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February 22-24, 2027
Arlington, Texas

Loews Arlington Hotel

Education Sessions

 

Monday, February 22

1:30 pm–2:30 pm CT   Opening Keynote:

ScottClemons		  
Making Sense of the Nonsense
Presenter: Scott Clemons
The only constant in economics and markets is change, and the pace of change seems to be quickening. At the same time, investors and business operators are deluged with more and more information, while policy uncertainty rises to unprecedented levels. Join us for a conversation about making sense of what’s going on the economy and financial markets, and what opportunities and threats these changes present.
3:00 pm–4:00 pm CT   Monday Panel Session:

 
Connecting the Channels
Presenters: TBA
Featuring leaders from distribution, manufacturing and retail, this panel brings together perspectives from across the supply chain, offering a cross-channel view of how products move from production to distribution and ultimately to the consumer. The discussion will explore how each segment operates and contributes to the process, while highlighting opportunities collaboration, stronger partnerships and better alignment across the channel.
4:30 pm–5:30 pm CT   Monday Roundtables Session:

 
Industry Conversations
Presenters: Rick Long
CDA’s membership includes wholesale distributors, manufacturers and other key players across the convenience distribution supply chain. These roundtables create space for facilitated, small-group conversations among all these stakeholders. How do your perspectives compare to those of your peers and partners? What can you learn from each other? The curated conversations will encourage open exchanges, discoveries and practical solutions to the biggest operational and business issues facing the industry.

Tuesday, February 23

8:00 am–9:00 am CT   Tuesday Kickoff Session:

 
State of the Industry
Presenter: Richard Owen and George Bennett
Join CDA’s Richard Owen for an overview of the current state of the convenience distribution industry, including key consumer trends, market dynamics, growth opportunities, supply chain considerations and emerging challenges. The presentation will feature key issues shaping the industry and strategies for successfully navigating today's rapidly evolving business environment. George Bennett, S. Abraham & Sons, Inc. (and 2027 CDA Chair) will also join Owen onstage for a lively discussion after the presentation.
2:15 pm–3:15 pm CT   Feature Session:

 
The Power to Win!
Presenter: Sugar Ray Leonard
Whether achieving greatness as an athlete or in the business arena - the same qualities that drive success apply: discipline, focus, determination, preparation, the right attitude and setting fear of the unknown aside. Sugar Ray Leonard, legendary sports icon and Hall of Famer, makes a powerful case for his principles of success with a sense of humor and a smile that lights up the room. Hear stories of what it took to reach his dream of Olympic gold, of what it took to get to the top in his professional career - and stay there, and stories of his journey to make the challenging transition from life as an athlete to that of an entrepreneur. Making your dreams come true, staying at the top and dealing with change - all themes that people in every audience will relate to and will come away with a renewed enthusiam and commitment to being the best.

Wednesday, February 24

8:00 am–9:00 am CT   Wednesday Kickoff Session:

 
AI Adoption in Distribution
Presenter: TBD
This panel will provide perspectives from convenience distributors actively using artificial intelligence within their organizations. Panelists will share real-world examples of AI applications, discuss implementation experiences and explore opportunities and challenges associated with adopting emerging technologies.
9:00 am–10:00 am CT   Closing Session:

 
FDA’s Food Traceability Rule
Presenters: TBD
CDA will develop the content and format for a Food Traceability Rule education session at Marketplace with input from members. Session content will be based on the current state of implementation, including updates on distributor and manufacturer preparedness efforts, any new regulatory flexibilities or guidance issued by FDA, lessons learned to date, and key compliance challenges and opportunities.

 

About CDA

The Convenience Distribution Association (CDA) is the trade organization working on behalf of convenience products distributors in the United States. Its distributor members represent more than $110 billion in U.S. convenience product sales, serving a wide variety of small retail formats. Associate members include leading convenience product manufacturers, brokers, retailers, suppliers and others allied to the industry.

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Disclaimer

CDA does not endorse any product or service that is advertised in CDA magazines or newsletters, displayed at CDA trade shows, or otherwise promoted by CDA members. CDA has not verified whether any tobacco or deemed tobacco product is authorized pursuant to current FDA rules and regulations. CDA shall not be liable for any purchase of, use by, or claim relating to any advertised product.

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Contact Info

  •   Address:
    11250 Roger Bacon Drive #8,
    Reston, VA 20190
  •   Phone:
    (703) 208-3358
  •   Fax:
    (703) 573-5738