With its enlightening education sessions, a business-building trade show and a top-level distributor showcase, Convenience Distribution Marketplace 2026 gave industry members ideas and strategies to take home to increase their success.
A highlight of the event was Tuesday evening’s Hall of Fame Dinner, sponsored by The Hershey Company, where members gathered after a full day of learning and relationship-building. A welcome by CDA President and CEO Richard Owen was followed by the much-anticipated announcement of prizes for those members who fully engaged in the day’s events.
To the right, distributors and exhibitors join together to celebrate a successful Marketplace at the Hall of Fame Dinner.
Following remarks from Bill Ray of The Hershey Company, game show host and trivia master Ryan Budds led the crowd in several rounds of trivia to test everyone’s knowledge about football and The Hershey Company. He also challenged members with fun tasks to win prizes. Who knew that performing the robot or reciting the alphabet backwards could mean winning big at Marketplace?
After the fun and games, 2026 CDA Chair Andy Plummer, AMCON Distributing Company, spent a few moments recognizing and thanking outgoing Chair Jodi Buckner, Lyons Specialty Co., LLC, for her leadership, vision and hard work during CDA’s leadership transition. He presented keepsakes marking her term, including a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in her honor.
To the left, Richard Owen welcomes members to his first Marketplace event as CDA president and CEO.
“Serving as chair of CDA in 2025 was one of the most meaningful professional experiences of my career,” Buckner (pictured right) shared. “I’m excited about what lies ahead. CDA’s future is bright.”
The Hall of Fame Dinner lived up to its name when Hugh Raetzsch, Lyons Specialty Co., LLC, announced the induction of Steve Stomel, ProCat Distribution Technologies, into the CDA Hall of Fame. This honor is reserved for those industry members who demonstrate exceptional accomplishments and long-term dedication to CDA’s highest values.
“What makes Steve special isn’t just innovation,” Raetzsch said. “It’s how he works with people.”
Stomel’s family and colleagues joined in a standing ovation to recognize him for his visionary entrepreneurship and commitment to the industry.
“It has been the privilege of a lifetime learning about your businesses and knowing that our machines and software solutions are making your businesses better and bringing profits to your companies,” Stomel (pictured left with family) said from the stage. “Thank you for trusting us to help you.”
Following the dinner and awards, guests headed to the End Zone After Party to enjoy desserts inspired by favorite Hershey treats. Spirited competitions broke out throughout the night as Budds continued to engage members in trivia games and fun challenges.
Marketplace Meets Monday Night Football
The first day of Marketplace concluded with the Opening Drive Reception, where members caught up with old friends and new recruits. Sponsored by Reynolds, heated team rivalries were forgotten as attendees competed for take-home footballs and enjoyed Texas-style brisket and a mac-and-cheese bar.
|
|
|
Texas stars welcome guests to the Opening Drive Reception, sponsored by Reynolds, on Monday evening.
|
Perfect weather greets (l-r) Scott Worthington, Streamline Group, Inc.; Kyle Tennessen, Holiday Wholesale, Inc.; and Motu Nuuvali, Streamline Group, Inc. at Monday night’s outdoor Opening Drive Reception.
|
|
|
|
Left to right, Shae Flores, Core-Mark International, Inc.; Nick Redwine, Simply Good Foods Company; Stephanie Shapiro, Core-Mark International, Inc.; and James Newman and Brandon Mayer, Lil' Drug Store Products, renew friendships on the first night of Marketplace.
|
Spirited matches of football-themed shuffleboard bring fun and fellowship.
|
Distributor Showcase Returns!
CDA’s popular Distributor Showcase returned as Tuesday’s "Distributor Draft." Distributor members were stationed at tables throughout the room and exhibitors moved among them during a 90-minute free-flowing networking event.
