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Jacqueline Epifanie has built relationships across financial services, energy, aviation, and logistics technology. Along the way, she learned a lesson that still shapes how she approaches a room full of strangers: leave space for a real conversation.
On CLDA’s Final Mile Fridays, the Chief Marketing Officer at Dispatch Science shared an early-career experience when a carefully prepared introduction became too much of a pitch. Honest feedback prompted her to change her approach, and that awkward first meeting eventually developed into a valuable mentoring relationship.
Today, she brings that experience to helping others feel more comfortable, ask thoughtful questions, and build meaningful connections at business events.
Joining her was CLDA President Lorena Camargo, who offered her perspective as a carrier, business owner, and recent exhibitor. Epifanie describes herself as an extrovert; Camargo identifies as an introvert. Their conversation showed how different personalities can find their own ways to connect.
Whether you’re preparing for CLDA’s Final Mile Forum or another business gathering, their advice offers a practical place to start.
You don’t need a memorable elevator pitch to begin a worthwhile conversation. Often, the event itself gives you something to talk about.
Epifanie recommends questions that invite people to share their experiences:
These questions can lead naturally into industry challenges, business decisions, or ideas someone wants to explore.
Camargo shared a lesson she learned through improv: “It’s better to be interested than interesting.”
Listen to the answer before deciding what to say next. Ask a follow-up question. Share something relevant from your own experience. That gives both people room to participate without putting pressure on either person to deliver a polished introduction.
Approaching a group that’s already talking can feel intimidating, even for someone who regularly attends conferences.
Epifanie looks for open body language and space in the circle. When the group appears receptive, she asks whether she can join. Once included, she listens before adding her perspective.
The people already in the group have a role, too. Camargo encouraged experienced attendees to leave room for newcomers, especially when catching up with longtime friends.
A small gesture can make a lasting difference. At her first CLDA event, Epifanie recalled how Mark Sanner took time to introduce her to people in his network. Those introductions helped her feel welcome and gave her a starting point for relationships she continued building afterward.
You can offer the same welcome by inviting someone to join your table, introducing them to another attendee, or briefly explaining the conversation they’ve just entered.
A business event brings people together professionally, but shared interests can make those connections more personal.
Camargo enjoys asking people what television shows they’re watching. She and Epifanie also recalled discovering a shared enthusiasm for soccer, which led to an extended conversation about the sport.
Travel, favorite shows, sports, and the city hosting the event can all provide common ground. Follow what interests both people rather than forcing every exchange back to business.
The same principle applies when explaining your company. Give someone enough information to understand what you do, then leave space for them to ask questions. You can always arrange another conversation if there’s more to explore.
For women attending events in male-dominated industries, walking into the room can bring an added sense of pressure.
Epifanie described learning to focus on curiosity, expertise, and useful insights rather than feeling she needed to establish all her credentials immediately. She also makes an effort to support other women and bring them into conversations.
Camargo recalled feeling intimidated at her early industry events before recognizing the value of her own knowledge and experience.
Their perspectives offer encouragement to anyone who feels out of place: you have something to contribute, even while you’re still getting comfortable. Ask a question, share an observation, or offer an experience that could help someone else.
Confidence can develop through those small interactions.
Some networking challenges are surprisingly simple: a plate in one hand, a drink in the other, and someone approaching to introduce themselves.
Camargo suggested keeping what you’re carrying manageable and leaving a hand available for introductions. Epifanie sometimes chooses to network first and eat afterward.
Both also emphasized pacing yourself. Conference days can start early and end late. Make your own choices about alcohol, stay within your limits, and preserve enough energy to participate the next day.
For introverts, that may also mean taking breaks. Camargo explained that stepping away briefly helps her return with the energy to enjoy conversations with people she may see only once a year.
You can be engaged without being available every minute.
Checking your phone, glancing at watch notifications, or looking over someone’s shoulder can leave them feeling overlooked.
Epifanie encouraged attendees to be present and listen for understanding. Give the person in front of you your attention, even if the conversation is brief.
When it’s time to move on, a warm ending is enough:
“I’ve really enjoyed our conversation. Let’s stay in touch.”
You might mention that you’re heading to a session or planning to greet a few other people. There’s no need to spend an entire reception together to show that you valued meeting someone.
