The 2025 Food Shippers of America Annual Conference will take place March 2-5, 2025 at the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, CA.
The app for the 68th Annual Food Shippers Conference is now available for download on your Android or IOS device! Search Food Shippers of America 68th Annual Conference in the App Store or Google Play. Log in with the credentials sent to the email address that you used to register for the conference. Questions? Contact the Media Committee.
1:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
Early Conference Registration |
1:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
Early Conference Registration |
Schedule subject to change. Check back regularly to view the most current schedule.
6:30 AM – 7:30 AM |
Golf Grab and Go Breakfast |
7:30 AM |
FSA Morning Tournament Round - Shotgun Start |
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Conference Registration |
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
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! Waldorf Astoria Golf CLub |
1:30 PM |
Food Shippers of America Afternoon Tournament Round - Shotgun Start Waldorf Astoria Golf CLub |
1:30 PM - 6:00 PM |
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 |
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM |
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 |
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
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 |
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM |
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 |
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
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 |
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
Welcome Reception Come enjoy a cocktail, reconnect with old friends and reach out to make new ones while enjoying the Florida twilight! Waterside Event Lawn |
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
Welcome Buffet Dinner Continue your networking and catching up with old (and new) friends while enjoying a buffet dinner immediately following the Welcome Reception. Waterside Event Lawn |
Schedule subject to change. Check back regularly to view the most current schedule.
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM |
Continental Breakfast |
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM |
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. |
8:00 AM – 8:05 AM |
National Anthem Joe Everson will perform a live-action painting while singing the National Anthem. |
8:05 AM – 8:15 AM |
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. |
8:15 AM – 8:30 AM |
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. |
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM |
SESSION 1 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.” |
9:30 AM – 9:45 AM |
Conference Break |
9:45 AM – 10:00 AM |
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 |
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
SESSION 2 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. |
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
SESSION 3 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. |
12:00 PM – 12:15 PM |
Conference Housekeeping |
12:15 PM – 1:00 PM |
Conference Attendee Buffet Lunch |
12:15 PM – 1:00 PM |
Invitation Only: Speaker and Sponsor Luncheon |
1:00 PM – 1:15 PM |
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 |
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM |
SESSION 4 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. |
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM |
SESSION 5 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. |
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM |
Conference Break |
3:30 PM – 3:45 PM |
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 |
3:45 PM – 4:45 PM |
SESSION 6 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. |
4:45 PM – 5:00 PM |
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. |
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
Back by Popular Demand - Opportunity for Strategic Networking We will have available designated meeting areas for you to schedule your one on one meetings. |
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
Cocktail Reception |
7:00 PM – 8:15 PM |
Annual Banquet Event |
8:15 PM – 10:00 PM |
After Dinner Drink & Dessert Reception |
Schedule subject to change. Check back regularly to view the most current schedule.
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM |
Continental Breakfast |
8:00 AM – 8:20 AM |
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) |
8:20 AM – 8:30 AM |
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. |
8:30 AM – 8:45 AM |
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 |
8:45 AM – 10:00 AM |
SESSION 7 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. |
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM |
Conference Break |
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM |
SESSION 8 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. |
11:15 AM – 11:30 AM |
Conference Closing David Domencic, Director Transportation Procurment, ARMADA and Food Shippers of America President will close the 68th Annual Conference. |
Schedule subject to change. Check back regularly to view the most current schedule.
The headline and subheader tells us what you're offering, and the form header closes the deal. Over here you can explain why your offer is so great it's worth filling out a form for.
Remember:
The headline and subheader tells us what you're offering, and the form header closes the deal. Over here you can explain why your offer is so great it's worth filling out a form for.
Remember:
The headline and subheader tells us what you're offering, and the form header closes the deal. Over here you can explain why your offer is so great it's worth filling out a form for.
Remember:
The headline and subheader tells us what you're offering, and the form header closes the deal. Over here you can explain why your offer is so great it's worth filling out a form for.
Remember:
7:30 AM |
FSA Morning Tournament Round - Shotgun Start |
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Conference Registration |
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
Welcome Reception Lunch 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! |
1:30 PM |
Afternoon Golf Round |
1:30 PM - 6:00 PM |
Opportunity for Strategic Networking We will have available designated meeting areas for you to have one-on-one meetings. At your disposal will be tables and chairs on a first come basis to assist in your networking efforts. |
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
First Timers Reception Your first time? Plan on attending the First Timers Reception to gather with other “newbies” and meet the Officers, Board Members and Advisors of Food Shippers of America along with the 2024 Conference Co-Chairs. |
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
Welcome Reception Come enjoy a cocktail, reconnect with old friends and reach out to make new ones while enjoying the Florida evening! |
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
Welcome Buffet Dinner Continue your networking and catching up with old (and new) friends while enjoying a buffet dinner immediately following the Welcome Reception. |
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM |
Continental Breakfast |
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM |
FSA Members & Annual Meeting Breakfast Designated time for FSA members to receive an update on the Association. Food Shippers of America President will open the annual meeting at 7:00 AM followed by the Treasurer’s report as required by FSA by-laws. |
8:00 AM – 8:15 AM |
Welcome and Opening Comments President of Food Shippers of America will open the 68th annual conference and introduce our 2024 Conference Co-Chairs. |
8:15 AM – 8:30 AM |
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. All 2024 award recipients will be acknowledged at this time. |
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM |
SESSION 1 |
9:30 AM – 9:45 AM |
Conference Break |
9:45 AM – 10:00 AM |
Morning Raffle |
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
SESSION 2 |
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
SESSION 3 |
12:00 PM – 12:15 PM |
Housekeeping |
12:15 PM – 1:00 PM |
Networking Lunch |
1:00 PM – 1:15 PM |
After Lunch Raffle |
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM |
SESSION 4 |
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM |
SESSION 5 |
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM |
Conference Break |
3:30 PM – 3:45 PM |
Afternoon Raffle |
3:45 PM – 4:45 PM |
SESSION 6 |
4:45 PM – 5:00 PM |
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. |
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
Evening Reception |
7:00 PM – 8:15 PM |
Evening Dinner Continue your networking while enjoying an amazing sit-down dinner immediately following the Evening Reception. |
8:15 PM – 10:00 PM |
Evening Dessert Reception Join your fellow conference goers for dessert and an after dinner beverage to continue your networking. |
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM |
Continental Breakfast |
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM |
Opening Comments & FSA Gives Back Conference Co-Chairs will start the day with a recap of the opening day’s key takeaway points followed by Food Shippers of America President presenting the organization’s annual “Give Back” acknowledgments. |
8:30 AM – 8:45 AM |
Golf Award Presentation |
8:45 AM – 10:00 AM |
SESSION 7 |
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM |
Conference Break |
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM |
SESSION 8 Bob Costello, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the American Trucking Association, returns to present current economic data and its effects throughout the Supply Chain. Don’t miss this session for up-to-date invaluable information to take back and share with your company’s executive leadership. |
11:15 AM – 11:30 AM |
Conference Closing Food Shippers of America President will close the 68th Annual Conference. |
Schedule subject to change. Check back regularly to view the most current schedule.