Sponsored by ITG Brands, LLC, the showcase allowed exhibitors to interact with distributors they may not have been able to meet earlier at the Marketplace Trade Show. New this year was a bingo game where exhibitors could fill their cards by learning facts about the distributors they visited. See prize winners below!
|
|
|
An enthusiastic crowd enjoys the “Distributor Draft” on Tuesday.
|
The Distributor Showcase gives AMCON Distributing Company and SaveMore an additional way to connect.
|
|
|
|
Doyles Sheehan and Conagra Brands continue their discussions from the Trade Show.
|
Amanda Wagner of PFSbrands proudly shows off her nearly completed bingo card.
|
Education Sessions Address Top Concerns
A robust offering of education sessions provided something for everyone at this year’s Marketplace. Some of the most connected and visionary leaders in the industry discussed everything from the state of distribution and economic forecasts to FSMA and smart hiring.
Influential economist Mary Kelly, Ph.D. (picture right), kicked things off by looking carefully at what the volatile headlines and current economy could mean for industry members’ businesses. “Your people need you to manage the uncertainty they are feeling from everything they hear in the news, from their friends and on social media,” she said. “Uncertainty is killing productivity in the workplace. You must lead well.”
Thanks to Altria Group Distribution Company for sponsoring Kelly’s keynote address.
Next, Sally Lyons Wyatt (pictured left) of Circana examined the state of the industry and how changing consumer behaviors affect the convenience distribution channel.
“Seek and find what is percolating out there that might be innovative that you can put into stores,” she suggested. “Stay in tune with viral sensations that bring consumers into c-stores. Find things that will surprise and delight consumers.”
Later that afternoon, the founder of Food Safety Strategy, LLC, Jennifer McEntire, Ph.D., joined with CDA President and CEO Richard Owen to address a topic on everyone’s minds—FSMA Section 204(d). As the implementation date draws closer, McEntire and Owen provided critical information about requirements, timelines and practical compliance strategies.
McEntire said her best advice was to get started. “Don’t let perfection be the enemy of good,” she said. “Start with what you can do now and keep building on it.”
Tuesday morning’s kickoff session was sponsored by Swisher, and featured Steve Bench’s advice for attracting tomorrow’s talent with today’s leaders. Bench presented how key life events shape each generation’s identity and explained the rationale behind how different generations behave at work and their expectations for employers.
At Tuesday afternoon’s program, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jason O. Harris (pictured right) transfixed the attendees as he related his experiences from flying combat missions to making business decisions under pressure. Sponsored by PMI U.S., Harris challenged members to return to their businesses stronger, sharper and more aligned.
“Leaders must earn the title of leader every single day,” Harris explained. “That’s how you impact cultures and make a difference in the company you lead.”
Education sessions continued on Wednesday morning, when Benj Cohen (pictured left), CEO of Proton.ai, provided a practical playbook for making AI work in distribution.
“As distributors, all of our data is siloed but we need it working together,” said Cohen. “With AI, we have the tools to make use of all of the data we have. Our role will go from executing tasks to managing AI agents, steering them, providing context and making key judgment calls.”
Marketplace’s education offerings wrapped up with a highly anticipated session about warehouse security and safety. Joined by CDA’s Richard Owen, panelists Ross Haynes, Hardec’s, Inc.; Susie Munson, Douglas Companies, Inc.; and Chris Smythers, Merchants Grocery Company, Inc., talked about their personal experiences with warehouse break-ins and product theft.
The panel (pictured right) not only transparently shared their stories but also provided helpful solutions that distributors could take back to their businesses, including using AI-aided security monitoring, developing relationships with local law enforcement, and checking to make sure insurance plans are up to date.
Attendees left with a greater understanding of the issue and ideas for protecting their property and products.
Marketplace Trade Show Connects Trading Parters
The Marketplace Trade Show gave teams a chance to huddle on Tuesday, offering attendees opportunities to interact with current and potential trading partners. From 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., an engaged crowd visited booths, enjoyed lunch sponsored by Mars Wrigley, and networked in the PFSbrands-sponsored Touchdown Lounge.
At the lounge, members could drop their completed Passport to Prizes forms in the bin, catch up with industry friends, and sign up for Day on the Hill 2026 with CDA Policy Advisors Tom Briant and Kathee Facchiano.
To the right, Henry's Foods, Inc. meets with Ajinomoto Foods at the Marketplace Trade Show.
