Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The IFDA Presidents Conference is a top-to-top forum that brings together influential leaders from the foodservice industry, including operators, manufacturers, and distributors.
Scheduled for November 1-3, 2026, at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, this event will address critical issues facing the food-away-from-home sector.
Attendees will have the opportunity to connect, share insights, and develop strategies to navigate the evolving landscape of the industry.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: November 2026 (confirm the exact days at foodaway.org) at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Scottsdale, Arizona.
- 2Who It Is For: Executives and category leaders across the food-away-from-home chain - restaurant and foodservice operators, food and beverage manufacturers, distributors and supply-chain suppliers, equipment and service providers.
- 3Scale and Focus: Reported to convene 600+ senior decision-makers from more than 250 companies, with programming built around operator-supplier alignment, menu and product strategy, and foodservice channel economics.
- 4Organiser: IFMA The Food Away from Home Association (foodaway.org), the association connecting foodservice manufacturers, supply chain partners, service providers and operators.
- 5Publication / Access: Registration is organised by member category, with published rates of USD 2,695 (Manufacturer Member), USD 2,995 (Service Member), USD 2,295 (Supply Chain Member) and USD 795 (Operator Individual)
Why visit
Attendees will gain insights into the most pressing issues in the food-away-from-home industry, network with peers, and discover innovative solutions to enhance their operations. Dates and Venue: The IFDA Presidents Conference takes place from November 1-3, 2026, at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale, AZ. Buyer Authority: Attendees include influential leaders from the operator, manufacturer, and distributor communities.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will have the chance to showcase their products and services to key decision-makers in the foodservice sector, enhancing visibility and fostering valuable connections. Buyer Authority: Attendees include influential leaders from the operator, manufacturer, and distributor communities. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Food and beverage manufacturers, Equipment suppliers for foodservice, Packaging companies for food products.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Senior executives from foodservice operators
Manufacturers of food and beverage products
Distributors serving the foodservice industry
Supply chain partners in foodservice
Service providers supporting foodservice operations
Industry consultants and analysts
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Food and beverage manufacturers
Equipment suppliers for foodservice
Packaging companies for food products
Technology providers for foodservice operations
Consultants specializing in foodservice strategies
Marketing agencies focused on foodservice
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Food and beverage products for foodservice
Foodservice equipment and supplies
Packaging solutions for food products
Technology solutions for foodservice operations
Consulting services for foodservice businesses
Marketing and advertising services for foodservice
Location & Facilities
Venue
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, USA
Facilities
Parking
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Chicago typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Chicago typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Manufacturer Member
2695Supply Chain Member
2295Service Member
2995Operator Individual
795
Who runs the show
Organisers
IFMA The Food Away from Home Association
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Chicago, USA
Why it matters
Attending IFDA Presidents Conference on 2026-11-01 to 2026-11-03 in Chicago lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Chicago O'Hare International
Chicago O'Hare International (ORD) is the main commercial gateway serving Chicago; allow 45-60 min by road or rail to Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
to venue
by car
Chicago Midway International
Chicago Midway International (MDW) is the main commercial gateway serving Chicago; allow 45-60 min by road or rail to Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (event venue hotel)
Upscale resort
On site to venueStaying on property removes daily transfers; the host hotel fills for conference dates, so book early and confirm the event room block and rate with the venue or organiser.
North Scottsdale resort cluster (Scottsdale Road and Princess Drive area)
Upscale
Approx. 5-15 min by car to venueResort and golf properties within a short drive of the venue; rideshare is the usual transfer. Ask about any shuttle service when booking.
Old Town Scottsdale hotels
Midscale to upscale
Approx. 20-30 min by car to venueMore restaurants and evening options, but you will need a car or rideshare each conference day.
North Phoenix, Kierland and Desert Ridge hotels
Midscale
Approx. 15-25 min by car to venueOften lower nightly rates than the resort core; check parking, breakfast and cancellation terms before booking.
