Celebrating Women in Food Retail Energy, Refrigeration, Sustainability and Store Development

By: Rebecca Daniels, Director, Education, FMI

I always look forward to Women’s History Month because I continue to learn new facts about the contributions of women in our world. One of the most inspiring trends in recent years is the continued growth in the number of women occupying key positions in STEM fields within the grocery industry. This progress is not just a statistic, it's a testament to the determination and talent of women who have broken barriers and defied stereotypes to excel in their chosen fields. As the month of March and Women’s History Month draws to a close, the FMI team and conference planning committee are gearing up for this year's FMI Energy & Store Development Conference (E+SD).  

At E+SD, we're committed to doing our part to encourage and support women in the food industry. From providing platforms for women to showcase their expertise to actively seeking out diverse voices for our conference sessions, we're invested in fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Last year's conference agenda was enriched by the presence of women leading insightful sessions. From Sarah Johnston's Carbon Roadmap Workshop to Jennifer Butsch's Regulatory Temperature Check, these sessions were not only well-received but also instrumental in driving meaningful discussions and shaping industry best practices.

E+SD is a prime opportunity to celebrate and unite the incredible women driving innovation and progress in the E+SD community, which is why we're delighted to introduce the inaugural Women's Community Breakfast as a part of our 2024 event agenda. This new addition is open to all and is tailored to empower and foster collaboration among the dynamic women at E+SD. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with peers, share valuable insights and cultivate lasting connections.

But our work doesn't stop there. We're calling on all women in the E+SD community to step up and be part of this movement of growth and empowerment. Whether it's submitting proposals for sessions, joining our retailer planning committee, sharing your expertise during discussions or growing our meaningful network, your voice matters and your contributions are invaluable in shaping the future of our industry.

This year, we're building a conference program that includes a lineup of expert women who are poised to lead minds in food retail energy, refrigeration, sustainability and store development. Let's celebrate the achievements of women in our industry, and together, let's pave the way for a more inclusive future. Join us at the 2024 FMI Energy & Store Development Conference, where empowerment meets collaboration and where we'll redefine what's possible. Register your teams today!

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