Schedule 2026
Business-to-business meetings, professional networking opportunities, and education covering key industry issues.
All AFFI-CON events, unless otherwise noted, take place at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. All events will be monitored, and non-registrants will be asked to leave.
Friday, February 20, 2026
COOL Women Kick-Off Session
This is the first meeting of the COOL (Creating Opportunities for Outstanding Leaders) Women program, a dynamic leadership development program designed exclusively for women in the frozen food industry. Learn more and register by clicking here. AFFI-CON Supply Chain Forum: Where Buyers, Sellers, and Supply Chain Partners Meet
Sponsored by 
Launching at AFFI-CON 2026, the AFFI-CON Supply Chain Forum is a half-day event designed to convene buyers, frozen ingredient suppliers, logistics providers, and supply chain solution partners for high-value education and networking. Held on the Friday before AFFI-CON officially begins, this Forum supports enhanced connections and prepares attendees for four days of business meetings.
Cold Chain Outlook: Navigating Tomorrow's Challenges and Opportunities
The frozen food industry relies on a robust and efficient cold chain to deliver safe, high-quality products to consumers around the globe. In this session, industry experts and leaders will provide a forward-looking perspective on the trends, technologies, and innovations shaping the cold chain. Explore emerging challenges, including energy efficiency, sustainability, and supply chain resilience, and gain insights on strategies and best practices to navigate them successfully.
Sustainability in the Frozen Food Cold Chain
Frozen foods are among the most energy-intensive categories in the food sector, making cold chain efficiencies a key opportunity for driving sustainability. AFFI, in partnership with members, logistics providers, and global stakeholders, is leading efforts to address this challenge. A central focus is a topic of increasing interest around the long-standing 0°F standard for frozen logistics. In this session, learn about AFFI’s Decarbonization Share Group, industry developments, and recent collaborations to monitor temperature practices across storage and distribution.
Reducing Legal Risks in a Dynamic Trade Environment
Global supply chains are facing unprecedented pressures, from evolving tariffs and duties to shifting contractual obligations that redefine risk. In this session, trade and legal experts will share practical strategies to help buyers and suppliers manage compliance challenges, navigate Incoterms, consider insurance needs, and structure contracts that protect against uncertainty. Attendees will gain actionable insights to reduce exposure and safeguard their businesses in today’s volatile trade environment.
- Key Session
Keynote: Logistics and Transportation Trends Shaping 2026
As global trade patterns shift and domestic freight dynamics evolve, transportation remains a critical linchpin for the frozen food supply chain. In this keynote, attendees will hear expert analysis on the economic forces and policy changes shaping U.S. trucking and logistics in 2026. Attendees will gain insights into pressing issues such as cargo theft prevention, driver workforce capacity, and cross-border movement challenges. This discussion will equip buyers, suppliers, and logistics partners with actionable intelligence to navigate market volatility and strengthen supply chain resilience.
Meet & Greet + Networking Reception
Join fellow buyers, suppliers, and logistics partners for a dynamic networking session designed to foster real-time connections and peer learning. Cap off the day with informal networking and follow-up conversations. This is a great opportunity to connect with new partners before Saturday meetings begin.
AFFI-CON Registration
Saturday, February 21, 2026
AFFI-CON Registration
The Hub and Company Showcases Open
- Harbor Ballroom – Second Floor – Harbor Tower
- The Hub is your go-to destination for Directory Pickup, Company Showcases, and our Chill Out Zone—a comfortable central spot to recharge, network, and spark new business connections. Enjoy daily product spotlights from AFFI members, plus complimentary coffee and light snacks.
Semi-Private Tables & Negotiation Nooks Open
- Harber Foyer – Second Floor – Harbor Tower
- Connect with companies during your pre-scheduled meetings or stop by this area to book time with any remaining prospects on your list.
Managing Chemical Food Safety and Regulatory Risks: Pesticide Residues, Traceability & Compliance
The food industry faces growing complexity from chemical safety regulations, varying pesticide residue limits, and evolving traceability expectations. Products may be legal in one state but restricted in another and differing international standards can lead to rejected shipments or costly reformulations. Even frozen foods, while exempt from certain FDA rules, face buyer-driven traceability requirements. This session will explore how these challenges intersect and provide practical guidance for managing compliance risks, meeting customer expectations, and maintaining trust across the supply chain. Attendees will leave better equipped to navigate a fragmented regulatory landscape and protect their business.
AFFI Promotions Work and How You Can Get Engaged
AFFI is embarking on a bold new objective in its new Strategic Plan: position frozen food as a culinary powerhouse among policy and consumer influencers. This marks a new era in public relations, communications engagement, and ultimately helping to drive growth among key new target consumer demographics. In this session, join AFFI and a leading expert from global PR firm Golin to learn more about current consumer perceptions and media trends, AFFI’s current work in influencer outreach, and how you can utilize resources to support your company’s own marketing efforts.
Workshop: Enteric Virus Risks in the Frozen Berry Supply Chain
Learn about enteric viruses, risk factors, prevention, and AFFI’s risk management system (EViews).
Enteric virus contamination in frozen berries presents a critical food safety concern in the global supply chain. Join industry experts and your supply chain colleagues in an interactive and hands-on learning experience across various topics.
The objective of this session is for participants to network and discuss the prevalence of enteric viruses in the berry supply chain. Participants will rotate through multiple expert-led stations to gain technical and practical learnings, discover the latest scientific developments, and learn more about AFFI’s enteric virus risk management system (EViews). We invite your active participation to strengthen our collective focus on preventing and controlling enteric viruses.
