PFMA members, wholesalers, vendors and PFMA members, wholesalers, vendors and industry partners gathered May 12–13 at Omni Bedford Springs Resort for the 2026 PFMA Annual Conference, a well-attended two-day event focused on connection, education and the strength of Pennsylvania’s food and beverage industry.
Set against the historic backdrop of Omni Bedford Springs, the conference gave attendees a chance to step away from day-to-day operations and spend meaningful time with colleagues, partners and peers from across the commonwealth. The event blended relaxed networking with timely business conversations, giving members space to reconnect, meet new partners and hear from experts on issues shaping the industry.
The conference opened Tuesday with golf at the resort’s scenic course, followed by the Mini Trade Show, where vendors and sponsors showcased products, services and solutions designed for food retailers, wholesalers and their partners.
PFMA thanks all of the vendors and sponsors who helped make the conference possible, including Federated Insurance, World Kinect, PWI, Inc., PA Lottery, Rushtown Poultry, Healthy Brand Oil, CBIZ, VCM Food, Designer Greetings, Weaver’s of Wellsville, Sigma Snacks, J&J Gaming, Vintage Imports, Microshare, Spotts Insurance Group, Enscoe Long Insurance Group, MDB and Gateway Recycling, the 2026 Golf Sponsor.
The show gave attendees a wide range of organizations to connect with, from insurance and risk management partners to energy, technology, food products, recycling, gaming, distribution and retail support services. VCM Food featured Shady Maple, one of Pennsylvania’s best-known food destinations, while Sigma Snacks and Benewhale drew interest with products reflecting the continued evolution of consumer tastes and retail opportunities.
The PFMA Wholesaler Meeting brought important industry discussion to the conference. PFMA thanks the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue for participating in the meeting and speaking with members about Act 57 of 2025, a key issue for wholesalers and other businesses across the food and beverage industry.
One of the most meaningful moments came as Andrea Karns, CEO of Karns Quality Foods, formally handed off the PFMA Board Chair position to Chris Reed, General Counsel at Rutter’s. Karns’ leadership helped guide PFMA to where it is today, and her family and Karns Quality Foods have a long and valued relationship with the association.
PFMA thanks Andrea for her service and welcomes Chris as he begins his term leading the board.
Wednesday’s educational programming featured two sessions with very different tones, both highly relevant to PFMA members.
Heather Fry, Director of Industry Training for Truckers Against Trafficking, led a serious and emotional session titled “Prevention and Intervention: How Businesses in the Food Supply Chain Can Drive Change in the Fight Against Human Trafficking.” The session highlighted the real impact human trafficking has on individuals and communities, while making clear that the food and beverage industry is uniquely positioned to help identify and report potential warning signs. The conversation was especially timely as Pennsylvania and the broader region prepare for increased travel and activity surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The conference also featured a business-focused panel discussion titled “The Modern Cooler: Why Hemp-Infused Drinks Can Be the Next Retail Essential.” The panel included Christopher Lackner, Founder and President of the Hemp Beverage Alliance; Diana Eberlein, Chair of the Coalition of Adult Beverage Alternatives; and Pennsylvania State Representative Steve Malagari. The conversation explored the fast-growing hemp beverage category, retail opportunities and developing policy discussions in Pennsylvania. Malagari brought a unique perspective from his background in beverage distribution and familiarity with Pennsylvania’s three-tier system.
More than anything, the 2026 PFMA Annual Conference showed the strength of the association’s membership. PFMA events work because members show up, share ideas and invest in relationships that continue long after the conference ends!
PFMA looks forward to continuing that momentum at the 2026 Fall Legislative Conference, Oct. 13–14 at Hershey Country Club.