Go2MarketEdge 2025 Virtual Agenda

Program Kick-Off

The virtual program begins with a brief look at the in-person event that took place in San Fran the week before; hear some of the key takeaways and through-lines that will be further explored, virtually. 

Spending Shifts: What Customers Value in Uncertain Times

Speaker: David Portalatin, SVP, Food Industry Advisory, Circana

When budgets tighten, priorities shift. This session dives into the latest insights on consumer and operator spending habits, helping suppliers and partners better align their value propositions to meet evolving demands. 

Additional Content

Check out the Resource Library for more insightful content, including segment-specific operator conversations, guides for how to business with different categories, and keynotes from the in-person program in San Francisco. 

From Dream to Deployment: AI and the Future of Foodservice

Speakers: Michael Bortinger, Director of Marketing and Partnerships, Tastewise

AI is changing the way foodservice teams make decisions, bring ideas to market, and connect with consumers—faster and more precisely than ever before. In this collaborative workshop, we’ll explore how far the industry has come, what AI can actually do today, and what it means for the future of your work.

We’ll cover a practical framework for understanding AI’s value in foodservice, revisit key ideas from the in-person G2MEdge summit, and dive into real-world examples that show AI in action.

Whether you’re already using AI or just starting to explore, this session will give you clear takeaways, tactical inspiration, and a look at the role people will continue to play as AI adoption grows.

Additional Content

Check out the Resource Library for more insightful content, including segment-specific operator conversations, guides for how to business with different categories, and keynotes from the in-person program in San Francisco. 

Hot Topics from Restaurant Chains

Speakers: Rebecca Hurst, The Cheesecake Factory; and Kevin Quandt, Dutch Bros; moderated by Mike Schwartz, SVP, Chief Engagement & Innovation Officer, IFMA The Food Away from Home Association

Hear from a panel of restaurant chains operator leaders as they discuss segment-specific challenges and how partners can help provide timely solutions.

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Event Marketing: Strategies to Drive Engagement and ROI

Speakers: Nadine Baarstad, SVP Industry Relations, FoodMix Marketing Communications; John Jiloty, SVP Growth & Business Development, The Martin Group; moderated by Alvaro Rojas, Vice President of Marketing, IFMA The Food Away from Home Association

Whether you're planning a trade show, customer summit, or experiential activation, this session shares proven strategies to maximize visibility, create memorable experiences, and measure success in event marketing. 

Segment Forecasts for 2025 and 2026

Speakers: Charlie McConnell, VP, Industry Insights, Education, & Research, IFMA The Food Away from Home Association

With uncertainty, tariffs, and low consumer sentiment being the hot topics of 2025, knowing how all of it impacts segment performance is critical for go to market planning. During this session, we will share an update on 2025 segment performance and provide our initial projections for 2026. 

How to Be an Indispensable Partner: What Operators Want

Speakers: Christopher Douglas, Senior Manager, Consumer & Market Insights, Whataburger; Vanessa Hernandez, Manager, Consumer Insights, El Pollo Loco; Colleen McClellan, Chief Customer Officer Emerging Markets, Datassential

What separates a supplier from a strategic partner? Hear directly from leading operators about the traits, behaviors, and support that make a foodservice partner truly indispensable in today’s dynamic environment.