2024 FEDA Annual Executive Leadership Conference Sights From Colorado
The 2024 FEDA Annual Executive Leadership Conference enabled business leaders to examine the industry’s progress, connect with each other and cement new professional bonds.
N
ew technologies, the country’s economic outlook and what to expect after the 2024 election
were some of the biggest themes at the 2024 FEDA Executive Leadership Conference. Between the opening general session’s lineup of thought- provoking speakers, the solutions- driven roundtable discussions and the all-new Tech Talk presentations, the conference’s more than 330 attendees deeply examined the pressures facing the foodservice equipment and supplies industry and how dealers and manufacturers are overcoming them. The stunning views and relaxed atmosphere offered by the host venue, the Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs, Colorado, undoubtedly inspired attendees’ critical thinking. Located at the base of one of the Rocky Mountain’s most magnifi cent peaks, the resort offered many spectacular places to sit and talk business while enjoying the nearly cloudless skies and jagged peaks. Conference-goers took advantage, with many holding impromptu meetings throughout the log cabin- inspired main lodge and others simply enjoying the beautiful backdrop during the FEDA conference’s many social events, including the kick-off dinner and the Last Night Party.
50 FEDA News & Views KEY SPEAKERS AND PRESENTERS
FEDA members can view these sessions and earn credits toward strategic skills certifi cations at
learn.feda.com.
Eric Boelter: Eric Boelter, president of The Boelter Companies, discussed how he sees the state of the foodservice equipment and supplies industry from the perspective of a dealer. Touching on the fi nancial crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Boelter said dealer priorities have since shifted. Today, digital transformation is a requirement for dealers and there is a need to deepen channel relationships and prioritize training and development, he explained.
Lucy McQuillan: The desire to create shared success unites dealers and manufacturers, Alto-Shaam President Lucy McQuillan said as she shared a manufacturer’s perspective on the state of the industry. With sales across the sector stagnating and most foodservice operators reporting declining traffi c, McQuillan explained how innovations that simplify the cooking process reduce costs and help customers run their business with ease.
Karl Rove: Karl Rove, a renowned electoral analyst and former White House deputy chief of staff, gave context to the 2024 presidential race during his keynote presentation at the FEDA conference. As he outlined the potential differences between a Kamala Harris or Donald Trump administration, Rove spoke about the issues through a historical lens, comparing this year’s race and biggest issues to past political movements.
Chad Autry: A distinguished professor and associate dean of research at the University of Tennessee’s Global Supply Chain Institute, Chad Autry’s presentation covered modern supply chain trends and made the case for end-to-end supply chain integration. “We need to begin to think of the supply chain as an integrated system,” he said, before further detailing what makes for a successful supply chain partnership.
Kevin Warsh: Economist Kevin Warsh, the Shepard Family distinguished visiting fellow in Economics at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, provided his perspective on the health of the U.S. economy. Explaining that there is a race between the deep irresponsibility of Washington and the incredible, innovation and hard work of companies, Warsh said, “The economy of the U.S. is strong when we let the culture, the ethos of what it’s like to be an American business thrive and succeed.” He also dove into missteps by the Federal Reserve leadership and shared how current monetary policy drives infl ation.
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