Nov 27, 2007
ARLINGTON, VA — November 27, 2007 — Food retail and wholesale operators from around the world will see the latest consumer product trends and explore strategies for satisfying customers and generating growth at The FMI Show plus MARKETECHNICS® May 4-7, 2008, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV.

     


FMI anticipates more than 800 exhibiting companies, with a projected attendance of more than 20,000 people. Companies of all types will find opportunities to improve value, efficiency and productivity in this once-a-year gathering of food industry leaders from more than 100 countries. Registration is now open at www.fmishow.com.

     


The 2008 FMI Show plus MARKETECHNICS® will reflect the excitement of Las Vegas while including the classic elements of past FMI Shows, including unparalleled industry research, trend-savvy education sessions and cutting-edge technology and pharmacy components.

     


Expanded Schedule

This year’s schedule runs Sunday, May 4, through Wednesday, May 7, giving attendees an added day of education sessions. They may arrive on Sunday to attend the keynote address and network with colleagues and then attend education sessions and walk the Show floor through Wednesday.

     


Co-Located Events

MARKETECHNICS®: The breadth of available technology is staggering, and every retail and wholesale food executive should have a working knowledge of the options and their benefits. Attend technology sessions and visit the Show floor exhibits to make sure you get the best return from your information technology investment — increase efficiency, reduce costs and create a streamlined shopping experience for your customers. For more information, contact Pat Shinko at pshinko@fmi.org or 202.220.0705.

     


Supermarket Pharmacy Conference: Access to pharmacists, medication, information and healthcare solutions make food stores with pharmacies one-stop shops for consumer wellness needs. Find out how pharmacies enhance the overall customer experience and fit into the total supermarket business. For more information, contact Laurie Gethin at lgethin@fmi.org or 202.220.0715.

     


United Fresh Marketplace: Explore the newest innovations in convenient, ready-to-eat items, new and exotic produce and creative merchandising tools to increase sales and profitability of fresh produce.

     


United FreshTech: Find technical solutions and food safety innovations that will improve the efficiency and profitability of your pre- and post-harvest produce operations.

     


New Product Showcase

Discover what’s new in food, beverage and other consumer products in the New Product Showcase. More than 140 products from 90 companies are expected this year.

     


Keynote Speakers Focus on Environment, Industry Changes, Branding

Learn about valuable industry trends from keynote speakers. Topics include:

     

  • "Green to Gold — How Smart Companies Use Environmental Strategy to Innovate, Create Value and Build Competitive Advantage," Andrew Winston, founder of Winston Eco-Strategies and author of Green to Gold.




    Explore what every executive needs to know about managing environmental challenges facing society and business. Learn how the best companies have implemented sustainability strategies to benefit the consumer, community and the bottom line, overcoming obstacles to establish themselves as industry leaders.




  • "The Future of the Internet," John Patrick, author of Net Attitude and a leading Internet visionary.




    Patrick believes the rapid evolution of the Internet is about to make today's Internet seem primitive. Get a visionary glimpse of the future beyond the Internet as we know it. Learn how businesses and institutions of all kinds, including food retailing, can use the Internet to become "on demand." Blogging and podcasting have already changed the way in which companies interact with customers but these are just the beginning. Find out what technological and societal changes loom on the horizon as the Internet becomes available everywhere, all the time from any device: cell phone, PDA, laptop.




  • "BRANDchild — Today’s Global Kids and Brands," Martin Lindstrom, brand futurist and author of BRANDchild and BRAND sense.




    Lindstrom draws on data gathered from the largest study ever conducted on children’s relationship with brands, comparing their behaviors across the United States, Europe, South America and Asia. Sharing his singular insights into both the minds of children and the necessary components of branding, Lindstrom will show you:





    • How to target the next generation of consumers.

    • Why kids are becoming almost as important decision makers as their parents.

    • The branding and marketing trends of tomorrow.



  • Breakthrough Consumer and Industry Research: Trends and Speaks

    Hear keynotes addressing FMI’s exclusive research, U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2008 and The Food Retailing Industry Speaks 2008, to understand how new demographic, economic and consumer trends are affecting the supply chain and retail operations. Learn how global competitive pressures, food and product safety, energy costs, healthcare and sustainability trends will affect consumer confidence and the financial health of the food industry.



