As part of the 2024 FEDA Annual Executive Leadership Conference general session, NAW Chief Government Relations Officer Brian Wild detailed the latest information on the extension of vital tax relief for businesses, overregulation from federal agencies and the Warehouse Worker Protection Act.

Election analyst Karl Rove, one of the most sought-after political pundits of our time, breaks down the most important facets of the 2024 presidential and congressional races and answers audience questions during the 2024 FEDA Annual Executive Leadership Conference.

This special session at the 2024 FEDA Annual Executive Leadership Conference featured perspectives from Eric Boelter, president of The Boelter Companies, and Lucy McQuillan, president of Alto-Shaam, on various economic pressures, supply chain disruptions, mergers and acquisitions, and other events that are reconstructing the industry and altering how companies operate.

Practical strategies for setting short- and long-term business goals to help young professionals identify ways they can directly contribute to company operations while maintaining focus on the organization's strategic goals. Attendees will learn how to develop impactful goals, set realistic expectations, measure progress and ultimately achieve objectives. Earn 1 credit toward FEDA Leadership Certification.

​Young industry leaders learned how one company built a culture focused on diversity and inclusion, which included leadership’s strong commitment and accountability for creating opportunities for candidates of color, expanding global and diverse talent and building a more inclusive workplace.

Jason Bader chats with Jameel Burkett, CEO of Ohio-based Burkett Restaurant Equipment & Supplies, about joining his family business just as it began to use the internet to reach customers and pivot from a focus on used equipment to affordable equipment for operators across the entire country. As that change occurred, Burkett explains how he developed his own philosophy of leadership over management and instilled a culture where every employee could feel as if they were the CEO of their space and was empowered to make decisions.

Jason Bader chats with the CEO of Grady's Foodservice Equipment & Supplies in Pueblo, CO, about coming home to the family business, creating space for second chances, and the rewards of letting go so others can step up.

Digital marketing technologies have become more integrated in organizations and sales teams over the past few years but the onset of the pandemic has made tools such as artificial intelligence and customer relationship management essential components to maintaining and growing a business. This Young Industry Leaders Open Forum discuss how young professional are using digital marketing tools in their positions and to help their organizations heighten their sales strategies. Earn 1 credit toward FEDA Digital Marketing Certification.

Throughout the pandemic, restaurants have received much of the press. But what about the suppliers behind the pizza joints, Thai carry-outs, and doughnut shops? How are the distributors fairing? Well, at least one of them is thriving through tough times. Patricia Bible, owner and CEO of KaTom Restaurant Supply in Kodak, Tennessee, joins Jason to discuss the other side of the hospitality industry. The company’s success is rooted in its dynamic leadership and service-oriented culture.

Few industries have weathered more storms during the pandemic than foodservice. From restaurants to suppliers, the pressure on this vibrant vertical to provide will not ease any time soon. Jason chats with Mason Greene, third-generation president of Hotel & Restaurant Supply, about how he’s fostering responsibility and encouraging innovation amidst challenges.