According to Matthew Murray of Renfro Supply Company, the networking and educational opportunities are two of the best reasons to attend Marketplace. “Being able to network and learn from others in the industry is so valuable,” he said. “The education sessions provide great information for young people like me who are new to leadership roles.”
David Brinkley of Cheyenne International, LLC agrees that Marketplace is a not-to-be-missed event. “If you are in this industry, it is a must,” he shared. “The networking alone is very valuable, and the education sessions and business opportunities are added bonuses.”
Above, Ziiware Inc. and BTC Wholesale Distributors, Inc. explore new opportunities at the trade show.
While distributors easily navigated through the show, thanks to aisle markers sponsored by Turning Point Brands - National Tobacco Co., they listened for their names to be called for the opportunity to spin the prize wheel at five different times.
The prize wheel traveled to Platinum Sponsor exhibit spaces where winners could spin to win.
To the right, Doyles Sheehan and Jack Link's Protein Snacks discuss business and the year ahead at the Jack Link's booth.
Marketplace Grand Prize Winner
Thanks to Galactic Performance Solutions, all distributor members attending Marketplace were eligible to win a luxurious three-night getaway for two to Secrets Vallarta Bay in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The trip includes three-night accommodations in the all-suite, all-inclusive resort; round-trip airfare; and a choice of spa treatments.
Congratulations to grand prize winner Nanu Pradhan, Texas Wholesale.
To the right (l-r) are Gary Cornwell, Galactic Performance Solutions; Pradhan; 2026 CDA Chair Andy Plummer, AMCON Distributing Company; and CDA President and CEO Richard Owen.
Congratulations, Winners!
Marketplace Prize Wheel Winners
|
|
|
Altria Group Distribution Company’s Danielle Holloway presents Blair Hoelscher of Modern Distributors with a Bose Speaker.
|
John Prickette of Grocery Supply Company spins to win Beats Headphones, presented by Amy Bucks of The Hershey Company.
|
|
|
|
Michael D’Amico of BTC Wholesale Distributors, Inc. takes home a Hatch Restore Sunrise Alarm Clock, presented by Danny Jackson of ITG Brands, LLC.
|
Josh Jones of Andalusia Distributing Company, Inc. wins a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, announced by the PMI U.S. team.
|
|
|
Devin Davis of Reynolds celebrates with Marty Glick from National Convenience Distributors, who won an Acer Portable Monitor.
|
Passport to Prizes Winners – Each Winner Took Home a $75 Gift Card, presented by CDA's Jenn Finn.
|
|
|
Dayle Stewart,
Saint Joe Distributing
|
Abbey Vantland,
SpartanNash
|
|
|
Shae Flores,
Core-Mark International, Inc.
|
Evan Sincavich, Team Sledd, won the “blackout the passport” prize, a Garmin Watch, for securing all stamps on the Passport to Prizes, presented by CDA's Angie Simonetti.
B-I-N-G-O! Kaisa Dahl (center), Sequoia Group; Chandler Childs (not pictured), Atkinson Candy Company; and Aubry Hart (left), The J.M. Smucker Company, took home prizes from the Distributor Draft bingo game.
Marketplace Highlights
|
|
|
The Past Chairs Advisory Council gathers on Tuesday night.
|
Attendees continue the fun with game show host and trivia master Ryan Budds at Tuesday night's End Zone After Party.
|
|
|
|
Rick Rodriguez, Zuma & Sons Distributors Corp, receives an Acer Portable Monitor in appreciation of his exceptional dedication creating kids' craft kits for Marketplace Gives Back.
|
Attendees always look forward to the abundant candy bar, sponsored by The Hershey Company.
|
|
|
|
Ross Haynes (left), Hardec’s, Inc., and CDA Chair Andy Plummer, AMCON Distributing Company, celebrate the Marketplace Gives Back assembly of more than 1,000 kids’ craft kits for Arlington Charities, Inc.
|
Exhibitors generously donated leftover products to Arlington Charities, Inc., to support children and families in the greater Arlington area.
|
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Your Partnership Makes a Difference