Epifanie connected these habits to respect: for the person’s time, the setting, and the relationship you’re building.
Camargo’s recent experience exhibiting reinforced how valuable booth conversations can be.
Exhibitors can help attendees explore resources, discuss operational challenges, and learn from their experience working with other businesses. Those conversations don’t require an immediate purchase decision.
Be open about what you’re interested in and what you’re still figuring out. A useful exchange may help you understand a problem differently or identify an option to revisit later.
If you’re attending with coworkers, consider spending part of the event separately, too. Epifanie makes a point of sitting with people she doesn’t know at meals, creating opportunities she might otherwise miss.
A good conversation gives you a natural starting point for staying connected.
Epifanie typically sends a LinkedIn connection request within 24 to 48 hours, including a personalized note referencing the exchange. She continues building the relationship by engaging with relevant posts or sharing information related to the person’s interests.
Camargo often combines a LinkedIn connection with a follow-up email.
The exact timing can vary. What matters is helping the other person remember the conversation and giving them an easy way to continue it.
Be patient with responses. Attendees return to travel, full inboxes, and businesses that need their attention. A delayed reply doesn’t necessarily mean someone wasn’t interested in staying connected.
For people preparing to attend the Final Mile Forum for the first time, smaller gatherings can provide a comfortable starting point.
During the conversation, Epifanie highlighted the first-time attendee reception, sponsored by Dispatch Science, and the women’s brunch as opportunities to meet people and begin recognizing familiar faces.
Camargo encouraged attendees to use the event app to learn who’s attending and identify people they would like to meet.
Returning attendees can help by making introductions, opening up their groups, and inviting someone new to sit with them.
You don’t need to meet everyone or have the loudest voice in the room. As Epifanie put it, networking is about being “curious enough to start a conversation and then confident enough to stay in it.”
Start with one introduction. Give the other person room to respond. See where the conversation takes you.
Put these tips into practice at CLDA’s Final Mile Forum. Meet fellow final mile professionals, exchange ideas, and build relationships you can continue long after the conference ends.
Coming for the first time? Start with one introduction. We look forward to meeting you.
Register Now for Final Mile Forum 2027
Watch Don’t Know Anyone? Let’s Break the Ice on CLDA Final Mile Fridays for more personal stories and practical conference networking advice from Lorena Camargo and Jacqueline Epifanie.
I’ve always felt that one of the best things about CLDA is the people. I’ve seen firsthand how a conversation at an event, a round of golf, or even a little friendly competition can turn into a lasting relationship or a new business opportunity. That’s a big part of what makes Final Mile Forum special, and it’s why I’m particularly excited about what we have planned for Orlando in February.
2027 marks CLDA’s 40th anniversary, and an opportunity to celebrate how far we’ve come as an organization while focusing on what matters most to our members today: building relationships, finding new opportunities, and growing their businesses.
Our committees and staff have been working hard to put together a program that delivers real value, from educational sessions designed to help members expand into new markets to networking experiences that bring people together in ways a traditional conference simply can’t.
And some of the experiences I’m most excited about will happen before the conference officially begins.
One of my favorite things about Final Mile Forum is the opportunity to get to know members outside the traditional meeting setting. Some of the strongest relationships that have been built in this industry started during conversations away from the conference rooms and our preconference events are designed to create exactly those opportunities.
Fastest Courier Challenge
Anyone who knows me knows I’m a big Formula 1 fan. Last year, I participated in the Fastest Courier Challenge at Circuit of the Americas (COTA), and it was honestly one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever been a part of. Beyond the thrill of racing, I made some fantastic connections with fellow members that have continued well beyond the event.
This year, we’re moving the competition to the Orlando Kart Center, and from what I’ve seen, this track could make things even more interesting. Orlando’s Silverstone layout is nearly two-tenths of a mile longer per lap, with faster, sweeping corners and a 170-meter straightaway where drivers will have a real opportunity to race side by side. It’s also a longer, more demanding track, with faster cars and more excitement. As a racing fan, that’s exactly the kind of competition I want to be part of… and you don’t have to be a race expert to have a great time, in fact crashing might be the best part. If you’ve got a sense of adventure and want to make some new connections, I’d highly recommend joining us on the track.
