Go2MarketEdge 2025 Virtual Agenda

Afternoon Sessions

2:00-2:30 PM | 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. 


2:30-3:00 PM | New Research: Brand Switching in QSR and Fast Casual

Speakers: Charlie McConnell, VP, Industry Insights, Education, & Research, IFMA The Food Away from Home Association; Amanda Buonopane, Senior Manager, Strategic Insights, Rich Products

A recently published study from the Consumer and Operator Research Group (CORG) of IFMA The Food Away from Home Association unpacks the drivers behind consumer brand switching within the QSR and Fast Casual segments. During this session, we will review the research and comment on how this could impact a company’s go to market strategy.

Perspectives from the Middle: A GPO Viewpoint

Speakers: Jon Garrett, Group Vice President, Food & Nutrition, OMNIA Partners; David Nettles, Vice President Foodservice Sourcing, Premier Inc.; Tony Beuter, CEO, Foodbuy Foodservice; moderated by Charlie McConnell, VP, Industry Insights, Education, & Research, IFMA The Food Away from Home Association

Group Purchasing Organizations play a unique role in connecting manufacturers and operators. Hear directly from GPO leaders about their priorities, challenges, and what they look for in effective supplier collaboration. 

Afternoon Sessions

2:00-2:30 PM | Amplifying Executive and Culinary Voices Digitally
Speaker: Garret Caudle, Founder and CEO, Influent

A strong leadership presence online can enhance your brand’s credibility and influence. Learn how to strategically position your executives and culinary teams through digital media (social, podcasts, articles, and more) and thought leadership that drives impact. 

2:30-3:00 PM | 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.

Afternoon Sessions

2:00-2:30 PM | Distributor Priorities: Partnering on a Smarter Supply Chain
Speakers: Andy Anthony, Director of Business Development, Ben E. Keith Foods; Angie Dark, Director of Marketing, Martin Bros. Distributing Co., Inc.; moderated by Charley Orwig, Vice President of Marketing, Distribution Market Advantage (DMA)

Get a direct line to top distributors as they share what’s top of mind—efficiency, transparency, and partnership. Explore how manufacturers and distributors can work together more effectively to improve logistics, reduce friction, and better serve operators. 


2:30-3:00 PM | 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.