Metafoodx at IFMA's 2026 Presidents Conference
Metafoodx CEO Fengmin Gong and CRO Alan Deane are in Scottsdale, Arizona this week for the 2026 Presidents Conference, hosted by IFMA, The Food Away from Home Association, from November 1 to 3. The conference brings together more than 600 senior decision makers from over 250 companies across manufacturing, distribution, and foodservice operations.
The New Food Away Era
This year's theme is "The New Food Away Era." IFMA's view is that market forces have changed the rules for growth: demand is shifting across channels and occasions, consolidation is reshaping the industry, and new business models are changing who competes with whom. The companies that come out ahead will be the ones that stay relevant, adapt quickly, and execute well. Sessions focus on three areas that shape those decisions: policy, technology, and consumer shifts.
AI Forecasting and Production Planning
For foodservice operators, execution comes down to daily decisions about how much to buy, prep, and cook. Those decisions carry more weight as costs rise. The National Restaurant Association estimates that average restaurant expenses rose 36% between 2019 and 2026, and ReFED estimates that U.S. restaurants and foodservice operations generated 12.5 million tons of surplus food in 2024.
Metafoodx helps kitchen teams see what they made, what guests actually ate, and what was left, menu item by menu item. That data feeds forecasts for prep quantities and ingredient orders, and freshness alerts help teams keep food quality consistent during service. The result is planning built on what happens in the kitchen, not on guesswork.
Why We're at the Presidents Conference
Manufacturers, distributors, and operators all depend on accurate demand signals. When operators know what their guests eat, that information can shape better ordering, better menus, and stronger partnerships across the supply chain. Fengmin and Alan are at the conference to hear how industry leaders are planning for the year ahead and to share how kitchen data can support those plans.
If you're attending the Presidents Conference, we'd love to connect. Reach out to our team by emailing contact@metafoodx.com and we'll set up time with Fengmin or Alan while they're in Scottsdale.
Metafoodx is a food operations intelligence platform that captures the food journey from prep to plate, so foodservice teams can lower food cost, produce more accurately, and prevent waste before it happens. Ready to see how we can help transform your food service operation? Book a demo with our team today.
