Join Fresh Connect Central August 18–20, 2026, for the Food Sourcing & Operations Conference, centered on The Power of Partnerships and the momentum created when people come together with a shared purpose. This three-day experience brings leaders into the same room to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and spark new possibilities across food sourcing and operations.
Designed to be open, engaging, and experience-driven, this conference blends hands on learning with meaningful connection, leaving attendees energized and ready to carry that momentum into their work. Space is limited, be sure to claim your spot today!
*All registrations are subject to approval by Fresh Connect Central
The Westin Indianapolis will serve as our host hotel and primary conference hub. Special conference room block pricing is available through the link below.
YOUR EXPERIENCE STARTS AT CHECK-IN.
Room rate is $209/night plus taxes and parking.
Room reservations must be made by Friday, July 24, 2026.
Meet Our Power Partners
Gold Level
Serving as Fresh Connect Central’s primary shelf-stable meal supplier, AmeriQual’s Food Life Balanced products provide meals to our communities nationwide that are nutritious, ready-to-eat, easy to open, and cost-effective.
Silver Level
Bronze Level
Specializing in shelf stable dairy products, Diversified Food’s has cemented itself as an industry leader in providing nutritious, long-lasting, and great tasting shelf stable milk and is Fresh Connect Central’s top choice for milk.
Who Should Attend?
This conference is designed for food bank leaders and hunger relief professionals. Throughout the event, general sessions will bring the full room together for high-impact, interactive experiences created to spark ideas and strengthen connections. These won’t be typical sit-back presentations. Expect engaging formats, meaningful participation, and moments that invite the entire audience into the conversation.
Breakout sessions will be organized around four focus tracks:
- Sourcing to Support Programs
- Operations
- Innovation & Technology
- Funding the Mission
See more detailed information about the sessions in each track below.
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This track is for attendees involved in sourcing for programs and community impact, including disaster response, Food as Medicine, culturally responsive food access, senior nutrition, and children’s programs.
It may be especially helpful for procurement staff, program leaders, nutrition-focused roles, and partners supporting direct services.
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This track is for attendees involved in the logistics of moving food safely and efficiently, from transportation and retail recovery to food safety and regional distribution models.
It may be especially helpful for operations, sourcing, warehouse, transportation, and supply chain teams.
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This track is for attendees exploring how technology supports access, efficiency, and decision making, including ecommerce, data, and emerging tools.
It may be especially helpful for technology, data, innovation, and strategy roles, as well as teams involved in digital ordering or systems integration.
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This track is for attendees focused on funding food and the systems behind it, including purchasing strategies, partnerships, and sustainable funding models.
It may be especially helpful for development, finance, grants, government relations, and executive leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The conference is free to attend. Attendees are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses.
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The conference is casual. We want you to feel comfortable and ready to engage in meaningful conversations throughout the day. If possible, we encourage attendees to wear apparel that represents their organization. It’s a great way to spark connections and proudly showcase the work happening across the network.
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Official conference programming begins Wednesday morning, Aug. 19, and concludes Thursday afternoon, Aug. 20. Optional activities will be offered Tuesday for those arriving early.
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An optional food bank tour at Gleaners Food Bank will be offered Tuesday at 2 p.m. A shuttle will be provided to the Westin following the tour. There will also be a welcome reception at the Westin Tuesday evening.
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Yes. Tuesday evening will include a welcome reception with appetizers and light bites, offering time to connect and settle in. On Wednesday, attendees are invited to join a night out at the Indianapolis Indians AAA baseball game.
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The Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is approximately 20 minutes from downtown. Rideshare, taxi, and rental car services are readily available. Parking information for the Westin can be found on the hotel website.
WHY JOIN US
“It was a fantastic learning environment.”
— Former conference attendee
“I loved the networking! I met so many people who had so many great tips, tidbits, and ideas to share with me!”
— Former conference attendee
