroom

Invitation Only: Speaker and Sponsor Luncheon
Floridian Ballroom

Cal Ripken Baseball Raffle

After the break autographed baseballs will be given away through a random drawing of business cards. Must Be Present to Win

SESSION 4
Shippers Panel Discussion Moderated by Dr. Chris Caplice

Join Dr. Chris Caplice, Senior Research Scientist MIT and DAT, and Food Shipper member company supply chain executives as they talk about today’s challenges and discuss the future of the food industry’s logistics and supply chains.

SESSION 5
AI - How Will It Impact Your Supply Chain with Ken Goldberg

Professor Goldberg will present recent advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, and networking and the potential dangers they raise in terms of security and privacy. Goldberg will illustrate these issues in the context of how today’s supply chain will be impacted by advances in audio, video/face recognition, and data surveillance.

Conference Break
Sponsored by PECO Pallet
Bonnet Creek Foyer

Cal Ripken Baseball Raffle

After the break autographed baseballs will be given away through a random drawing of business cards. Must Be Present to Win

SESSION 6
Trucking's Top 10 with Rebecca Brewster

From workforce shortages to infrastructure challenges and environmental mandates, the issues that impact the trucking industry ultimately affect the entire supply chain. American Transportation Research Institute President Rebecca Brewster will share ATRI’s findings on how the industry ranks these concerns and more importantly, what the trucking industry is doing to address each.

Conference Close of Day 

The day’s highlights will be reviewed, along with conference housekeeping before day ends in preparation for the evenings events by Conference Co Chairs.

Back by Popular Demand - Opportunity for Strategic Networking

We will have available designated meeting areas for you to schedule your one on one meetings.
Bonnet Creek Foyer

Cocktail Reception
Sponsored by PECO Pallet
Waterside Event Lawn

Annual Banquet Event
Sponsored by Bay & Bay, CN & DTL Transport Inc.
Bonnet Creek Ballroom

After Dinner Drink & Dessert Reception
Sponsored by Loadsmith & Surge Transportation
Waterside Veranda

Continental Breakfast
Sponsored by Hirschbach Transportation Services, Inc. & The Shippers Group
Floridian Ballroom G-L

Opening Comments & Food Shippers Gives Back

Conference Co-Chairs Lori Lammers, Darlene Wolf and Darica Schneider will start the day with a recap of the opening day’s key takeaway points then Food Shippers of America President Dave Domencic will present the organization’s annual “Give Back” acknowledgments to: Feeding America, United Foundation of Central Florida, and American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN)

Raffle of Joe Everson Painting

David Domencic, Director Transportation Procurment, ARMADA and Food Shippers of America President will give away a Joe Everson original painting. Must Be Present to Win.

Golf Award Presentation

Justin Allen, Sales Vice President, Andrus Transportation and Food Shippers of America Golf Chairman will announce the 2024 golf tournament winners. WINNERS MUST BE PRESENT TO RECEIVE AWARDS

SESSION 7
The Leading Edge to Optimizing Relationships with Cary Lohrenz

Just like in aviation, in a rapidly changing global environment, speed is life. Collaboration is critical to business success and managing successful strategic partnerships is crucial. Competitive advantage is gained when your organization can optimize partnerships and strategic alliances. Deeper relationships with partners can be the key to long term success and growth. In this inspiring and engaging program, Carey shares what it takes to be on the leading edge.

Conference Break
Sponsored by Trius
Bonnet Creek Foyer

SESSION 8
Economic Update with Bob Costello

Bob Costello, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the American Trucking Associations returns to present current economic data and its effects throughout the Supply Chain. This session is too important to miss and you will be able to bring valuable information back to your teams and executive leadership teams.

Presented by: Bob Costello, Chief Economist & Senior Vice President, American Trucking Association

Conference Closing

David Domencic, Director Transportation Procurment, ARMADA and Food Shippers of America President will close the 68th Annual Conference.