The innovative, discussion-based format of this event will foster networking at a deeper level than a typical industry conference, allowing you to make real connections with peers across the industry. Conversations are designed to be industry-level and forward-looking, to avoid sharing any sensitive or proprietary information
In key business discussions, we’ll cover:
Participants will be divided into small teams of retailers and suppliers. During each session, an industry thought-leader or panel will provide leading-edge perspectives on the subject. Professional facilitators will pose questions or challenges related to the topic for teams to discuss. Key findings will be shared with other teams and thought-leaders; subject matter experts will share their reactions. To encourage networking, team members will change after each 2-hour discussion.
To provide maximum value from this unique experience, we’ll capture and aggregate the findings and share them exclusively with attendees after the event. These insights can help shape your own response to some of the most significant industry trends and position you and your company for future success.
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5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
6:45 AM - 7:45 AM
8:00 AM - 8:10 AM
8:10 AM - 9:00 AM
A dynamic and motivational speaker will outline mega-trends involving consumers and retailers, and explain why it’s imperative to base fresh food strategies around these dynamics. This kick-off presentation will help set the tone for the event’s meetings, discussions and networking.
9:15 AM - 10:00 AM
The food retail industry is increasingly focusing on emerging technologies, from AI to machine learning. However, even as this focus intensifies, fresh foods stakeholders need to understand how new technologies impact their segment of the business. How will this differ from the impact on Center Store or other segments? How can fresh stakeholders take innovative approaches to technology to solve key business challenges? What are the best test-and-learn roadmaps that the fresh industry can embrace now?
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
11:15 AM - 11:45 AM
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
1:45 PM - 2:30 PM
Enhancing food safety is central to the industry’s goals. However, retailers and suppliers often feel they are playing catch-up in the face of ongoing outbreaks and recalls, especially on the fresh foods side. Stakeholders can make progress by identifying the most promising solutions and mapping steps for the fresh industry to pursue. How can executives address essential topics such as consistent processes and procedures; the roles of government, media and technology; and improved coordination across the supply chain -- from growers to consumers? What are the best opportunities for impactful industry initiatives?
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
6:00 PM - 6:15 PM
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
6:30 AM - 7:00 AM
7:00 AM - 7:45 AM
Food loss is a major challenge on the fresh side, and emerging solutions have the potential to open a new chapter in the battle. These strategies tie into areas such as packaging, sustainability, recycling transportation, and the future of plastics. How will these play out in fresh foods? Will smart packaging accelerate the life of foods and reduce loss? How can promising solutions open the door to new industry-wide efforts?
7:45 AM - 8:00 AM
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
FreshForward will conclude with a powerful sendoff from an influential leader. This inspirational presentation will address why collaborative action is essential to accelerating progress, and how this can be achieved faster than many believe. It will include examples of situations in which collaborators succeeded by defying the naysayers and taking measured risks. Attendees will leave the event with a motivational message about pushing the fresh foods envelope for positive benefit.