Golf Outing
I also love a good round of golf, and there’s a reason golf has always been such a big part of doing business. Whether you’re an experienced golfer or someone who only picks up the clubs a few times a year, spending a few hours on the course gives you a chance to really get to know people.
The conversations, friendly competition, and shared experiences often lead to lasting relationships. And at CLDA, those relationships can turn into real business opportunities.
Women in Logistics Brunch
Another event I’m especially excited for is our Women in Logistics Brunch which enters it’s second year at FMF27.
I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in the planning process, and it’s given me an even greater appreciation for the importance of this event.
Logistics has historically been a male-dominated industry, and creating a space where women can speak openly about their experiences, challenges, and opportunities is incredibly valuable. It’s an opportunity to share perspectives, build meaningful connections, and support one another’s professional growth. I’m excited to see this event continue to grow.
Of course, these events are just the beginning.
Throughout FMF27, we’re putting a strong emphasis on helping members find new opportunities to grow their businesses. Our educational programming and networking experiences will focus on expanding into new markets, developing new relationships, navigating industry challenges, and identifying opportunities across the logistics supply chain.
We’re also creating more opportunities for meaningful interaction between carriers, shippers, industry partners, and the people who can help take your business to the next level.
There’s much more to share, and I’m looking forward to highlighting some of the exciting programming and experiences we have planned as February approaches.
If you haven’t renewed your CLDA membership for 2027, now is a great time to do so. Members who renew and register for FMF27 by November 30 can take advantage of our special $995 registration rate, saving $700 compared to the non-member price.
Forty years is quite a milestone, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than bringing our industry together to build relationships, create opportunities, and look toward the next 40 years.
Renew your membership, register for FMF27, and join us in Orlando for what promises to be a memorable celebration!
Renew or Join CLDA | Register for FMF27
Michael Wright
CLDA Executive Director
By Ruth C Correa, Chief Executive Officer, Cheetah Final Mile LLC
I’ve had the opportunity to experience firsthand how much our industry depends on strong relationships, collaboration, and a willingness to learn from one another. Those same values are a big part of why my involvement with the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) has been so meaningful to me.
One of the highlights of the past Final Mile Forum was helping bring women across the logistics industry together for our Women in Logistics Brunch. What started as an opportunity to connect became a space for meaningful conversations about leadership, growth, challenges, and the experiences we share as women working in logistics and final mile.
The response was incredible, and I’m excited that we’ll be bringing the experience back for the 2nd Annual Women in Logistics Brunch at the Final Mile Forum in Orlando in February 2027. My hope is that we continue building on what we started—creating an environment where women can connect, learn from one another, develop stronger professional relationships, and encourage the next generation of women leaders in our industry.
My involvement with CLDA has also given me the opportunity to serve our members and contribute to an association that continues to move our industry forward. As I come up for reelection to the CLDA Board of Directors, I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to serve and look forward to the possibility of continuing that service, supporting our members, and helping create initiatives that strengthen our CLDA community.
I’m especially excited about what lies ahead at the 2027 Final Mile Forum and hope to see many familiar—and new—faces at the Women in Logistics Brunch.
Outside of my CLDA involvement, my team at Cheetah Final Mile, LLC continues to support customers through customized logistics solutions, including warehousing, cross-docking, specialized home delivery, medical freight, and final-mile services.
I look forward to continuing to connect, collaborate, and grow alongside my fellow CLDA members.
Fall is officially here, but things are heating up here at CLDA. In a little over a week we will be in Scottsdale Arizona for the next installment of our in-person regional networking series – CONNECT AZ. Join CLDA and Openforce on October 8, 2026 as we take over Sophia’s Kitchen for a great night of networking and education.
A little over two weeks ago we officially launched registration for the 2027 Final Mile Forum (FMF27) which will be held February 10-12 at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista in Orlando, FL. We’ve lowered the price of registration since last year and come up with an extra special offer that’s almost too good to be true. Join CLDA or renew your membership and register for FMF27 by November 30,2026 and save a total of $700 off of the non-member price.
Our staff has been hard at work alongside the FMF27 Committee, Education Committee, Marketing Committee and Shipper Task Force to make this year’s event something truly special.
