2026 Executive Summit

Monday, March 2

Noon – 5 p.m.         
Registration

6 – 9 p.m.         
Opening Reception & Dinner

Tuesday, March 3

8 a.m. 
Welcome Remarks

8:45 a.m 
The Economic Outlook as 2030 Looms – Speaker: Connor Lokar, ITR Economics

9:30 a.m.
Global Risk and What it Means for Business – Speaker: Jonathan Wood, Control Risks             

10:15 a.m.                      
Break

10:30 a.m.                      
Understanding Society, Markets & People to Help the Work Make Better Decisions – Speaker: Matt Carmichael, Ipsos

11:15 a.m.                      
Adapting to a Globalized World –  Speaker: Dr. Sam Potolicchio

11:45a.n. – 12:45 p.m.                               
Panel Discussion:  What Does the Economic & Geopolitical Future Look Like – Speakers:  Connor Lokar, Jonathan Wood, Matt Carmichael, Dr. Sam Potolicchio

1 – 2 p.m.                           
Lunch

2 – 2:45 p.m.                              
Coexisting with AI – Speaker: Kay Firth-Butterfield, CEO, Good Tech Advisory

2:45 – 4:30 p.m.              
Annual Business Meeting (Priority Point Earning Opportunity!)

Following lunch, NAFEM leaders recap the year’s accomplishments and outline what’s ahead for 2026. We’ll announce the results of director elections, usher in new officers, recap the success of our Social Purpose outreach and talk about new programs and partnerships.

6:15 p.m.               
Meet in Lobby for group departure

6:30 – 9 p.m.                      
A Taste of New Orleans – Sponsor:  New Orleans & Company

We’ll sample the flavors of New Orleans at Latrobe’s on Royal, one of the city’s most architecturally significant buildings. Signature elements such as the whisper dome, the bank vault and original stonework provide a rich backdrop for our popular networking event.

Wednesday, March 4

7 – 8 a.m.     
Breakfast

8 – 8:15 a.m.                        
Opening Remarks

8:15 a.m. 
Industry Trends – Speaker: Joe Carbonara, Zoomba Group

8:30 a.m.    
Foodservice Gut Check: What Consumers Want from Foodservice and the Impact on Equipment & Supplies Manufacturers – Speaker: Mike Kostyo, Menu Matters

10:15 a.m.
Break

10:30 a.m.
What’s Trending in Operations – Panelists: Sharon Eliatamby, World Bank Group, Adam Jarboe, Chick-Fil-A, Neal Lavender, JPS Health Network

Three foodservice operators take a break from their day-to-day responsibilities to share what’s impacting their ability to deliver to their customers. What are the challenges and opportunities they face in their multi-faceted outlets and marketplaces?

Noon – 1:15 p.m.
Lunch

1:30 – 2:15 p.m.
Speaker: Ti Martin, Commander’s Palace

2:15 p.m.
What Challenges can the Channel Anticipate?

3:15 – 4:15 p.m.
What Does the Future Look Like? – Panelists: Jason Prondzinski, Boelter,

From supply chain management to the ever-changing legislative and regulatory world, we’ll discuss what’s better, what’s worse and what’s ahead. Then our panelists shift to what this means for the future of the industry. How will the foodservice equipment and supplies market adapt and grow?

5:45 – 6:45 p.m.
Closing Keynoter: José Andrés

The Executive Summit closes with an incredible opportunity to listen in on a conversation with Chef, Restaurateur and Humanitarian, José Andrés.

6:45 – 9 p.m.
Dinner

Thursday, March 5        

7:30 – 9 a.m.
Breakfast available