Downtown Phoenix hotels
Midscale to upscale
Approx. 30-40 min by car to venueBest for city dining and light rail access, least convenient for a north Scottsdale resort venue.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
shuttle
Estimated costApprox. USD 30-55 per person for a shared-ride shuttle; private sedan or SUV service approx. USD 90-140
Best forPHX to north Scottsdale resorts
Pre-booking is advisable for late arrivals and for groups; confirm pick-up point at the terminal and luggage allowance.
rental car
Estimated costApprox. USD 40-90 per day plus fuel and parking; confirm insurance and drop-off terms
Best forPHX rental car centre to Scottsdale
Useful if you plan day trips around the Valley of the Sun; the venue resort charges its own parking rates, which should be confirmed with the hotel.
bus
Estimated costApprox. USD 2.00 single ride (Valley Metro local fare); confirm the current fare, pass options and route timings
Best forValley Metro local bus routes along Scottsdale Road toward north Scottsdale
Valley Metro light rail does not serve Scottsdale, so a bus plus rideshare combination is usually needed. Service hours are limited in the evening - check the Valley Metro site before relying on it.
taxi
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forChicago O'Hare International (ORD) to Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Chicago O'Hare International (ORD) is the main commercial gateway serving Chicago; allow 45-60 min by road or rail to Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
taxi
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forChicago Midway International (MDW) to Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Chicago Midway International (MDW) is the main commercial gateway serving Chicago; allow 45-60 min by road or rail to Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
Weather
November in Scottsdale, Arizona is one of the driest and most comfortable months of the year: mild, mostly sunny days with highs around 22-26 C (72-79 F) and cool evenings around 9-14 C (48-57 F). Rain is uncommon but an occasional frontal system can bring a brief cool spell or light shower. This is a typical climatological band, not a forecast - check the short-range forecast in the week before travel and plan layers for air-conditioned meeting rooms.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
US mobile networks (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) provide wide 5G and LTE coverage across the Phoenix-Scottsdale metro, including the north Scottsdale resort area. International visitors should arrange an eSIM or a prepaid SIM before arrival rather than relying on roaming. Hotel and conference Wi-Fi is standard at a resort venue, but treat public Wi-Fi as best-effort for demos, streaming or large file transfers, and use a personal hotspot for critical calls.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
US service norms apply in Scottsdale: 18-20% on restaurant bills, USD 2-5 per bag for hotel porters, and a small daily tip for housekeeping.
Business dress
Resort business casual is the norm: collared shirts, blazers and smart trousers. A light jacket helps in air-conditioned ballrooms and on cool November evenings.
Arizona time
Arizona stays on Mountain Standard Time year round and does not observe daylight saving, so double-check meeting times against other US time zones when planning calls during the conference.
Hydration and sun
Desert air stays dry even in November; carry water and use sunscreen for outdoor receptions and golf or resort activities.
Conversation style
Expect direct, informal business conversation. Introductions with name and company are standard at conference receptions, and small talk often starts with where you flew in from.
Dining reservations
Resort restaurants book out on conference evenings. Reserve a table in advance if you are hosting a customer or distributor dinner.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: ORD
Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) is the main commercial airport for the Phoenix-Scottsdale metro and the shortest transfer to the venue; Scottsdale Airport (SDL) is general aviation only. Book 4-8 weeks ahead for November travel, and if the conference dates sit near the late-November US Thanksgiving window, expect higher fares and fuller flights. Compare nonstop flights into PHX against connecting itineraries through Los Angeles or Las Vegas only when the fare difference is material. Confirm baggage and change rules before booking, and add your loyalty numbers to both flight and hotel reservations.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Chicago O'Hare International (ORD): Chicago O'Hare International (ORD) is the main commercial gateway serving Chicago; allow 45-60 min by road or rail to Fairmont Scottsdale Princess; Chicago Midway International (MDW): Chicago Midway International (MDW) is the main commercial gateway serving Chicago; allow 45-60 min by road or rail to Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Allow road or rail time to Fairmont Scottsdale Princess; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (event venue hotel); North Scottsdale resort cluster (Scottsdale Road and Princess Drive area); Old Town Scottsdale hotels.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate across the Phoenix-Scottsdale metro, including designated pick-up zones at Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX). Expect surge pricing around conference close and dinner hours. Approximate planning bands: short hops within Scottsdale USD 8-20, PHX transfers USD 40-70, longer Valley trips USD 30-60. Schedule airport departures in advance and confirm live fares in the app.
