Nab those face-to-face connections at IFPA Retail Conference June 9-10

Retailers and their supply chain partners will meet near Chicago June 9-10 for the International Fresh Produce Association Retail Conference.

Attendees will learn about and discuss the latest consumer trends, marketing strategies and technologies to come up with practical solutions, according to a news release.

Besides the education sessions and networking opportunities, the conference features a golf tournament. Registration for the conference and golf tournament are open, and space is limited.

Keynote speakers Anne-Marie Roerink of 210 Analytics and Joe Watson of the association will address consumer and industry trends, followed by a retail-reaction panel. Attendees will then join breakout sessions on several topics:

• Strategies to combat the pressure on unit and volume sales;
• How to satisfy the impatient shopper;
• The original plant-based diet – produce
• Operational opportunities to overcome pressured profit margins;
• Innovative, non-store-based models directly selling fresh fruit and vegetables to consumers; and
• Sustainability and social responsibility.

Built on what worked well at previous retail events hosted by Produce Marketing Association and the United Fresh Produce Association, the conference will be at the Hyatt Regency, Schaumburg, Ill., which is near Chicago. The golf tournament on June 9, will be at the Fox Run Golf Links, Elk Grove Village, Ill.

“When buyers and sellers get together, business happens,” Shawn Peery, vice president of produce for Albertsons Cos., said in the release. “I’ll be there, along with many other retailers, to take advantage of this conference so I can grow my business and satisfy my shoppers. Events like this allow us to learn, share and strengthen relationships.”

Watson said the association is grateful for presenting sponsors Avocados from Mexico and Procurant that make this event possible, as well as the multi-region, multi-national chains and regional retail banners such as Schnucks, Longo’s, Gelson’s, Trig’s and Food Lion.

"We are thrilled to have the retail community coming together in person,” Watson said in the release. This is a people-to-people business. We've managed through the pandemic but learning and connecting in person takes that to another level.”

To register, visit https://www.freshproduce.com/events/the-retail-conference/.