At the Omni Bedford Springs Resort this May, the PFMA didn’t just host a conference; it rallied an industry. The 2025 PFMA Annual Conference, held May 13,14, brought together retailers, wholesalers, suppliers, and government partners to take on challenges, trade insights, and strengthen relationships in Pennsylvania’s food and beverage sector.
From the first handshake to the final round of golf, the event reinforced what makes this industry tick: community, collaboration, and a shared commitment to keep shelves stocked and families fed.
Honoring Leadership, Past and Present
This year’s conference marked the first presentation of the renamed Lisa Dell’Alba Food Industry Trailblazer Award, a tribute to PFMA’s late Chair, whose legacy continues to shape the organization. The inaugural honoree under the new name was Tom Charley, of Charley Family Shop ‘n Save, who was recognized for his outstanding leadership and deep-rooted service to PFMA and the broader food retail community.
In a surprise moment, Pennsylvania First Lady Lori Shapiro delivered a video message, celebrating both Charley’s work and the essential role the food and beverage industry plays across the Commonwealth.
Real Conversations: Panels That Mattered
PFMA members didn’t gather for buzzwords; they came for real talk. The opening session, “Supporting a Neurodivergent Workforce,” featured leaders from Wawa, Popcorn for the People, the AJ Drexel Autism Institute, and the PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. They shared firsthand insight on inclusive hiring, retention, and support, an urgent and actionable conversation for an industry facing historic labor shortages.
The second panel, “From Response to Recovery: Crisis Communication & Coordination,” tackled crisis preparedness and response, with perspectives from C&S Wholesale Grocers, PEMA, PA DHS, and Northeast Shared Services. Panelists didn’t sugarcoat the stakes. From supply chain disruption to natural disasters, the session offered tactical strategies that attendees could bring home and use immediately.
Spotlight on Vendors
This year’s mini trade show delivered more than foot traffic; it brought real energy to the floor. Vendors showcased everything from tech and equipment to services and specialty products tailored for the food and beverage sector. The lineup included: Frostop Rootbeer, Mag Industries, World Kinect, Federated Insurance, Healthy Brand Oil, Drexel University, Pro Signs, Weavers of Wellsville, VCM Foods, J&J Gaming, Bunzl, Dastor, NGAF, CBIZ, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Peppers N’AT, and Milazzio Industries.
Their participation turned the trade show into a high-value destination, where attendees didn’t just collect brochures, they got leads, ideas, and real opportunities to grow their businesses.
The heart of the conference? The conversations in between.
From hallway catch-ups to structured networking events, this year’s gathering doubled down on real interaction. The opening-day Wholesaler Meeting created space for strategic discussions, while the ever-popular golf outing offered a laid-back setting for forging stronger relationships.
At the center of it all was the mini trade show, where vendors displayed some of the most innovative tools, tech, and services aimed directly at the food and beverage sector. Attendees explored new solutions on the floor, made new contacts, and came away with ideas to sharpen their operations. It wasn’t just browsing, it was business.
PFMA’s vendor partners brought serious value to the table this year, and their presence elevated the event from a networking function to a full-on marketplace of ideas and innovation.
Looking Ahead
“The PFMA Annual Conference continues to be the premier event for our members to make meaningful connections, share ideas, and celebrate the incredible work happening across our industry,” said PFMA President & CEO Alex Baloga. “This year’s turnout, engagement, and energy show exactly why we do this.”
As the industry continues to evolve, facing labor challenges, shifting regulations, and changing consumer demands, PFMA’s commitment to its members remains unwavering. Events like the Annual Conference are where solutions start.
Next stop: PFMA’s 2025 Fall Legislative Conference, October 7,8 at the Hershey Country Club. If May was about insight and innovation, October is about action and advocacy.
Until then, the work continues. ■
