By: Carol Abel, Vice President of Education Program Development, Food Marketing Institute
It’s the middle of winter, which means it’s time again for the food retail industry to gather together and discuss how to better leverage digital trends and consumer demands at the 2018 Midwinter Executive Conference.
Here are some numbers that breakdown who’s attending and what the program entails:
1,060 Registered attendees, another record number for Midwinter
204 Retailer and Wholesaler attendees
42 States represented
148 First-time attendees from retailers and brands such as Auto Mercado, Cargill, Chobani, Instacart, Keurig Green Mountain, MyWebGrocer, Ocado, Oracle, Sheetz, Starbucks and more.
86 Companies participating in Strategic Executive Exchange business meetings with more than 520 meetings planned over 4 days
20 Education sessions addressing the industry’s appetite for change focusing on digital transformation, consumer trends, technology, loyalty and more
52 Industry experts exploring issues that impact the retail and CPG industries
81 Companies have pledged to support the FMI Foundation through Stir It Up!, a lively cooking competition between food industry executives taking place on Sunday, January 28
4 Companies competing during Stir It Up! for awards in five Family Meals Categories
6 Gold Plate Awards highlight outstanding family meals promotional programs announced during Stir It Up!
117 Golfers participating in the FMI Food Industry Golf Tournament supporting FMI Leadership, Education, Advocacy, Development Fund (LEAD).
Be sure to check out the 9th hole where TCC Global will be hosting a fundraiser for the No Kid Hungry campaign that works to end childhood hunger in America. For each photo taken with a character in augmented reality, TCC will donate 100 meals to kids in need through No Kid Hungry!
5 FMI Leadership Executive Awards presented, including:
William H. Albers Award For Industry Relations
Sidney R. Rabb Award, For Statesmanship
Robert B. Wegman Award For Entrepreneurial Excellence
Herbert Hoover Award For Humanitarian Service
Glen P. Woodard, Jr., Award For Public Affairs
Future Midwinter Date: January 25-28, 2019 at the National Doral Miami