May 5, 2016

By: Doug Baker, Vice President Industry Relations-Private Brands, Technology, Food Marketing Institute
Tech Zone at FMI Connect

Like every other industry sector, technology has transformed the food retail business over the last 20 to 30 years, and will continue to do so, probably forever. Just as your customers are constantly adopting the latest electronic gadgets, you too must be sure you’re up-to-date on the latest food-related technology that shoppers will be using and will help you drive more profit to your bottom line.

Visit the Retail Technology Zone at FMI Connect where you’ll discover companies such as ADC (Booth 2803), Empower Software Solutions (Booth 1743) and MyWebGrocer (Booth 1020) that answers questions like:

  • how to satisfy customers who now live in a 24/7 world and want product information in real time;
  • when to make the best use of innovations in digital marketing and advertising; and
  • what you need to know to accept mobile payments.

I’m excited for the Information Technology and Data Management conference track which will highlight, among many other topics, the evolving use of iBeacon technology to engage shoppers, how to uncover the profits in e-commerce, whether you’re vulnerable to cyber-risks and the impact artificial intelligence could have on the retail industry.

Dive into the TECHbar! You’ve been to the Genius Bar at the Apple Store, right? Then you know this is the place where you’ll be able to engage one-on-one with experts who have answers to questions about your customers’ use of technology and the solutions you need to make your business more profitable. You can follow up on conference sessions you attend in casual discussion with the speakers and simply chat with peers who are working just as hard as you are to stay up to date on food-related technology.

Listen in on demonstrations and discussions throughout the day on the Tech Byte stage. Be the first one in your company to know how wearable technology, Google glasses and the Internet of Things are going to affect the food retail business in the very near future.

The pace of technological innovation gets faster all the time. Your customers know it, and you need to know it too. Join me at FMI Connect.