Fantastic Experience Keynoting IDFA’s International Event!
Woo hoo, talk about a full-circle moment! This is a recap of keynoting the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) international event, where I shared my latest generational research on the manufacturing and operational workforce.
I’m inspired by leaders who walk their talk and bring a passion for innovation, service, and excellence. That energy was on full display at IDFA this week. It was both professionally meaningful and personally inspiring.
An industry that touches millions
This storied industry impacts millions and millions of people every day and has experienced phenomenal growth, and for good reason. Their products are helping more families, communities, and people than ever before.
Highlights from the IDFA event
A few moments I’ll always remember:
- Hearing International Dairy Foods Association CEO Michael Dykes share his wise, and genuinely fun, perspective. We had great conversations, and I learned a lot.
- A main stage “ask me anything” Q&A with the always-brilliant Tom Wojno. Fun fact: Tom and I first met years ago when I keynoted the National Restaurant Association annual event. Small world!
- IDFA bringing together an incredible group of thinkers, speakers, and executives from across the globe.
It was an honor to keynote this international event and see firsthand the commitment these executives are making to unlocking the potential of every generation in their workforce, from Gen Z to Boomers.
What I shared on the multigenerational workforce
During my very interactive keynote, I dug into:
- Hidden generational trends reshaping today’s manufacturing and operational workforce, from recruiting and retention to talent development
- What drives strong cross-generational performance, trust, and communication
- How to think about succession planning at a critical time for the industry
I also gave away many signed copies of Zconomy!
Why this one felt personal
As many of you know, I love working in industries where four generations work side by side, in person, every day. That creates real uniqueness in the understanding, approach, and solutions each one needs. Growing up in a town deeply connected to this industry (shoutout to Blue Bell Creameries!), it felt full circle to share my latest Gen Z and generational research with the people leading it forward.
I’m incredibly excited to see the continued innovation and vision the IDFA community brings to the industry and the world. You inspire me.
When four generations work side by side every day, understanding each one isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s the whole job.
Q: What did Jason Dorsey speak about at the IDFA international event?
A: In a very interactive keynote, Jason Dorsey shared hidden generational trends reshaping today’s manufacturing and operational workforce (from recruiting and retention to talent development), what drives strong cross-generational performance, trust, and communication, and how to think about succession planning at a critical time for the industry.
Q: What is IDFA?
A: IDFA is the International Dairy Foods Association. Its CEO is Michael Dykes, and its international event brought together thinkers, speakers, and executives from across the globe.
Q: Why did keynoting IDFA feel personal to Jason Dorsey?
A: Jason grew up in a town deeply connected to the dairy industry (with a shoutout to Blue Bell Creameries), so sharing his latest Gen Z and generational research with the people leading it forward felt full circle.
Posted: March 23rd, 2026
Categories: Generations | Inspiration | Keynote Speaking | Leadership | Trends | Workforce
Written by Jason Dorsey
Jason Dorsey is an acclaimed generations and behavioral researcher and speaker. He's received over 1,000 standing ovations for his unique keynote presentations. Jason has led over 200 research studies. Adweek calls him a "research guru." His mission is to deliver new insights and practical strategies that solve business challenges for leaders.
