Last updated on September 8th, 2023
The COVID-19 pandemic threw the nation for a loop, dropping us all into a new world that’s still reeling from record inflation, supply chain pressures, political turmoil and global conflict. Through it all, independent grocers have delivered sustenance, stability and support to their communities.
As the post-pandemic landscape unfolds, NGA continues to offer guidance to independent grocers as they navigate this dynamic environment. To that end, the association is excited to announce the return of its Executive Conference and Public Policy Summit.
This premier c-suite event is a high-level gathering of industry leaders that not only offers a deep dive into the trends driving the industry but an exploration of the issues surrounding the policy that sets the rules for how we operate.
It’s designed to deliver executives and their leadership teams – whether that’s a CEO and VPs at a regional chain or the owner/operator of a single-store enterprise – in-depth industry forecasts, economic and business outlooks and networking opportunities with trading partners. It’s all aimed at achieving a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
This year’s NGA Executive Conference summit, scheduled for Oct. 22-25 at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, D.C., offers a forward-looking education lineup that will explore what the future holds for technology, marketing, policy and key store departments, as well as the state of the independent grocery industry.
The summit pairs high-impact education and networking with the opportunity to meet with federal representatives who craft policies affecting business. It is for owners, operators, CEOs, senior leaders and suppliers or service providers to independent grocers.
The roster of speakers (confirmed as of press time) represents some of the top leaders and voices in the business.
Opening the summit and setting the tone with the State of the Independent Grocer presentation will be Scott Moses of Solomon Partners, Wakefern’s Steve Henig and North State Grocery Executive Director Richie Morgan. They will explore the economic, regulatory and customer-first landscape and how well operators are positioned for the future.
The agenda also includes Dennis Host of Coborn’s and MDI’s Nick Carlino exploring the Future of Marketing; Niemann Foods’ Gerry Kettler on the Future of Talent; and KraftHeinz’s Stacy Cobb on the Future of Center Store.
Also on the agenda are Lauren Redman of Newport Avenue Market and UNFI’s Dorn Wenninger on the Future of Fresh; and URM Stores’ Ray Sprinkle and KeHE’s Shellie Wood on the Future of Grocery Distribution.
In addition, NGA SVP of Government Relations Chris Jones will explore the Future of Retail Policy, and I’ll be modertating a panel discussion on the Future of Retail Leadership that will include Weis Markets’ Kurt Schertle and Tim Lowe of Lowes Foods.
Rounding out the lineup will be sessions on the economy, food safety, technology, positioning and nutrition policy. On top of that, there will be a business-to-business program, as well as plenty of networking time for folks to make new connections, refresh old ones and share the common bond of independent grocery operators.
NGA would like to thank its sponsorship partners, including The Clorox Co., Ecolab, KraftHeinz and ReposiTrak, for their generous support of the summit.
I’ve always said that, as busy as we all are, it’s important to take some time away from your business to work on your business. NGA’s Executive Conference and Public Policy Summit is a great opportunity to do just that. Hope to see you in Washington.
Read more association news from The Shelby Report.