2027 marks CLDA’s 40th anniversary, and we’re building a Final Mile Forum worthy of the occasion. FMF27 will bring together the people, ideas and opportunities that move the final-mile industry forward, with an expanded lineup of education, new structured networking experiences and more ways to connect with the partners who can help grow your business. From entering new markets and verticals to building stronger relationships with carriers, shippers and industry partners, this year’s Forum is being designed around creating real opportunities for our members.
For our Affiliate members, sponsors and industry partners, we’re also rethinking what sponsorship can look like. New year-round partnerships, event packages and standalone opportunities give your company more ways to stay visible, engage directly with attendees and put your brand at the center of the FMF27 experience. Go beyond a logo on a sign. Put your brand behind one of our signature pre-conference events, like the high-energy Fastest Courier Challenge or our second annual Women in Logistics Brunch. Create a destination attendees will seek out with experiences like the Paws & Relax Puppy Lounge or the Final Mile Rest Stop Massage Lounge. These opportunities are designed to create interaction, generate conversation and give attendees a reason to remember who made the experience possible.
With new programming, new ways to connect and plenty of surprises planned for our 40th anniversary, FMF27 is shaping up to be a Final Mile Forum you won’t want to miss.
Michael Wright
CLDA Executive Director
By Christina Rosell Quiroz, Hackbarth Delivery Services, Final Mile Solutions & Marketing Manager
How do you establish reliable service in a state as big as Texas?
If you’re Kelly Picard, you do it all at once.
In 2017, Hackbarth opened 11 Texas terminals simultaneously. In a state where a route that works in Dallas may make little sense in Amarillo, that mattered. Any shipper who has tried to cover Texas with one or two hubs knows how quickly service can thin out between cities.
As CEO and the second generation of the Hackbarth family to lead the business, Kelly knew what the company could do for customers, especially with critical goods in pharmaceutical and medical distribution. Hackbarth has stepped in when shippers needed dependable service since Rob Hackbarth, her father, founded the company in 1975. Kelly saw an opportunity to bring that same reliable service to Texas on a much larger scale.
So, Hackbarth went bigger.
Kelly spent weeks traveling the state, evaluating locations and preparing for the launch. It was an ambitious and impactful investment that ultimately enhanced what Hackbarth could offer. Rather than serving Texas as a set of isolated cities, the company built out a strategic intrastate footprint, which stands at 13 locations today. That presence also opened the door to Oklahoma and Arkansas. Combined, these moves led to expansion in Hackbarth’s linehaul, B2B and B2C operations across Texas to the Southeast. What was once a string of standalone Southeast markets is now a connected, highly coordinated, multi-state network.
The Texas expansion was a leap, and its timing proved consequential. Home delivery grew. Every delivery is now more visible. Two-day and same-day promises have pushed consumer expectations higher. Shippers are competing for market share based on how quickly they can adapt. This means they now need agile partners that can keep up, all without losing control of service. Hackbarth had already made that investment in 2017.
Now operating 40 locations across 12 states with more than 800,000 square feet, Hackbarth remains privately owned, family-led, and is certified as a woman-owned business by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. Growth expanded the map, but it has not changed the company’s approach, which comes down to one question: “What does this customer’s network actually need?”
Knowing how many stops one route can absorb before service slips or which markets are ready for a dedicated terminal is crucial. Finding the answer can be overwhelming and make both cost and reliability difficult to predict. For Hackbarth, fifty years of experience turns the answer from a guess into a strategy.
Today, the company is still finding new ways to help shippers reach more customers while keeping service personal.
Are you joining us in Orlando?
Final Mile Forum 2027 will be here before we know it, and I’m hoping to see as many of our CLDA members there as possible.
And right now, CLDA members have a great opportunity to make plans early and save. Members who renew their CLDA membership and register for FMF by November 30 can take advantage of a special $995 registration rate.
As we prepare for Orlando, I’ve been thinking a lot about the conversations we need to be having as an industry.
Running a final mile business has never been simple. But lately, the questions we’re asking as business owners have changed.
It’s no longer just: How do we get more business?
It’s: Are we ready for the business when it comes? Are our margins where they need to be? Are we managing risk as we grow? Are we keeping up with compliance? Are we using our data to make better decisions?
