The International Foodservice & JAG Conference (IFJAG) is a two-day, in-person summit that brings together more than 350 senior decision-makers from every link of the global foodservice supply chain—growers, processors, distributors, manufacturers, operators, technology providers, investors and consultants—to benchmark best practice, map the next wave of innovation and forge the partnerships that will shape how the world eats outside the home. Scheduled for 17-18 September in Chicago, the 2024 edition is built around the theme “Profit Through Disruption” and is programmed to give delegates actionable tactics for protecting margin while still investing in the consumer, menu and labour trends redefining the market. The agenda opens with a macro-economic briefing on commodity, labour and real-estate inflation, followed by a rapid-fire series of operator case studies: a 200-unit casual chain shares how it shaved 7 % off food cost with AI-driven demand forecasting; a K-12 contract feeder details a zero-waste menu revamp that lifted student satisfaction 18 %; and a national convenience retailer explains the store-within-a-store ghost-kitchen model that doubled dinner sales. Parallel technology tracks explore robotics in the back-of-house, the financial case for regenerative agriculture sourcing, and dynamic pricing on third-party delivery platforms. A dedicated investor panel debates where dry powder is moving—automation, cold-chain tech, alternative protein infrastructure—while breakout round-tables allow suppliers to workshop SKU rationalisation and co-pack partnerships. Networking is woven throughout: sunrise yoga on the lakefront, a tasting reception pairing emerging flavours with local brewers, and the “Speed-Supply” session where operators move table-to-table meeting new vendors in eight-minute rotations. Confirmed speakers include McDonald’s VP of Menu Strategy, Compass Group North America CFO, U.S. Foods SVP of Merchandising, Beyond Meat Chief Supply-Chain Officer, and celebrity chef-turned-restaurateur Fabio Viviani, each interviewed fireside-style. Attendees also receive the proprietary IFJAG Disruptor 50 report ranking the fastest-growing companies in foodservice technology, sustainability and emerging channels. Registration is all-inclusive, covering meals designed by the host city’s top chefs, continuing-education credits from the National Restaurant Association, and 12-month access to recordings.