- Key Session
Lunch & Learn: The Economic Outlook for 2026 and Beyond + Frozen Food Hall of Fame
Sponsored by
What’s ahead for the U.S. and global economies in 2026? In this engaging session tailored for frozen ingredient manufacturers, you will examine macroeconomic trends and market forces shaping the year, from consumer demand and inflationary pressures to global trade flows and labor market shifts. You will explore how these factors intersect with agriculture, food production, and international sourcing, providing data-driven insights to help businesses plan, adapt, and thrive in a changing economic landscape.
Listeria Control and Elevating Best Practices in the Frozen
Supply Chain
The questions to ask and the actions to take
Our industry is at the precipice of taking consequential new approaches to Listeria monocytogenes control. AFFI is working with its members and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to undertake a groundbreaking industry Listeria pilot. Additionally, we are assessing ways the frozen food industry can embrace a continuous framework of best food safety practices. This workshop will share insights into building effective, risk-based prevention programs.
Hear from industry and regulatory experts on key aspects of addressing Listeria harborage including environmental monitoring, root cause analysis and corrective actions that support compliance and continuous improvement.
Welcome Icebreaker: A Showcase of the Latest Flavors in Frozen
Sponsored by 
Entertainment provided by 
Get ready to break the ice and set the stage for an unforgettable conference experience! Dive into a world of innovative flavors and cutting-edge creations while networking with industry professionals. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to visit the exhibit floor, where logistics providers and other key suppliers and services await. Discover the resources and connections that will enhance your business journey in the frozen food industry.
The evening is open for business entertaining.
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Event Registration
The Hub and Company Showcases Open
- Harbor Ballroom – Second Floor – Harbor Tower
- The Hub is your go-to destination for Directory Pickup, Company Showcases, and our Chill Out Zone—a comfortable central spot to recharge, network, and spark new business connections. Enjoy daily product spotlights from AFFI members, plus complimentary coffee and light snacks.
Semi-Private Tables & Negotiation Nooks Open
- Harber Foyer – Second Floor – Harbor Tower
- Connect with companies during your pre-scheduled meetings or stop by this area to book time with any remaining prospects on your list.
AFFI Advocacy Breakfast
Join AFFI to hear more about the critical role of advocacy in advancing the frozen food industry and hear special insights on the latest updates from Washington.
- Key Session
Lunch and Learn: Beyond the Smoothie: Closing Consumption Gaps and Creating Growth Across Channels
Frozen foods are uniquely positioned to meet today’s shifting consumer expectations and deliver growth across retail, foodservice, and industrial channels. Drawing on the latest Power of Frozen insights, this session will explore how the category can help close consumption gaps, respond to GLP-1–driven eating habits, and align with health and wellness priorities. We’ll look at how Millennials—responsible for much of today’s growth—are shaping demand for convenience, nutrition, and versatility. The session will also introduce findings from the new “Merchandising Matters” section to illustrate how in-store activation is evolving. Attendees will gain a forward-looking perspective on how consumer and channel trends can inform long-term opportunities for the frozen category.
Women’s Networking Happy Hour
Join women across the frozen food industry for an evening of networking, sharing experiences, and building relationships.
We’ll also recognize the AFFI Woman of the Year, honoring her leadership, achievements, and contributions to advancing our industry. In partnership with: 
Dueling Pianos Bash (Separate ticketed event) 
Sponsored by 
Join us for a celebration of the frozen food industry. Enjoy an unforgettable dueling piano show featuring two talented pianists performing at face-to-face grand pianos. The high-energy performances include audience requests driving the show—so come prepared with your favorite song! Be sure to register early as space is limited. This after-dinner event is a fantastic opportunity to relax and network with your business partners in a fun and engaging atmosphere.
The evening is open for business entertaining.
Monday, February 23, 2026
AFFI-CON Registration
The Hub and Company Showcases Open
- Harbor Ballroom – Second Floor – Harbor Tower
- The Hub is your go-to destination for Directory Pickup, Company Showcases, and our Chill Out Zone—a comfortable central spot to recharge, network, and spark new business connections. Enjoy daily product spotlights from AFFI members, plus complimentary coffee and light snacks.
Semi-Private Tables & Negotiation Nooks Open
- Harber Foyer – Second Floor – Harbor Tower
- Connect with companies during your pre-scheduled meetings or stop by this area to book time with any remaining prospects on your list.
- Key Session
Lunch and Learn: AFFI Annual Membership Meeting and Keynote
Sponsored by 
AFFI’s Annual Membership Meeting will include a vote on 2026 Officers and Board of Directors, Finance Report, an update on AFFI’s 2026 strategic priorities and opportunities for AFFI members to engage. Additionally, join Doug Rauch, former President and CEO of Trader Joe’s and Founder of Daily Table, for a lunch session on leadership, innovation, and purpose-driven growth. Doug will share lessons from transforming Trader Joe’s into a national retail success and from creating Daily Table, a nonprofit that provides affordable, nutritious meals and groceries while reducing food waste. This session offers practical insights for frozen food industry leaders looking to innovate and lead with impact.
Closing Reception
Join us for the Closing Reception to wrap up an inspiring and productive event. This informal gathering offers a perfect opportunity to network with fellow attendees, reflect on the insights gained, and celebrate the highlights of the convention.
The evening is open for business entertaining.
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Event Registration and Semi-Private Tables and Negotiation Nooks Open
- Harber Foyer – Second Floor – Harbor Tower
- Connect with companies during your pre-scheduled meetings or stop by this area to book time with any remaining prospects on your list.
