Jun 13, 2016

By: Daniel Triot, Senior Director, Trading Partner Alliance, Food Marketing Institute and Grocery Manufacturers Association
Supply Chain Delivery

The retail industry supply chain is constantly evolving. New technologies allow us to improve the efficiencies of our supply chains and do a better job of bringing food and consumer products to the customer. At the same time, enhanced collaboration between suppliers and retailers greatly contributes to improving business practices for all trading partners involved and deliver those benefits to the consumer.

Are you helping mold the supply chain of the future? Are you an expert in the retail industry supply chain? Are you an expert in the food industry supply chain? Do you have a new technology or innovation to share that can help both suppliers and retailers enhance their supply chain? Then the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) have an opportunity for you. These two groups partner to create the Trading Partner Alliance (TPA), a joint industry relationship group that focuses on shared retailer-manufacturer supply chain efficiency issues, information technology and the adoption of environmentally-friendly business practices.

A TPA initiative, the 2017 Supply Chain Conference, focuses on transformational technologies that are enabling productivity and require new processes, and is looking for presenters. Topics of interest to our attendees include:

  • Omnichannel strategy to meet the consumer needs beyond the shelf;
  • Supply chain optimization to provide products to the consumer where and when they expect them at the best cost possible;
  • On-shelf availability;
  • Distribution, transportation and warehousing;
  • Product life cycle from product and packaging innovation to unsaleables, reverse logistics, code dating, food waste and hazardous waste;
  • Fresh food from farm to table and its supply chain challenges and opportunities;
  • Regulatory and compliance topics; and
  • Supply chain talent strategy to attract and retain the best the industry can offer. 

From April 30 through May 2, 2017 we expect over 500 food retailers, manufacturers and solution providers to convene in San Diego for the 2017 Supply Chain Conference and enjoy idea-stimulating educational sessions, interactive exhibits with the latest technology and relationship-building networking opportunities.

As we build our program, we’re looking for supply chain experts to share your expertise and experience at our 2017 Supply Chain Conference. Attendees expect practical, take-home guidance to help them:

  • Formulate, implement and incorporate supply chain, transportation & distribution solutions;
  • Reduce waste in the supply chain; and
  • Engage with trading partners and consumers in new and innovative ways.

Submit your proposals through the online portal no later than June 24, 2016.