Unveiling Tomorrow: Exploring Key Sessions at FMI Midwinter Executive Conference

By: Doug Baker, Vice President, Industry Relations, FMI

The grocery scene is like an endless playground for artificial intelligence (AI) possibilities – a mix of high-tech talk and everyday applications. There's a buzz about the perks and challenges, like handling the risks of big language models and ads that give a super-customized shopping experience.

As the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference approaches, anticipation is building for a series of enlightening sessions exploring innovation, AI and the evolving landscape of consumer engagement that promise to shape the future of the grocery industry. Ready to ride the tide of innovation? Here's your exclusive preview of the sessions making headlines this January.

Two Friday Keynote Sessions Focusing on AI

The first is Taking AI Personally. In her annual State of the Industry address, FMI President and CEO Leslie Sarasin looks ahead at principles, potential guardrails and conversations food companies should be having to ensure future technological advances stay true to our industry's core value of customer service. Following, we'll explore the types of AI, what's already in use and future applications with Google Cloud's Jose Luis-Gomes, Putting Generative AI to Work for Food Retail. He'll share how these tools could transform organizational structure, workforce management, productivity, costs and consumer expectations.

Building an Innovation Mindset

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, fostering an innovation mindset has become imperative for businesses aiming to stay ahead of the curve. In addition to the keynotes, you won't want to miss dedicated sessions exploring strategies for building an innovation mindset within the grocery industry. From reimagining supply chain logistics to enhancing customer experiences through cutting-edge technologies, these sessions are sure to inspire industry professionals to think beyond conventional boundaries.

Generative AI

Integrating artificial intelligence into grocery stores is a familiar but tangible reality with immense potential. One standout session will delve into the world of generative AI and its applications. Imagine a shopping experience where AI algorithms dynamically adjust inventory levels based on real-time data, optimizing shelf space and minimizing waste.

Sessions will explore the transformative impact of generative AI on inventory management, demand forecasting and personalized shopping experiences. Attendees can expect to better understand how these technologies can revolutionize the grocery industry, creating more efficient and customer-centric operations.

Explore the agenda and you will find sessions to include:

• Foodtech: What's Winning, What's Lagging, What's Coming?
• Bionic Retail
• Driving On Shelf Availability Through Tech
• AI Developments and Impacts: Improving Supply Chain Efficiency and Sustainability
• From Basics to Breakthroughs: Navigating the eCommerce Landscape in Grocery Retail
• AI Developments and Impacts: Enhancing Customer Experiences with Responsible AI

The FMI Midwinter Executive Conference is poised to be a nexus of ideas, innovations and insights that will shape the trajectory of the grocery industry. It's a celebration of progress and a collective vision of the future – Join us for a glimpse into the next era of the grocery realm.

FMI Midwinter Executive Conference Agenda