Empowering Connections: Highlights from the 2026 WFF Leadership Conference

WFF Announces Its Transformative 2026 Leadership Conference

The Women's Foodservice Forum (WFF) is gearing up for its 2026 Leadership Conference, set to take place from March 2-4 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas. This much-anticipated event will welcome foodservice professionals nationwide, uniting over 2,500 attendees from every corner of the industry, including restaurant operations, manufacturing, and distribution.

The theme of this year's conference, "LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES," resonates deeply with WFF's mission: to provide tailored content, expert insights, and valuable connections designed to expand attendees' influence and facilitate career advancement. The foodservice industry continues to thrive as a realm of unlimited opportunities for aspiring professionals.

Personalized Learning for Every Career Stage

At the WFF Leadership Conference, participants will engage in targeted learning experiences customized to align with their career stages and aspirations. The conference isn't merely about networking; it's a platform where many industry leaders reveal that it was such opportunities at the WFF that helped them climb from entry-level roles to senior management positions.

In addition to enriching sessions, WFF offers a complimentary membership, granting access to ongoing professional development through the WFF Connect digital platform. This membership includes access to a virtual library filled with resources for continuous learning.

Inspiring Keynote Speakers

The conference promises to deliver powerful insights from an impressive lineup of keynote speakers. Among them is Melissa Stockwell, a former U.S. Army officer and the first female American soldier to lose a limb in combat. Now a celebrated paralympic medalist, Melissa will share how adversity can lead to extraordinary success and provide strategies to navigate challenges in both life and work.

Another highlight will feature Hoda Kotb, the award-winning journalist and former co-anchor of NBC's TODAY. Hoda, also the founder of Joy 101, will share her experiences and insights from years of covering major international stories, inspiring attendees to harness their potential.

Lastly, Ben Nemtin, renowned author and motivational speaker, known for his work on The Buried Life, will share his empowering message of radical possibilities, encouraging participants to explore what they want to do before they die.

The Importance of Connection

Beyond knowledge exchange, the WFF Leadership Conference is a vibrant place for networking, offering myriad opportunities for connection with peers, mentors, and industry allies. Attendees can participate in networking lunches, collaborative sessions, and evening receptions—all designed to foster relationships that generate innovative ideas and collaborations extending well past the event.

Whether you're an aspiring professional or a seasoned executive in the foodservice industry, the 2026 WFF Leadership Conference is a must-attend event. It promises to provide the tools, connections, and inspiration you need to unlock your limitless possibilities.

Registration for in-person and virtual attendance is now open at wff.org.

About Women's Foodservice Forum (WFF)

The Women’s Foodservice Forum is dedicated to nurturing leadership excellence within the foodservice industry. Since its inception in 1989, WFF has provided resources, insights, and development programs designed to enhance talent pipelines, boost business performance, and cultivate dynamic workplaces in every sector of the foodservice ecosystem. With an ongoing commitment to empowering professionals, WFF stands as a leading force for positive change in the industry.