These are questions I’m thinking about in my own business, and I know from conversations with many of you that I’m not alone.
That’s one of the things I’ve enjoyed most about CLDA Final Mile Fridays. These conversations have given us an opportunity to hear different perspectives, ask better questions and learn from one another about the issues affecting our businesses.
And that’s exactly what I’m looking forward to continuing at Final Mile Forum 2027 in Orlando.
As valuable as our virtual connections are, there’s still nothing quite like bringing the CLDA community together in person. FMF is our opportunity to learn from one another, build new relationships, reconnect with longtime friends and have conversations that can help us build stronger businesses and a stronger industry.
So if Orlando is on your calendar, renew your CLDA membership and register for FMF by November 30 to lock in the special $995 member rate.
I’m looking forward to seeing you there.
See you in Orlando!
Lorena Camargo
CLDA President
Learn more and get involved with CLDA today!
CLDA Final Mile Fridays with FMF27 Conference Chair, Andrew Brady
Three days away from your business.
Airfare. Hotel. Registration. And an inbox that’s probably still going to follow you to Orlando.
So what makes an industry conference worth it?
It’s a fair question, especially for small and midsize final-mile companies where the person attending the conference may also be the person customers call, employees depend on and operations still need when something goes wrong.
And with registration for the 2027 Final Mile Forum opening Monday, it’s a question worth asking now.
But maybe we’re asking the wrong question.
Instead of asking, “What am I going to get from this conference?” ask:
“What am I going to do with the opportunity of having three days outside my business?”
Because simply showing up doesn’t create ROI. What you do while you’re there does.
It’s tempting to measure networking by how many people you meet or business cards you collect.
But one strong relationship can be worth more than 50 introductions.
That’s especially true in final mile. Most carriers can’t be everywhere or do everything. Your customer may need a delivery in a market you don’t serve. A shipment may require capabilities you don’t have. A national opportunity may require reliable partners across multiple regions.
When that happens, who are you going to call?
The strongest networks are filled with people you trust enough to put in front of your customer.
So don’t just look for someone who can give you business today. Talk to the carrier from another market. Introduce yourself to the new attendee. Sit with someone you don’t know at breakfast.
Build the network your business may need tomorrow.
Most of us walk into a conference knowing what we’re looking for: a customer, a partner, a solution to a problem or maybe a new piece of technology.
But some of the most valuable opportunities are the ones you didn’t know to look for.
Maybe you learn about a vertical you’ve avoided because it seemed too complicated. Maybe technology can now solve an operational problem you’ve simply learned to live with. Or maybe a conversation makes you stop and think, “Why aren’t we doing that?”
Walk the exhibit floor even if you’re not planning to buy anything. Ask what’s changed. Attend a session that’s slightly outside your wheelhouse. Talk to people you don’t already know.
You don’t know which conversation will matter yet.
Sometimes the value is discovering the question you hadn’t thought to ask.
For some business owners, three days away may be the hardest part.
Customers are still calling. Deliveries are still moving. Problems don’t conveniently stop because you’re at a conference.
But there’s value in getting far enough outside the day-to-day to think about what’s next.
You get to spend time with other business owners who understand the same pressures you do. You hear what they’re seeing, what they’re worried about and how they’re solving problems that may be sitting on your desk right now.
Growth requires more than getting better at running today’s deliveries. Leaders also need space to think about tomorrow’s business.
Sometimes working on your business requires physically stepping outside of it.
And the value doesn’t end when you get home.
Someone you meet in Orlando may not have an opportunity for you in February, but six months later, their customer may need coverage in your market. A conversation may lead you to explore a new service. An exhibitor you meet may have the solution you need a year from now.
The Final Mile Forum may last three days.
The relationships, ideas and opportunities that start there can last much longer.
So don’t measure the ROI only by how many sessions you attended or business cards you collected.
Ask yourself what you brought home:
One relationship. One idea. One new capability. One solution. One opportunity that changes what your company does next.
Because the goal isn’t simply to spend three days at a conference.
It’s to make those three days matter during the other 362.
What will those three days actually look like in Orlando?
