IFDA conference focuses on efficiencies, best practices
This Year's Foodservice Distribution Conference & Expo will address key issues surrounding efficiency, information technology, transportation, distribution center operations, human resources, and the supply chain. Sponsored by the International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA), it features more than 40 educational sessions, plus an operations-focused exposition of the newest offerings by suppliers and service providers.
General sessions include a political outlook on the November elections by a noted authority on US politics, and a panel of industry leaders who will provide a strategic view of operations and insights on opportunities that exist in today's challenging times.
There also will be a Fuel and Energy Summit to discuss the changing fuel and energy landscape. Facility tours are scheduled for Sysco Food Services of Pittsburgh, US Foodservice Greensburg Division, and the Heinz Innovation Center.
The event, themed Bridges to Success, is taking place October 12-14 in the “City of a Thousand Bridges,” Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Located in the hub of Pittsburgh's cultural, business, and entertainment district, the Center is the first and largest certified “green” convention center in the world.
Pittsburgh, which is celebrating its 250th anniversary with a year-long celebration, features 89 historic and ethnically distinctive neighborhoods, diverse cuisine, history, and more than 70 miles of urban riverfront - more than any other inland port city in America. Once referred to as “the Smoky City” because of its sooty factories, Pittsburgh has been transformed from an industrial center to a leader in science and technology.
Pittsburgh got its name in November 1758, when a British and Colonial army led by General John Forbes occupied the ruins of the former French fort, Fort Duquesne. Forbes named the new settlement after British Prime Minister William Pitt.
Workshops
The event's educational sessions have been designed for practical take-away knowledge for attendees to help them tackle current issues that drive competitiveness and long-term profitability. Among the sessions planned:
Operations — Addresses improved efficiency in operations, order selection, technology, and a host of other issues affecting distribution center facilities. Matters to be discussed include:
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Key components of high performance operations.
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Identifying purchasing KPIs (key performance indicators) from an operations perspective.
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Lowering operating expenses.
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How to successfully implement voice into your warehouse
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Food security.
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Slotting to improve warehouse operations.
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Maximizing efficiencies of the small warehouse.
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Incorporating the concepts of Leadership in Energy And Environmental Design (LEED) into your facility.
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Six-sigma methodology and better decision making.
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Improving safety and damage management to reduce costs.
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The next generation of voice technology.
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Making sustainable choices for your warehouse.
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Engineered labor standards in a voice-picking environment.
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Evaluating effectiveness in inbound logistics.
Transportation — Addresses issues affecting foodservice fleet operations including technology, cost control, regulations, and more. Matters to be discussed include:
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2010 engines: what you need to know.
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Key transportation metrics.
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The role of safety culture in preventing commercial vehicles crashes.
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Driver training practices.
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Fleet management/maintenance costs.
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Backhaul opportunities using existing fleet.
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Driving down transportation costs.
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The next generation of onboard computers.
Technology — Addresses key issues for IT professionals and provides insights for operations professionals who want to better understand IT's role and potential. Matters to be discussed include:
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Pain points between IT and operations.
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How to build an IT infrastructure to support operational technologies.
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Executive reporting systems.
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Future trends in technology.
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Why software solutions become good investments in slow economic times.
Human Resources — Addresses recruitment, cost management, training, and other key issues affecting distributor human resources. Matters to be discussed include:
- Maintaining a union-free environment.
- Recruiting and retention best practices.
- Screening techniques for supervisors.
- Buying healthcare in today's market.
- Wellness programs.
- Building a cross-functional team.
- Supervisor training for a non-union environment.
Supply Chain — Addresses key issues for executives working to unlock supply chain potential for improved efficiencies. Matters to be discussed include:
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Score cards.
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Improving the manufacturer/buyer/operations triangle.
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Mutual pain points between suppliers and distributors.
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Matching pallet layer to reduce handling costs.
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Increased advantages of EDI.
Convenience Distribution — Addresses issues of foodservice interest to c-store distributors including handling perishables, cube utilization, and more. Matters to be discussed include:
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Maximizing the cube utilization of the warehouse.
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Activity-based costing for the C-Store segment.
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Using foodservice programs to build profits in C-stores.
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Dealing with refrigerated/perishable products.
A number of workshop sessions will include a highly interactive roundtable format with small group discussions on industry hot topics.
The opening general session for Bridges to Success features a presentation by Charlie Cook, widely regarded as one of the nation's leading authorities on US elections and political trends. He will share his insights on the November elections and the direction of American politics.
There will be a panel of industry leaders who will provide a strategic view of operations and actions their companies are taking to achieve operational efficiencies in today's challenging times. Participants include Hawkeye Foodservice Distribution president Jeff Braverman, Ben E Keith Foods president Mike Roach, McLane Foodservice Distribution president Tom Zatina, and Pate Dawson Company CEO Mac Sullivan.
Rocky Bleier, a former running back with the Pittsburgh Steelers, will be on hand to talk about being one's best. Told that he would never walk again after suffering crippling wounds to both legs in Viet Nam, not only did he walk, he went on to become an NFL great who contributed to four Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl victories.
Bleier will share his remarkable story of courage and his insights on overcoming challenges.
A Fuel and Energy Summit will cover the changing fuel and energy landscape, fuel purchasing options, steps being taken by OEMs and distributors to reduce fuel consumption, warehouse designs to reduce energy consumption, alternative fuels, and environmental mandates.
Agenda (Subject to change without notice.)
Exhibitors
As of late July, exhibitors for the Expo include:
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For additional details, access www.ifdaonline.org or phone 703-532-9400.