Education Sessions

Discover in-depth program content with a series of education sessions focused on industry issues, including:



  • Technology — MARKETECHNICS® and workshops highlight the newest innovations.

  • Consumer Insights — Learn how food retailers, wholesalers and suppliers see their customers and how to engage them and provide relevant solutions by personalizing the shopping experience.

  • Store Operations — Regardless of store format or size, the goal is universal: to increase sales and lower expenses and deliver a solid bottom line. Discover tactical approaches that focus on revenue enhancements, cost savings opportunities, retail technology, shrink and asset management. The store operations sessions will emphasize planning, preparation and delivering results.

  • Health and Wellness — Health and wellness concerns continue to gain momentum, and are of major importance to consumers, retailers and wholesalers. Consumers want to preserve their health and expect information and healthy choices from the retailers they shop. Companies must meet the needs of an aging population that is increasingly interested in staying healthy and eating right. Among all retailers, the supermarket — especially stores with pharmacies — is best suited to meet consumer health and wellness needs, with many advantages and opportunities to capitalize on this trend.

  • Leadership/Talent Gap — The retail and wholesale food industry is facing a major crisis: a management talent gap. As the Baby Boomer generation begins to retire, recruiting new talent and filling positions from senior management to the front lines is your top concern. Start thinking about your leadership and talent plan now to ensure the future of your business.

  • Sales/Marketing and Merchandising — Growing profitable sales, leveraging high-impact marketing and executing innovative merchandising strategies are critical to drive consumer demand. This track will explore successful retailer and manufacturer business practices and strategies being deployed in the areas of sales, marketing and merchandising.



Supplier Diversity Program

The FMI Supplier Diversity Program, an initiative that connects women- and minority-owned businesses with retail buyers, returns for its 11th year. The program gives supplier participants access to exhibit space and services at a discounted rate. For more information, contact Todd Turner at 202.220.0662 or tturner@fmi.org.




Superior Service Awards Honor Outstanding Store Managers

FMI recognizes retail store managers who excel in customer and community service with the Store Manager Superior Service Awards. Contestants submit detailed profiles of their accomplishments, which are judged by a panel of experts. FMI will honor nine of the best submissions at this year’s FMI Show.




Finalists will receive free registration to the Show and complimentary hotel accommodations. Three grand prize winners will receive $1,000 each. Entries must be received by March 3, 2008. For more information, contact Bonnie Cobbs at 202.220.0802 or bcobbs@fmi.org.




Group Advantage Program

Enjoy the Group Advantage Program when registering 10 or more attendees. The benefits include:


  • Discounted registration rates

  • Hotel room block assistance

  • Group concierge to help you plan your local activities

  • Exhibitor appointment assistance


For more information, contact Suzanne George at 202.220.0820 or sgeorge@fmi.org.




FMI’s Student Intern Program

Students in food marketing programs from universities across the United States will be present at The FMI Show plus MARKETECHNICS® to meet and learn from the most important people in the food industry – FMI member company executives. They will be available to interview for management and internship positions. Résumés will be posted on the FMI website prior to the Show. Don’t miss this opportunity to staff your organization with high-quality talent dedicated to food marketing. For more information, contact Stephanie Davis at 202.220.0722 or sdavis@fmi.org.




International Attendees

The benefits for international attendees at the FMI Show include:


  • International Trade Center: Conduct new business transactions at the International Trade Center with:

    • GlobalConnect computers with Internet access and listings for exhibitor      products and services.

    • Consolidator support for international trade, shipping and customs.


  • NEW — A special session in Spanish: “Evolving Consumer Expectations in Latin America,” in cooperation with the Asociación Latinoamericana de Supermercados (ALAS), representing the industry throughout Latin America, and courtesy of The Coca-Cola Retailing Research Council Latin America

For more information, contact Marc Arena at +1 202.220.0816 or marena@fmi.org.




The FMI Show plus MARKETECHNICS® will be an event like no other, offering unprecedented service and customized benefits. Register now at www.fmishow.com.




Contact:
     
Claudia Peters

202.220.0654

cpeters@fmi.org