Watch CLDA Final Mile Fridays: “Inside the Final Mile Forum,” featuring CLDA President Lorena Camargo and FMF27 Conference Chair Andrew Brady, for a behind-the-scenes look at what’s being planned for FMF27.
The 2027 Final Mile Forum is heading to Orlando, where CLDA will also celebrate its 40th anniversary.
Register here.
We’ll see you in Orlando.
CLDA Final Mile Fridays brings together industry leaders and experts for practical conversations about the issues affecting final mile businesses. Follow CLDA for upcoming episodes and conversations designed to help move the final mile industry forward.
The information shared in this article and the accompanying Final Mile Fridays conversation is intended for general educational purposes and should not be considered legal or insurance advice. Companies should consult with their own insurance, legal and risk-management professionals regarding their specific operations.
As we move further into 2026, one thing is clear: our industry continues to evolve, and with that evolution comes both opportunity and responsibility.
This month, I had the privilege of joining fellow CLDA members in Washington, D.C. for our annual Fly-In. It was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we show up together with a unified voice.
During our time on Capitol Hill, we met with legislators and staff to advocate for our industry, specifically around the Department of Labor’s proposed changes to the definition of independent contractors. This issue is critical to the future of our businesses and the flexibility that has long been a cornerstone of the final mile and logistics sector.
We shared real-world insights on how these changes could impact our operations, our workforce, and ultimately the customers who rely on us every day. These conversations matter. Advocacy like this ensures that decision-makers understand not just policy, but the people and businesses behind it.
I’m incredibly proud of the members who participated. Your willingness to engage, educate, and represent our industry at this level speaks volumes about the strength of this association.
Advocacy at this level is essential, and it requires ongoing support. I encourage you to support the CLDA Advocacy Fund so we can continue showing up, sharing our perspective, and representing our industry where it matters most.
Support the CLDA Advocacy Fund
As we close out April and reflect on National Volunteer Month, I want to recognize and thank the individuals who help move CLDA forward behind the scenes. Our committees are where ideas turn into action and where members have a direct hand in shaping the future of our association. If you have been considering getting involved, there is no better time to step in.
Planning for our next conference is already underway, and there are many opportunities to contribute. Join a committee, share your perspective, and help drive the initiatives that move our association forward.
If you missed it, I encourage you to take a moment to watch our breakout session from this past FMF that highlights what it means to serve on a committee, how these groups work alongside the Board to advance CLDA’s mission and the relationships and connections built through active participation.
Beyond advocacy and engagement, I continue to hear from many of you about the day-to-day realities you are navigating, including rising operational costs, increasing customer expectations, and the ongoing need to balance speed, compliance, and service quality. These challenges are real and shared across our network. So is the resilience that defines this industry.
As we look ahead, I encourage each of you to stay engaged. Participate, connect, and contribute. The strength of CLDA has always come from its members.
Thank you for the work you do every day and for the role you play in keeping critical supply chains moving.
Together, we are not just adapting. We are helping shape what comes next. Take action with CLDA!
Lorena Camargo
CLDA President
One of the best parts of attending the 2026 Final Mile Forum is where it takes you. Austin is not just the backdrop for FMF26, it is part of the experience. Known for its bold flavors, creative chefs, and laid-back vibe, Austin offers a food scene that rewards curiosity and conversation.
Whether you are grabbing a quick bite or hosting a client dinner, eating like a local is the perfect way to extend your FMF26 connections beyond the conference floor.
No visit to Austin is complete without barbecue. Locals take their brisket seriously, and many spots sell out early. Expect tender meat, simple sides, and lines that move faster than you think. Barbecue joints are casual by design, making them great places to continue conversations sparked at FMF26 sessions.
Pro tip: Go early and do not overthink your order. Brisket and sausage are always safe bets.
Austin’s food truck scene is one of the most vibrant in the country. From tacos and burgers to global flavors and late-night comfort food, food trucks are everywhere and full of personality.
These casual settings are ideal for informal networking. Grab a few colleagues, try something new, and let the relaxed environment do the rest. Some of the best ideas and relationships are built over shared meals without an agenda.
Tex-Mex is part of Austin’s identity. Think fresh tortillas, queso that disappears fast, and margaritas that encourage longer conversations. Whether you choose a classic neighborhood spot or a modern take on the cuisine, Tex-Mex meals are social by nature.
