The Tech Talks at the 2025 FEDA Annual Executive Leadership Conference cut through the noise with high-impact, real-world insights from senior technology leaders in the industry. Andre Fidellow, chief technology officer at Mission Restaurant Supply, shared proven approaches for using automation — particularly within ERP systems — to eliminate inefficiencies, overcome data challenges and enable growth. Next, Jamie Head, chief information officer at Parts Town, explored how robotics, AI-powered SKU management and predictive digital platforms are reshaping high-volume distribution by delivering greater control and higher customer satisfaction at a faster pace than ever before. Following the Tech Talks, Erik Brynjolfsson, a digital economy expert and the special guest speaker at the 2025 FEDA Annual Executive Conference, joined Fidellow and Head for a fireside chat. The trio answered questions about how businesses are using AI and automation in their operations and methodologies for effective implementation.

One of the most cited authors on the economics of information, Erik Brynjolfsson was among the first researchers to measure the productivity contributions of IT. Brynjolfsson's special guest presentation at the FEDA conference focused on the future of artificial intelligence and what it means for businesses, the economy and the workforce. He also shared insights into how companies can harness the possibilities of new technology and the best ways to incorporate AI into business strategies.

At the 2025 FEDA Annual Executive Leadership Conference, Joe Carbonara, editorial director for Foodservice Equipment & Supplies and restaurant development + design magazines, gave a presentation providing media insights into the foodservice equipment and supplies industry.

The State of the Industry presentations featured new insights from Mark Rossi, CEO and founder of Avanti, and Erik Lampe, president and CEO of The Vollrath Company, into the key challenges and trends dealers and manufacturers are tracking.

J Schneider, managing director at Dorn Group, leads a discussion about the future of the supply chain in the foodservice equipment and supplies industry. Panelists include Chad Autry, associate dean of faculty and research at the University of Tennessee's Haslam College of Business; Jameel Burkett, CEO of Burkett Restaurant Equipment; Brian Kadel, vice president of dealer sales at Refrigerated Solutions Group; and Kevin Brink, vice president of LTL solutions at Kuehne+Nagel.

Businesses are abuzz with many exciting, emerging technologies these days, including artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and Big Data. The Tech Talks at the 2024 FEDA Annual Executive Leadership Conference explored how to put these technologies to use by sharing the real-world experiences of high-level professionals within the foodservice equipment and supplies industry.

FEDA is partnering with the Association of Finance Professionals (AFP) to present a finance education series for FEDA members. Finance professionals who attend the live virtual webinars and complete the survey at the end of each course will be eligible to earn 1.8 CPE credits for their participation. There is no cost for FEDA members to participate in the finance webinars.

In this session, Jason Bader presents on how to breakdown the turns challenge into smaller strategies.

In this session, Jason Bader presents on how to help others understand your data analysis.

In this session, Jason Bader shares how to use an effective inventory management system that keeps your customers and salespeople happy.