Apr 22, 2016

By: Margaret Core, Vice President, Industry Events, Food Marketing Institute
CBX One on One meetings

Are you headed to FMI Connect with questions that specific manufacturers or suppliers can answer? Are there categories and or companies you want to connect with that can help you meet your goals? Do you want to find a way to enhance your Expo experience – at no charge?

Then do what thousands of attendees and exhibitors did at last year’s FMI Connect Business Exchange (CBX), when more than 1,700 face-to-face meetings took place in the CBX, exhibit booths and private suites in the CBX area.

Retailers and wholesalers who register to use the CBX Scheduler tool will have the opportunity to schedule one-on-one meetings with the suppliers who can help them solve problems and find solutions that will add to their bottom lines. The Scheduler will match retailers and wholesalers with suppliers they want to make contact with and allow them to schedule one-on-one meetings. And it’s free to attendees and exhibitors alike!

Expanded this year is the number of companies who have CBX Suites and will host a full set of appointments:

  • Catalina
  • InComm
  • Kellogg Company
  • Market 6
  • Mondelez
  • The Kraft Heinz Company

In addition, a new program, Pulse, has private meetings for omnichannel technology conversations.

“What I love about FMI Connect is that you get these one-on-one executive exchanges,” said Barry Clogan, a senior vice president with MyWebGrocer and a CBX participant last year. “There’s just so much energy, so much potential, so much sharing of information.”

Less than 10 Steps to CBX Success

  1. When you register to attend FMI Connect and you’re asked if you want to participate in the CBX program, say “Yes.”

     

  2. Log in to the CBX Scheduler and enhance your profile, indicating the products and services you’re looking for.

     

  3. Set your goals in advance. Know what you and your team want to accomplish when you get to Chicago.

     

  4. Start early scheduling meetings with companies you want to connect with.

     

  5. Check back frequently as more attendees and exhibitors sign on to the Scheduler.

     

  6. Get in touch in advance with those you’re setting up meetings with. That way you both can come to the meeting prepared.

     

  7. Think about the questions you want to ask in the meeting:
    • What products or services are you looking for? What are your purchasing plans for the year?
    • Are there potential opportunities the company you’re meeting with can offer you?
    • Which categories or products might help you grow sales and profits?
    • What can you take away from the meeting that will help you?

       

  8. Go to the meeting!

     

  9. Plan to continue the conversation later, both at the Expo and after FMI Connect.

Download the Attendee’s Guide to CBX for further details.

There will be a lot to see and do at FMI Connect. One sure way to make sure you take advantage of every opportunity is to participate in the CBX.