With the 2026 IFSA Global EXPO in Dallas, Texas, fast approaching, HACO Head of Commercial and IFSA Board of Directors member SJ Barton outlines the Thought Leadership program at the event.
Throughout IFSA Global EXPO, which is taking place from 9-10 September, there will be three panel discussions taking place. The first will focus on food safety standards; another will take a deep dive into digital catering; and a final session will look at how airlines are offering premium experiences through the lens of the inflight services industry. You can register for IFSA Global EXPO here.
“These themes were influenced by where the industry is headed: toward stronger global standards, rising passenger expectations, increased operational complexity, the growth of AI and digital tools, and the need for airlines to create onboard experiences that are safer, smarter, and more memorable,” stated Barton.
“Holding these panel sessions at IFSA Global EXPO is important because it brings the full inflight services industry together: airlines, caterers, suppliers, technology partners, and decision makers,” he continued. “The sessions give attendees a chance to hear direct conversations on the topics shaping the business today. Delegates should make time to attend because they will walk away with practical insight, new ideas, and a better understanding of where the industry is headed.”
“The goal is to keep the conversations timely, relevant, and useful for attendees who are trying to stay ahead of change in their own businesses.”
Food Safety; Smart Catering & Premium Experiences to Shape Discussions
The panel titled “Food Safety First: The Future of Global Inflight Standards,” is set to spotlight the launch of IFSA’s latest World Food Safety Guidelines, as well as the broader industry-wide push toward stronger global standards across the inflight supply chain. It will be moderated by IFSA Government Affairs Director Allison Cooke, with confirmed panelists including gategroup Global Food Safety Process owner Laura Tantardini.
Barton explained, “Food safety sits at the center of passenger trust, operational excellence, and global consistency across the inflight supply chain. As airlines, caterers, and suppliers continue to operate across complex international networks, stronger and more consistent standards are critical to ensuring safe, reliable, and high-quality onboard service.”
The digital catering session, dubbed “Turning Data into Dinner: How AI Is Transforming Airline Catering,” will explore how airlines, caterers, and OEMs are using smarter forecasting, digital ordering, inventory planning, and personalization tools to improve efficiency while reducing waste and complexity.
Moderated by IFSA Treasurer Paul Mills, speakers during the session include Airbus Carbin & Cargo Architect and Airbassador Michael Bauer; United Airlines Managing Director of Hospitality Programs Aaron McMillan; and Paxia CEO Rodney Duty.
“Digital catering was selected because technology is quickly changing how airlines plan and deliver food and beverage programs. AI, forecasting tools, digital menus, pre-ordering, inventory planning, and payment technology are helping the industry to better match what passengers want onboard,” commented Barton, “which ties in directly to reducing waste and improving profitability.”
“Holding these panel sessions at IFSA Global EXPO is important because it brings the full inflight services industry together: airlines, caterers, suppliers, technology partners, and decision makers.”
The final panel, “Premium by Design: The New Era of Airline Hospitality,” will explore what the concept of “a premium experience” really means to today’s travelers across every travel class.
Confirmed panelists include Southwest Airlines Director of Inflight Services Elly Jurgensen; and JSX Senior Director of Customer Experience Ben Kaufman.
“Premium experiences are important because airlines are increasingly using food, beverage, hospitality, and brand partnerships as ways to stand out,” argued Barton. “And ‘premium’ is no longer limited to the front cabin; passengers across cabins expect more personalized, elevated, and memorable experiences. As premium economy grows and customer expectations continue to rise, the onboard experience has become a major opportunity for differentiation and loyalty.”
From chef driven menus and dining on demand to elevated buy on board and powerful brand collaborations, this session will explore how airlines are creating new and exciting experiences for passengers across the board.
“The direction of the thought leadership sessions continues to evolve as the industry evolves,” concluded SJ. “The goal is to keep the conversations timely, relevant, and useful for attendees who are trying to stay ahead of change in their own businesses.”
As well as the panel discussions taking place, there will also be live chef demos taking place on the show floor. View the current schedule for IFSA Global EXPO here or sign up to attend the event.