Public transit: Valley Metro operates buses and light rail across the Phoenix metro, but the light rail does not reach Scottsdale; Scottsdale Road bus routes connect Old Town Scottsdale with the north Scottsdale corridor. Local single rides are around USD 2.00 - confirm current fares, pass options and service hours on the Valley Metro site. For a north Scottsdale resort venue with evening programming, rideshare or a rental car is usually more practical.
Parking: The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a resort property with on-site parking for guests and visitors. Self-parking and valet availability, daily rates and any conference discount should be confirmed with the venue or organiser before you travel. If parking is bundled with your room rate, keep the pass or ticket for re-entry, and allow extra time on the first morning for the drive from the gate to the conference wing.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026
Temperature: Approx. 22-26 C (72-79 F) daytime highs and approx. 9-14 C (48-57 F) overnight lows for Scottsdale in November. This is a typical climatological range, not a forecast - confirm the short-range forecast before travel.
Seasonality: November falls in the dry season for the Sonoran Desert around Scottsdale: rain is uncommon, skies are usually sunny and humidity is low. An occasional frontal system can bring a brief cool spell or light shower. Peak autumn conference and holiday season makes resort rooms and restaurants busier, so reserve early.
Packing: Pack light layers: short-sleeve shirts for mild afternoons, a jacket or sweater for cool evenings and heavily air-conditioned meeting rooms, and comfortable shoes for walking a large resort campus. Add sunglasses, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle for outdoor time. Business casual is appropriate, with a blazer for evening receptions.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at IFDA Presidents Conference usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
T-14: Confirm your registration category and member status, and settle payment before the September 11, 2026 early-bird cutoff if it still applies to your booking.
T-2
T-14: Book flights into Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) and a room for the full conference window; Scottsdale resort inventory tightens in peak November season.
T-3
T-10: Check passport validity and apply for ESTA if you are from a Visa Waiver Program country, or begin the B-1 business visitor visa process if you are not.
T-4
T-10: Ask your employer for a short letter confirming you are attending a US business conference; it is useful at the port of entry.
T-5
T-7: Download the schedule from foodaway.org/schedule and mark sessions that match your category - operator, manufacturer, supply chain or service.
T-6
T-7: Arrange ground transport from PHX and pre-book a rideshare, shuttle or rental car if you land after 21:00.
T-7
T-5: Check the November forecast for Scottsdale - mild days, cool evenings - and pack layers accordingly.
T-8
T-5: If you stay off property, confirm your hotel's shuttle or walking options to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
T-9
T-3: Save your registration confirmation and QR badge to your phone, and note the venue address for your driver.
T-10
T-3: Email the manufacturers, distributors or operator contacts you want to meet and agree meeting slots in advance.
T-11
T-1: Reconfirm flight and transfer times, and check for road works or event-specific parking instructions.
T-12
Post-event: Send follow-ups within five working days and log leads against your 2027 product or sourcing plan.
Day 1
Arrive early for badge pickup and use the opening reception to map who is in the room before the main sessions.
Day 2
Prioritise category sessions and supplier conversations over general networking, and keep notes on menu, packaging and distribution ideas.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2IFDA Presidents Conference registration concourse
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$250.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$400.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
USD 2695 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 2695 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether IFDA Presidents Conference fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is the IFMA The Food Away from Home Association conference?
It is the foodservice industry gathering hosted by IFMA The Food Away from Home Association, bringing manufacturers, supply chain partners, service providers and operators into one programme for category strategy, operator-supplier meetings and channel economics. Registration and programme details are published at foodaway.org.
When and where is the 2026 edition?
The 2026 edition is scheduled for November 2026 at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale, Arizona. Confirm the exact dates, start times and agenda on the organiser schedule page at foodaway.org/schedule before booking travel.
Who attends this event?
Operators, including chain and non-commercial foodservice leadership; manufacturer brand, category and innovation teams; broadline distributors and brokers; packaging, equipment and supply-chain suppliers; and service providers such as research, marketing and food safety firms.
How much does registration cost?
