“The resort is perfect for our annual conference as it balances a new and modern design with functional spaces and great views.”


— Emily Coveny


Emily Coveny Q&A


What is a cool or interesting fact about you? Previously, I worked at the McHenry County Historical Society Museum in Union, Illinois. In this role, I collaborated with the museum director and curator to engage with visitors while learning about the importance of history, the significance of storytelling, and how understanding history is essential for the future. This role has helped me in my conference planning at FEDA, as I have learned to understand the role FEDA plays and the ways in which I can engage with members.


What are you finding exciting about planning your first FEDA conference?


I am excited to see all the details and moving pieces come together into one large conference. This is the biggest event I have been a part of. The small details and the collaborative efforts have been surprising but also rewarding. I am looking forward to seeing the conference come to fruition and to creating a great space for members to learn and discuss.


What is something surprising you’ve learned in your new role at FEDA?


Something that surprised me is how focused and goal-oriented the team is. The FEDA team may be small, but the goals are large. This group is committed to creating new ways for member engagement and valuing teamwork. I feel very lucky to be a part of it!


Operations and Conference Coordinator FEDA


As operations and conference


coordinator, Coveny is taking a similar approach to breaking down FEDA’s programs to ensure they are operating effectively and maximizing their value to members. A graduate of DePaul University with a degree in history, Coveny is pursuing a master’s degree in project management and applying those skills to keep association projects on track. “Project management has helped me understand risks, think critically, and coordinate programs to better evaluate and assist with conference planning,” she said.


After just a few months in the role, Coveny has contributed to a wide range of FEDA initiatives, from overseeing deadlines and coordinating vendors to helping launch the new conference website and managing budgets. She’s established herself as a key link for the association’s work, connecting elements of programming and conference session details to member outreach and marketing — all while absorbing as much information about the industry as possible. This willingness to quickly grow into new areas and support both staff and members reflects FEDA’s mission of helping foodservice equipment and supplies distributors advance and grow their businesses. One area of focus where Coveny is putting her project management expertise into action is the 2026 FEDA Annual Executive Leadership Conference. Those skills are proving invaluable as she coordinates logistics and event details with the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley resort, while keeping in mind the specific needs of each session and networking activity. In April, Coveny and Durham conducted a site visit of


52 FEDA News & Views


the property to further support the association’s conference planning. She returned confident that the resort will provide an exceptional setting for attendees to network and learn. “The resort is perfect for our annual conference as it balances a new and modern design with functional spaces and great views,” Coveny said. Beyond the conference, Coveny’s


project management background has made her a valuable resource for initiatives that help members operate more effectively. One example is the FEDA Data Portal, the industry- owned database that manufacturers and distributors use to maintain and disseminate uniform product data across their systems and operations. By providing behind-the-scenes assistance in using the data portal, Coveny ensures members have the tools and resources they need to provide up-to-date product information to operators.


“The data portal is a cornerstone of


FEDA’s work,” she said. “I’m glad to be able to support members in managing their data so they can spend more time serving their customers and growing their businesses.”


In just a short time, Coveny and Mueller have demonstrated the emphasis on member support, operational excellence, and vision for industry collaboration that position FEDA as a best-in-class association. Whether developing educational programs, strengthening distributor resources, or planning a national conference, both are positioning FEDA and its members for sustained success in an increasingly complex business environment.


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