They are perfect for small group dinners where connection matters just as much as what is on the plate.
Austin’s culinary history is rich with restaurants that define the city’s character, from historic breakfasts to classic burgers and celebrated barbecue. Austin’s commitment to local ingredients and creative menus shines. These spots reflect the city’s innovative spirit and pair well with thoughtful discussions about growth, leadership, and the future of the final mile industry.
These iconic establishments reflect the breadth of Austin’s food culture and make for great stops around FMF26 sessions. If you are hosting a sponsor or meeting with peers, these restaurants strike the right balance between polished and approachable.
Eating like a local is not just about great meals. It is about creating shared moments that turn introductions into real relationships. Austin’s food scene encourages you to slow down, connect, and enjoy the experience together.
At FMF26, connection is the new currency. Let Austin’s flavors help you invest wisely.
Ready to join us in Austin? Register today!
The Final Mile Forum is more than an annual event. It’s a gathering of leaders, innovators, and partners who shape the future of last-mile delivery. FMF26, happening February 18–20 at the Austin Downtown Marriott, brings together a community where connection is the new currency and where the relationships you build can elevate your business long after the conference ends.
Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or joining us for the first time, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are practical, high-impact tips to help you get the most value from your time at this year’s Final Mile Forum.
FMF26 is packed with sessions, panels, networking events, and exhibitor opportunities. Reviewing the agenda before you arrive helps you stay focused and intentional. Identify:
• Sessions that align with your company’s goals
• Speakers you want to learn from
• Times when you can explore the exhibit hall
• Moments to recharge so you can stay fully engaged
A clear plan helps you make smarter decisions onsite while still leaving room for spontaneous conversations that often become the most rewarding part of the Final Mile Forum.
The FMF26 exhibit hall is one of the most valuable spaces at the conference. It’s where new tools, technologies, and partnerships come to life. Don’t just browse. Engage.
• Ask exhibitors what business challenges their solutions help solve
• Look for partners that can strengthen your service offerings
• Share your operational goals so exhibitors can match their insights to your needs
Remember, this is a community-driven event. Every exhibitor is here because they serve your industry’s challenges, growth, and evolution.
FMF26 is built on the idea that who you know is how you grow. Before arriving in Austin, make a short list:
• People you want to reconnect with
• New partners or peers you’d like to meet
• Companies you want to learn more about
Make a point to introduce yourself, ask questions, and exchange contact information. Even a brief interaction can lead to long-term partnerships. In the final mile world, relationships build ROI, and the Final Mile Forum is the ideal place to invest in them.
This year’s event is in the heart of downtown Austin, one of the country’s most vibrant and innovative cities. Use the surroundings to maximize your experience:
• Host a coffee chat with a new connection at a local café
• Explore Austin’s food scene after sessions wrap
• Take a walk around Lady Bird Lake or South Congress to reset before another full day
Austin’s creativity and energy are the perfect setting for fresh ideas and dynamic conversations.
FMF26 is interactive by design. During sessions, panels, and discussions:
• Ask questions
• Share your perspective
• Provide insights from your company’s experience
You play a role in shaping the event’s value. The more you engage, the more you’ll take away.
Your FMF26 experience doesn’t end when you leave Austin. Strengthen new connections by following up within a few days:
• Send a brief note or message
• Share a resource or idea you discussed
• Offer to continue the conversation
This simple step turns quick introductions into lasting business relationships.
Once you’re home, share what you learned. Consider:
• A short team presentation
• A recap email
• Recommended next steps based on event insights
FMF26 can spark new ideas, but real transformation happens when you bring those ideas back to your organization.
The Final Mile Forum is a unique space where industry knowledge, innovation, and relationships intersect. It’s where leaders challenge assumptions, explore new solutions, and build the kind of partnerships that push our industry forward.
By preparing with intention, showing up with curiosity, and engaging fully, you’ll walk away from FMF26 not just informed but inspired.
Registration is open now for the 2026 Final Mile Forum, taking place February 18–20 in Austin. Early bird discounts end December 31, 2025, and discounted flights and hotel rooms are available through the CLDA event block.
Secure your spot today and make FMF26 the most impactful final mile forum of your year.
