International Fresh Produce Association says registration has opened for The Retail Conference, set for May 1-2 at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix.
Attendees will take a deeper dive into the state of the retail market, micro-targeted sales data, artificial intelligence and USDA’s new organics rules, along with having time to network, according to a news release.
“We’ve designed this year’s conference to maximize networking with dozens of buyers and to address the most important issues facing the retail supply chain today,” IFPA Vice President Joe Watson said in the release. “Understanding the pushes and pulls companies face every day helps leaders hone their strategies to drive sales throughout the supply chain, and, ultimately, to the consumer.
IFPA said that positioning The Retail Conference right after The Consumer Connection Conference (set for April 29 to May 1) in the same hotel maximizes industry marketers’ time and travel investment. The Consumer Connection Conference features insights from experts in consumer trends and behavior. It also offers connections with direct-to-consumer communicators – retail dietitians, foodservice tastemakers, and nutrition, lifestyle and ag communicators who influence shopper choices, according to the release.
“We’re in a new location (Phoenix) and a bit earlier in the year,” Watson added. “The Retail Conference immediately follows The Consumer Connection Conference in the same hotel. We wanted to make this convenient for everyone who wants to attend both events.”
Both events have limited attendance to maintain a more intimate and productive experience, IFPA said.
Retailers and buyers already registered for The Retail Conference include Walmart, Sprouts, Target, Albertsons, Harris Teeter, Whole Foods, Dollar General, Wakefern, Sobeys, Costco Wholesale, 7-11, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Giant, Hannaford, Gelson’s and more, according to the release. A full list is available on the event’s website.
“In this competitive marketplace, it’s important for our industry to take a couple of days to re-ground themselves in the issues that are driving challenges and opportunities,” Daneil Bell, director of produce for Grocery Outlet, said in the release. “When you do that in a venue that brings the full supply chain together, you maximize the value for the time and resources spent.”
Kicking off with golf tournament
The event tees off May 1 with a golf tournament at the Devil’s Claw course at the Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Ariz. Registration is open only to conference attendees, IFPA said.
The course features high mounding and significant elevation changes on fairways, with pristine uncluttered views of the Sierra Estrella Mountains, according to the release. All golf awards will be presented at the welcome reception that evening from 6-8 p.m. One buyer will be assigned to every foursome to ensure buyer-seller networking, IFPA said.
“I encourage everyone to register now,” Watson said. “These events can sell out, and the golf tournament sells out early.”
Related link: Registration for The Retail Conference
