The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA), today opened the 2017 IFDA Distribution Solutions Conference (DSC) with major announcements about the strategic direction of the organization. In front of a packed crowd, IFDA Vice President of Industry Relations, Brian Lynch announced an enhanced focus on innovation and disruptive technology at the 2018 DSC including an Innovation and Technology Pavilion on the show floor, an Innovation & Technology Track, and a keynote address from Ray Kurzweil, one of the world's leading inventors, thinkers, and futurists. Additionally, IFDA announced the launch of a new C-Suite Executive Summit that will coincide with the DSC going forward. The 2018 DSC will take place October 28-30 in San Antonio, Texas.
"DSC 2018 will provide industry leaders with a platform to embrace the opportunities of tomorrow," said Ethan Dewall, Director of Warehousing, Martin Bros. Inc. and 2018 IFDA DSC Planning Council Chairman. "With the launch of our Innovation & Technology Track, the Innovation and Technology Pavilion and the addition of Ray Kurzweil as a Keynote speaker, DSC 2018 is the place to be for the latest industry trends."
Ray Kurzweil is Co-Founder and Chancellor of Singularity University and a Director of Engineering at Google. With a thirty-year track record of accurate predictions Ray has been called "the restless genius" by The Wall Street Journal and "the ultimate thinking machine" by Forbes magazine, he was selected as one of the top entrepreneurs by Inc. magazine, which described him as the "rightful heir to Thomas Edison." PBS selected him as one of the "sixteen revolutionaries who made America." Ray has written five national best-selling books, including New York Times best sellers The Singularity Is Nearand How To Create A Mind.
"As one of our industry's most important events, IFDA DSC will be positioned at the forefront of foodservice distribution technology," said Brian Lynch. "In alignment with our strategic plan, IFDA is providing our members with the enhanced tools, education and community connectivity to leverage innovation and improve the effectiveness of their operations."
The announcements are part of IFDA's larger strategy to embrace innovation on the operations side of foodservice distribution. As new technologies impact the industry, IFDA is responding with new educational initiatives on the latest trends and developments to help their members succeed in an evolving landscape.
The DSC is the nation's largest stage for foodservice distribution innovation. The event brings together the best and brightest in the industry to experience the latest products and services supporting distribution center and transportation operations. DSC also features a full agenda of exceptional general sessions and educational workshops, professional development, great networking opportunities, and more.
For more information about the 2017 DSC, click here.
For media inquiries, Meghan Cieslak, mcieslak@ifdaonline.org/ 703.532.9950.
About the International Foodservice Distributors Association
IFDA members deliver to professional kitchens across America, and other places around the world. Our members include broadline, systems, convenience, and specialty foodservice distributors that supply food and related products to restaurants, colleges and universities, hospitals and care facilities, hotels and resorts, and other foodservice operations. In the U.S. alone, foodservice distributors deliver around 25 million cases of product every business day. IFDA Members represent the $300 billion foodservice distribution industry.
