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February 16-18, 2026
Arlington, Texas
Loews Arlington Hotel
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Marketplace Schedule
*Schedule is subject to change. All times are Central Time Zone.*
Download the printable schedule here.
Sunday, February 15, 2026
| 3:30 pm–5:30 pm |
Executive Committee |
| 5:30 pm–6:00 pm |
Finance & Audit Committee |
Monday, February 16, 2026
| 7:00 am–6:00 pm |
Registration |
| 7:00 am–7:00 pm |
Exhibitor Move-In |
| 7:00 am–8:00 am |
InfoMetrics Advisory Council |
| 8:00 am–8:30 am |
Governance & Nominating Committee |
| 8:30 am–9:30 am |
Events Planning Committee and |
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Manufacturers Advisory Council |
| 9:30 am–10:45 am |
Education & Research Committee |
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Government Affairs Committee |
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Industry Affairs Committee |
| 11:00 am–12:00 pm |
CDA & DEF Board of Directors Meeting |
| 11:45 am–1:15 pm |
Pre-Game Lunch |
| 1:30 pm–2:45 pm |
Opening Keynote: FutureNomics: The Economic Snapshot You Need Now and in the |
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Future for Stronger Strategies, Better Decisions, and Faster Results with Mary Kelly |
| 2:45 pm–3:00 pm |
Networking Break |
| 3:00 pm–4:15 pm |
Monday Education Session: State of the Industry and |
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Consumer Behaviors with Sally Lyons Wyatt |
| 4:15 pm–4:30 pm |
Networking Break |
| 4:30 pm–5:30 pm |
Monday Education Session: Understanding FSMA Section 204(d) |
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with Jennifer McEntire, Ph.D. and Richard Owen |
| 5:30 pm–7:00 pm |
Opening Drive Reception |
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
| 7:00 am–5:30 pm |
Registration |
| 7:00 am–8:00 am |
Breakfast |
| 7:00 am–9:00 am |
Exhibitor Move-In |
| 8:00 am–9:00 am |
Tuesday Kickoff Session: Attracting Tomorrow’s Talent with |
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Today’s Leaders with Steve Bench |
| 9:00 am–2:00 pm |
The Marketplace Trade Show |
| 12:30 pm–1:30 pm |
Side Line Lunch |
| 2:00 pm–6:00 pm |
Exhibitor Move-Out |
| 2:15 pm–3:15 pm |
Feature Session: Trusted to Lead: Energizing High-Performance Cultures |
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in Convenience Distribution with Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jason O. Harris |
| 3:30 pm–5:00 pm |
Distributor Showcase |
| 5:30 pm–6:15 pm |
Past Chair Advisory Council |
| 6:15 pm–9:30 pm |
Awards Dinner |
| 6:15 pm–6:45 pm |
Kick Off Cocktails |
| 6:45 pm–8:15 pm |
Hall of Fame Dinner |
| 8:15 pm–9:30 pm |
End Zone After Party |
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
| 7:00 am–8:00 am |
Breakfast |
| 8:00 am–9:15 am |
Wednesday Kickoff Session: Making AI Work for Distribution: |
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A Practical Playbook for Every Team with Benj Cohen |
| 9:15 am–9:30 am |
Networking Break |
| 9:30 am–10:45 am |
Closing Session: Protecting Your Warehouse: Physical Security & Safety |
| 10:45 am |
Marketplace Concludes – That’s a Wrap! |