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PAST AGENDA
Consumers don't live in one segment; their food-away-from-home journey spans a lifetime, with each stage bringing new expectations, challenges, and opportunities.
That's why COEX 2026 is transforming to meet the needs of today's consumer. We're bringing together leaders from every corner of foodservice — supply chain, marketing, culinary, and leadership — across both commercial and noncommercial segments to share insights, spark ideas, and build partnerships that move the industry forward, all with the consumer at the center.
Open to all attendees. First come, first served – with operators seated at tables and attendees moving about the room for fast-paced rounds of conversation.
AARON FRAZIER, VP OF PUBLIC POLICY, NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION
MARC LORE, CEO, WONDER GROUP
JACK LI, CO-FOUNDER, DATASSENTIAL
The future of foodservice won't be built in silos. It will be shaped across every corner of our industry; from K-12 schools to colleges, healthcare to senior living, business & industry to restaurants of every kind.
Built on our past accomplishments, this year’s program will be centered on the consumer. Bringing segment insights to better understand and meet consumer’s evolving needs. Because the next breakthrough isn't hiding in your own vertical, it's waiting in someone else's perspective.
COEX: Where silos come down and businesses grow stronger.
From innovative dishes at the opening reception to chef-led creations at Menu-a-thon, immerse yourself in the flavors that defined IFMA COEX 2025 in Kansas City.
The tariffs snagged attention, but they were far from the only topic addressed during the event, held March 2 – 4 at the Loews Kansas City Hotel. Attendees heard experts address issues ranging from artificial intelligence to menu trends, strategies f
Missed COEX 2025? Discover six key insights foodservice operators need to know, from post-pandemic service challenges to customer retention strategies, third-party delivery impacts, and shifting consumer confidence
At COEX, keynote speaker Tim Sanders emphasized the power of collaboration, urging businesses to ask, “Who are we missing?” rather than “How many?” Using The Beatles as an example, he highlighted the importance of diverse perspectives.
Marc Lore is revolutionizing the food-away-from-home industry with AI-driven meal selection and high-tech Wonder kitchens. At COEX, he detailed his vision: AI predicts consumer cravings, robots prepare meals, and food is delivered in minutes.
Egg prices will remain high until 2026 due to ongoing avian flu outbreaks, according to Nate Hedtke of the American Egg Board at COEX. With over 126 million hens lost and a shortage of replacement chicks, recovery will take time.