Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/177159
Memorable Moments FEDA Celebrates Its 80th in a Big Way at the 2013 Convention in San Antonio pecial occasions call for a bit of fanfare. Cue FEDA President Brad Wasserstrom riding into the opening banquet atop a longhorn steer. That set the tone in a big way for the 2013 meeting, which paid homage to FEDA's founder Sam Anoff and the Association he helped form in 1933. This year's convention was all about pushing forward and building on that legacy. In his keynote address, future-focused speaker Peter Diamandis of the X PRIZE Foundation encouraged the 336 attendees to dream big and mine for solutions that would benefit the industry as a whole, while returning speaker Sam Richter reminded everyone of the power of social media and its influence over one's personal brand. That was just Day One of the morning session. The afternoon was dominated by debate, as distribution expert Mike Workman challenged channel partners to think about the evolution of the sales process and the changing roles of the individual links within the chain. The hallmark of any FEDA convention is the networking, and there were numerous opportunities to dialogue with industry peers. The dealer roundtables, industry think tank session and cocktail receptions were all abuzz with laughs, quiet conversation and, at times, intense discussion. "The FEDA convention is our annual opportunity to network with and learn from the leaders in our industry," says Assistant Chair Jack Lewis of Mission Restaurant Supply."The speakers and roundtable discussions always provide us with opportunities to improve our company and better understand the ever-changing challenges facing our industry. We always look forward to next year's convention." S 16 FEDA News & Views