The National Grocers Association has announced that blind adventurer Erik Weihenmayer will be the keynote speaker for the 2023 NGA Show to be held Feb. 26-28 at the Caesars Forum Convention Center in Las Vegas.
The opening session is sponsored by The Kraft Heinz Company, a supporter of NGA and the independent supermarket industry.
Weihenmayer will bring NGA audiences a message about harnessing the power of adversity, emphasizing the importance of building a strong “rope team” and illuminating how to develop a “no barriers mindset.”
“Erik Weihenmayer’s life story is a stunning example of perseverance, commitment to one’s goals and a passion for life,” said Greg Ferrara, president and CEO of the NGA.
“Erik demonstrates that nothing is impossible, and we’re certain he will inspire our members to pursue ideas and innovations that they may have thought were beyond their grasp. We look forward to Erik setting the tone for a dynamic and inspirational 2023 NGA Show.”
Despite losing his vision at age 14, Weihenmayer is a climber, paraglider, skier and kayaker who doesn’t allow blindness to interfere with his passion.
In 2001, Weihenmayer became the first blind person in history to reach the summit of Mount Everest. In 2008, he completed his quest to climb the Seven Summits – the highest mountain on each continent. In 2003, he competed in Primal Quest, among the toughest adventure races in the world – 457 miles, nine days, 60,000 feet of elevation gain and no time-outs – and his team was one of 42 to cross the finish line out of the 80 that started.
Weihenmayer’s adventures have earned him dozens of awards, including an ESPY, Nike’s Casey Martin Award and the Helen Keller Lifetime Achievement Award. He was featured on the cover of Time magazine, among others, and has also carried torches for both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
In 2005, Weihenmayer co-founded No Barriers USA, a nonprofit that helps people of diverse abilities develop a No Barriers Mindset – to attack challenges head on, solve problems, build winning teams and serve others.
Weihenmayer’s talks resonate with diverse audiences, from graduating college students to large sales teams to CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. He has shared speaking platforms with luminaries such as Secretary of State Colin Powell, President Bill Clinton and Prime Minister Tony Blair.
The NGA Show has been where independent grocers gather for more than 30 years, connecting supermarket retailers and wholesalers, food manufacturers and service providers worldwide to share innovative solutions and best practices that support and strengthen the independent supermarket channel.
For more information and to register, visit theNGAshow.com.