Published rates are USD 2,695 for a Manufacturer Member, USD 2,995 for a Service Member, USD 2,295 for a Supply Chain Member and USD 795 for an Operator Individual. Confirm current pricing, member eligibility and what each registration includes directly with the organiser.
Is there an early-bird deadline?
Early-bird savings were promoted with a September 11, 2026 cutoff. Rates and deadlines can change, so check the registration page on foodaway.org for the current offer.
Which airport is closest to the venue?
Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) is the primary commercial gateway for the Phoenix-Scottsdale metro. Scottsdale Airport (SDL) handles private and general aviation and sits closer to the north Scottsdale resort area. Approximate road times are 25-40 minutes from PHX and 10-15 minutes from SDL - confirm with your transfer provider.
How do I get from Phoenix Sky Harbor to the venue?
Rideshare and taxi pick-ups at PHX run from designated terminal zones; typical one-way planning bands are about USD 40-70 for rideshare, USD 50-80 for taxi and USD 30-55 per person for a shared shuttle. Pre-book for late arrivals and confirm live fares before travel.
What is the weather like in Scottsdale in November?
November is one of the driest and most comfortable months in the Sonoran Desert: mild sunny days around 22-26 C (72-79 F) and cool evenings around 9-14 C (48-57 F). Rain is uncommon. This is a typical climatological band - check the short-range forecast in the week before travel.
Do international visitors need a visa?
It depends on nationality. Travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries normally use an approved ESTA; others generally need a B-1 business visitor visa for attending a conference and business meetings. Apply early and verify current rules on the official US government travel site.
What should I wear and bring?
Resort business casual works for sessions: collared shirts, blazers, smart trousers and comfortable shoes for a large resort campus. Bring a light jacket for cool evenings and heavily air-conditioned ballrooms, plus a refillable water bottle and sunscreen for outdoor receptions.
Glossary
- Food away from home (FAFH)
- Food and beverages prepared and consumed outside the home, covering restaurants, cafeterias, catering, hotels and other foodservice outlets. FAFH is the category tracked by IFMA The Food Away from Home Association.
- Operator
- The foodservice business that prepares and sells food to consumers, such as a restaurant chain, independent restaurant, contract caterer, hotel or campus dining service. Operators are the primary buyers in this sector.
- Manufacturer member
- A food or beverage producer selling branded or private-label products into foodservice channels, and one of the registration categories published for this event.
- Supply chain member
- A company supplying ingredients, packaging, equipment, logistics or technology to foodservice manufacturers and operators; also a published registration category.
- Service member
- A provider of services such as marketing, research, food safety, design or consulting to the food-away-from-home industry; another published registration category.
- Broadline distributor
- A distributor carrying a wide range of food and non-food items and delivering them to operators; a main route to market for foodservice manufacturers in the United States.
- Non-commercial foodservice
- Foodservice run as a support service rather than a profit centre, for example in hospitals, schools, universities, workplaces and military sites.
- QSR
- Quick-service restaurant: a limited-service outlet with counter ordering, fast turnover and a lower average check, such as burger, chicken or coffee chains.
- Fast casual
- A limited-service format positioned between QSR and full service, with higher-quality ingredients, made-to-order food and a mid-range check.
- Center of the plate
- The protein or main component that anchors a menu item and drives much of its food cost and price positioning.
- Menu R&D
- The process by which operators and manufacturers develop, test and launch new menu items, from concept and costing through sensory testing and rollout.
- Broker
- A foodservice sales agency that represents manufacturers in a defined territory, calling on distributors and operators on the manufacturer's behalf.
- Back of house and front of house
- Back of house is the kitchen, prep and storage area; front of house is the customer-facing service, ordering and dining space.
- Foodservice equipment and supplies (E&S)
- Cooking, refrigeration, holding, warewashing and smallware products used by operators, and a common supplier niche in the food-away-from-home supply chain.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- IFDA Presidents Conference
- IFDA Presidents Conference 2026
- IFDA Presidents Conference Chicago
- IFDA Presidents Conference Chicago 2026
- IFDA
- IFDA 2026
- IFDA Chicago
- IFDA Chicago 2026
- Chicago USA
- Conference Chicago 2026
2 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.