Feb 8, 2008
Contact: Kathleen Thomas     
      
          FMI

          202.220.0616

          kthomas@fmi.org


         
          Jack Chalden

          BDMetrics

          703.852.3081

     

ARLINGTON, VA – February 8, 2008 – The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) is partnering with BDMetrics to customize the experience for retailers, wholesalers, suppliers and others who attend the 2008 FMI Show plus MARKETECHNICS® to be held May 4-7 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV.

BDMetrics You-Based technology identifies relevant people, products, sessions and events for trade show attendees. After registering for the FMI Show, attendees will have access to a portal called FMIConnect®. Based on the person’s profile and interests, the portal will create a personal show guide that identifies exhibitors, educational sessions, press releases and social events that match the attendee’s needs.

The portal can also pair participants for peer networking, arrange appointments, sessions and events into an agenda planner. Personalized maps of the Show floor will help attendees to navigate the convention hall, identify exhibitors to meet and sessions to attend. All of this information is available through FMIConnect® weeks before, during and after the Show.
   
Exhibitors also have access to portals, called SmartBooth, allowing them to identify and interact with relevant prospects, and enhance their visibility and outreach before, during and after the event.

“Cutting-edge technology such as FMIConnect® can customize the experience for the 20,000 people attending the Show and help more than 800 exhibiting companies showcase their products,” said Brian Tully, FMI senior vice president. “Everyone will benefit by using their time most efficiently and obtaining the highest return on their investment in the trip.”

Rick Geritz, CEO of BDMetrics, said, “Our technology platform has been carefully developed to empower the time-tested face-to-face business experience for all participants with the integration of the strength and agility of BDMetrics personalization tools, the internet and the power of search.”

The FMI Show plus MARKETECHNICS® is the largest and most comprehensive food industry event in North America. Food retail and wholesale operators from around the world attend the Show to see the newest product and service trends and explore strategies for satisfying consumers and generating sales growth.

The FMIConnect® will be available to 2008 Show exhibitors and registered attendees through the FMI website: www.fmishow.com.


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Food Marketing Institute (FMI) conducts programs in research, education, industry relations and public affairs on behalf of its 1,500 member companies — food retailers and wholesalers — in the United States and around the world. FMI’s U.S. members operate approximately 26,000 retail food stores with a combined annual sales volume of $680 billion — three-quarters of all retail food store sales in the United States. FMI’s retail membership is composed of large multi-store chains, regional firms and independent supermarkets. Its international membership includes 200 companies from more than 50 countries.


BDMetrics is the creator of You Based™ personalization technology for leading trade shows and associations. This personalization technology customizes the entire event around the unique needs and interests of all participants and extends business relationships and interaction 365 days a year. The technology drives attendance, increases exhibitor participation, facilitates relevant business relationships and ensures positive constituent ROI. BDMetrics partners with leading tradeshow owners and associations to redefine and elevate the value of the face-to-face business experience and converts their communities into commerce.