NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEFA HOSTS 40th ANNUAL PARTNERSHIP CONFERENCE

April 2026
Scottsdale, AZ — SEFA, LLC proudly hosted its 40th Annual Partnership Conference at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, marking a milestone moment in the organization’s history. Bringing together SEFA Dealers, Supplier partners, and industry leaders from across the country, this year’s conference celebrated four decades of collaboration, shared success, and collective growth under the theme, The Future is Bright.

Forty years ago, SEFA was built on a simple idea: that we are stronger when we move forward together. That belief has guided four decades of partnership, progress, and shared success, and it continues to shape the future of the organization today.

The 40th Annual Partnership Conference was both a celebration and a turning point. As SEFA honored the foundation that built the organization, the conference also looked ahead with clarity and optimism. The foodservice equipment and supplies industry continues to evolve, and because of the strength of this network, the future is bright.

“This conference was more than a celebration of how far SEFA has come. It was a reflection of where we are headed,” said SEFA CEO Kelly Cain. “For 40 years, this organization has been built on partnership, trust, and a shared commitment to progress. That foundation is exactly why the future is bright.”

Throughout the week, attendees took part in strategic meetings, focused conversations, collaborative events, and recognition moments designed to strengthen relationships across the SEFA network and align perspectives around the market forces shaping the foodservice equipment and supplies industry.

Adding to the significance of the occasion, SEFA founders Tedde and Jim Reid were in attendance, helping commemorate the organization’s 40th Annual Partnership Conference and the legacy they helped build.

The spirit of the anniversary was especially evident during the Awards Banquet, where SEFA recognized organizations and individuals whose performance, leadership, and partnership continue to move the group forward.

Awards Ceremony Highlights:

Member of the Year:
Oswalt Restaurant Supply was named SEFA’s 2026 Member of the Year, recognized for extraordinary performance, a service-driven culture, and a long-standing commitment to the SEFA community.

Supplier of the Year:
Beverage Air/Victory Refrigeration earned Supplier of the Year for outstanding partnership, innovation, and service, along with the meaningful value they continue to bring to SEFA members across the network.

Trainer of the Year:
Marsha Lee of Garland was recognized for delivering engaging, memorable, and impactful training, earning top marks from National Sales Conference attendees.

Dream Team Award:
Metro, Pro Reps West, and C&T Design & Equipment Co. were honored for an outstanding example of collaboration, urgency, and shared commitment to customer success.

Executiveof the Year:
Otto Abad of Associated Food Equipment & Supplies was honored for leadership that extends beyond his own organization, strengthening partnerships, advancing SEFA, and helping move the industry forward.

Dealer Recognition Awards

• Circle of Excellence:  Economy Restaurant Equipment & Supply and Globe Equipment Company
  
• High Achievers:  BradyPLUS, Curtis Restaurant Equipment, Lafayette Restaurant Supply, and Cook’s Direct
  
• Peak Performers:  Chef’s Deal Restaurant Equipment, Boston Showcase Company, Supreme Fixture Company, and Premier Culinary Solutions
  
• Powerhouse Award:  Johnson-Lancaster & Associates
• Learning Leader Award:  IS Restaurant Design Equipment & Supply
  

Outstanding Supplier Awards
Selected by SEFA Dealers, these awards recognize Supplier partners who consistently create value and go above expectations.

• Dealer Support:  Champion Industries
• Cooking Equipment:  Imperial Range
• Heavy Equipment:  Southbend Steam
• Ice:  Manitowoc Ice
• Smallwares:  Thunder Group
• Display Equipment:  Structural Concepts

“Anniversaries naturally invite reflection, but this conference also made one thing very clear,” said Cain. “Even 40 years in, SEFA is not standing still. The strength, engagement, and commitment across this group continue to create real momentum for what comes next.”

About SEFA
Founded in 1986, SEFA, LLC is a nationwide network of leading supply and equipment dealers and vendor partners. SEFA is a premier foodservice buying, marketing, and training group, empowering its partners through professional business services and a shared commitment to long-term success.