The food supply chain industry is navigating a period of rapid change, marked by persistent challenges and powerful opportunities. Ongoing labor shortages, transportation constraints, inflationary pressures, climate-related disruptions, and rising cybersecurity risks continue to test resilience across the system. At the same time, advancements in automation, data analytics, and end-to-end visibility are creating new ways to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and strengthen food safety.

With this as the backdrop, many members of the Food Shippers of America (FSA) and providers who serve them are getting ready to attend the 70th Food Shippers Annual Conference, which will take place March 1–3 in Orlando, FL. This milestone event brings together leading supply chain executives from food manufacturers, retailers, and distributors and is the perfect place to learn best practices, gain real-world insights from top food brand leaders, and make valuable connections that can move your supply chain (and your career) forward.

A Preview of the Conference Agenda

Early conference registration will take place Saturday, Feb. 28 from 1p – 6p to accommodate those who are part of the FSA Morning Golf Tournament Round (Shotgun Start) the next morning. Conference registration continues the next day from 11a – 6p.

If you’re arriving Sunday, March 1, you can take in the Welcome Luncheon (11:30a – 1:30p), participate in Strategic Networking from 1:30p – 6p for one-on-one discussions and take a seat “behind the wheel” in the Werner Driver Simulator. You also can take in a special session “Unleashing Productivity with Generative AI” with Dave Nelsen, President of Dialogue Consulting Group and the First-Time Attendee Reception from 5p – 6p. Make sure to enjoy the Welcome Reception with an evening of networking and refreshments.

There’s a full line-up of relevant, thought-provoking content on Monday, March 2, which was developed under the leadership of the 2026 Conference Chairs: Eric Kruse, Logistics Supply Chain Manager with Kwik Trip, Inc., and Ada Brewster, Director of Sales with Butler Transport. The 2026 Food Shippers Conference agenda includes:

• Opening Keynote Bill Cowher, who is a former professional football player and coach - best known for his tenure as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1992 to 2006. Under his leadership, the Steelers won Super Bowl XL, and Cowher became known for his intense coaching style, strategic expertise, and ability to motivate players. After retiring from coaching, he transitioned into sports broadcasting as an analyst at CBS, continuing to contribute his insights to the game.
  
  
• Transportation Outlook with Eric Starks, who is a leading authority in freight transportation intelligence. With over two decades of experience in analyzing freight movements and transportation equipment demand, Starks is widely recognized for his deep insights into the economic forces shaping the trucking, rail, and intermodal sectors.
  
  
• “Together We Win” Session, which dives into how shippers, carriers, and 3Pls balance data with relationships, leverage QBRs, establish mutually aligned initiatives, simplify tech, and share contractual accountability to retain strong strategic partnerships. Hear real-world success stories, explore what "Shipper of Choice" really means to all parties, and walk away with at least one key takeaway to drive "together we win" results in your own organization. Panelists include:

•  “Know Your Shipper” Panel that will tackle such topics as replacing incumbents despite strong service, changes in fuel surcharge pegs, extended payment terms, and how shippers assess rates in light of CSA alerts, equipment age, insurance coverage, and trailer pools. The panel will also explore the value of "premium" versus "average" service, among other pressing issues. Panelists include: 
  

• “Fraud and Theft” Session will feature Michael Caney, Chief Commercial Officer with Highway, who will cover how technology used by freight brokers, shippers, and carriers can help verify partner identities, reduce fraud, and build trust in digital transactions. Efficient use of technology can enable safer, more efficient, and transparent freight operations- streamlining carrier on boarding and offering real-time compliance monitoring.
  
  
• “Trucking’s Top 10: Cracking the Code” Session will feature Rebecca Brewster, President & COO of the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), who will cover the trucking industry’s most significant challenges, including rising costs, depressed rates, workforce shortages, and the need for infrastructure investment.

Following a full day of these educational sessions, Strategic Networking in one-on-one discussion formats will continue from 4:30p – 6p, followed by the Reception and Banquet from 6p – 10p.

On Tuesday, March 3, there will be these special sessions you won’t want to miss. Check out the 2026 Food Shippers Conference agenda:

• Closing Day Keynote John Ratzenberger, an acclaimed actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, widely recognized for his role as Cliff Clavin on Cheers. Beyond acting, he has lent his voice to every Pixar film, becoming a beloved figure in animation. He also is a passionate advocate for American manufacturing and small businesses, using his platform to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and community impact.
  
  
• Economic Update with Bob Costello, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the American Trucking Associations, who will present the latest economic data and its impact across the supply chain.
  
  
• Conference Closing with Darica Schneider, FSA President and Senior Director Transportation Operations with Univar Solutions, who will deliver closing remarks.

Related Articles:

• How To Maximize Your 2026 FSA Conference Experience
• 2025 Food Shippers Conference Highlights Key Focus Areas: Technology Theft, Tariffs
• 2024 FSA Conference in Review: Driving Resilience through Talent, Technology
• Recap: 67^th 2023 Annual Food Shippers Conference

Like this kind of content? Subscribe to our "Food For Thought" eNewsletter!

Now more than ever, professionals consume info on the go. Distributed twice monthly, our "Food For Thought" e-newsletter allows readers to stay informed about timely and relevant industry topics and FSA news whether they're in the office or on the road. Topics range from capacity, rates and supply chain disruption to multimodal transportation strategy, leveraging technology, and talent management and retention. Learn More