The Food Shippers of America (FSA) is a volunteer-driven organization that depends heavily on its leaders to make things happen and create value for members. One of the primary member benefits is related to the education and networking found in attending the annual Food Shippers Conference.

This year, the 70^th Annual Food Shippers Conference takes place March 1-3, 2025, at the Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort in Orlando, FL. Given the current opportunities and challenges of the food supply chain industry, the conference experience promises to be extremely relevant and dynamic this year. Leading the development of this year’s event are Conference Co-Chairs Ada Brewster, Director of Sales with Butler Transport; and Eric Kruse, Supply Chain Logistics Manager with Kwik Trip, Inc.

Brian Everett, Editorial Director of Food Chain Digest(the official magazine of FSA) was able to recently connect with Brewster on her vision and experience in leading the planning of this year’s annual event.Here are highlights of their exchange:

What's the biggest value you gain in participating in the organization?

Brewster: I’ve been involved with Food Shippers of America (FSA) for 15 years, and the networking has been exceptional! I’ve built numerous valuable relationships and friendships throughout the industry through FSA.

What is your overall vision for this year's content and experience?

It has been my goal and that of my Conference Co-Chair, Eric Kruse of Kwik Trip, Inc., to provide content valuable to shippers and transportation providers they can learn from and use in the future. We have prioritized opportunities for networking throughout the Food Shippers Annual Conference, as we recognize that is one of the main reasons so many people attend the event.

What value do you think conference attendees will find in participating this year?

I want attendees to walk away with new business relationships and ideas on how to be a better partner for their customers and suppliers, which will in turn build stronger, more meaningful relationships.

What session are you most excited about?

I hope that attendees will take time to attend sessions, we have great panels put together and wonderful speakers throughout the conference. I think that our session on “Know Your Shippers” on Monday should bring people back into the conference as Thom Albrecht leads a great panel of shippers who can share a wealth of knowledge.

What did you gain in volunteering as this year's Conference Co-Chair?

Through my involvement in FSA, I value relationships above all — and I am very grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given through my involvement to build on existing relationships and make new ones.

What advice do you have for attendees to maximize your conference experience?

First, make sure to download the conference app, which is now available for download on your Android or IOS device. Once downloaded, you will be able to log in with credentials sent to the email address that you registered for the conference. Second, take advantage of every opportunity to meet your peers who are attending the event. You’ll be amazed at the incredible wealth of knowledge in the room. And lastly, take in all the educational sessions. We have an impressive line-up of practical, relevant supply chain content you won’t find anywhere else!

Related Articles:

• 70th Food Shippers Conference Preview: Bringing Together the Industry
• 2024 FSA Conference in Review: Driving Resilience through Talent, Technology
• FSA Conference Co-Chairs Talk About Their Volunteer Experience
• Clyde Coleman: A Food Chain Veteran at PFG Making Things Happen

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