FMI | FAQ

What is GroceryLab 2026 and why should I attend?

The GroceryLab conference is a new, hands-on forum created by FMI to bring together food-retail industry players (retailers, suppliers, technologists) to collaborate on next-generation grocery retail experiences. You should attend if your organization is engaged in grocery retail, wholesale or supply-chain operations and you’re looking for innovation in shopper experience, data/analytics, technology deployment (especially AI) and co-creation of future grocery ecosystems.

When and where is GroceryLab 2026 taking place?

The GroceryLab conference will be held June 2-4, 2026, at the Gem Theatre in Detroit.

How can I register for GroceryLab 2026?

Registration for the GroceryLab conference will be available by invitation only. For more information, please sign up for updates on the conference webpage: https://www.fmi.org/grocerylab

Who attends GroceryLab 2026?

GroceryLab is a forum to reimagine how we serve the shopper in a world that moves at the speed of technology. The audience for the GroceryLab conference is food industry senior leadership with a professional focus across merchandising, marketing, digital commerce, omnichannel, information technology or technology. GroceryLab is an invite-only event and exclusive to FMI members.

What is the cost to attend? Are there early-bird discounts or group rates?

Registration fees for the GroceryLab conference vary based on membership status and timing. Group or multi-attendee rates may be available for organizations sending multiple participants.

What is the dress code for the GroceryLab conference?

Business casual attire is recommended for all sessions and networking events at the GroceryLab conference.

Who from my company will benefit most from attending GroceryLab 2026?

Roles that will benefit most from attending the GroceryLab conference are: chief merchants, chief operating officers, chief information officers (CIOs) or technology leads in grocery retail; marketing/retail media heads in retail or CPG within the grocery space; and innovation, data-analytics, ecommerce or digital transformation leaders in food retail/wholesale. Because the event focuses on the intersection of grocery, technology and innovation, those operating at the strategic or cross-functional level will gain the most.

What topics will be covered at GroceryLab 2026?

Topics covered at the GroceryLab conference include: co-creation of a zero‐friction grocery ecosystem, technology advancements (AI, data analytics, ecommerce), shopper experience design, operations/fulfilment innovation and collaboration across retailers and suppliers.

What makes GroceryLab 2026 different from other similar events?

The GroceryLab conference is a new format geared toward co-creation rather than only education. It specifically emphasizes cross-functional collaboration (merchants, operators, technologists, marketers) in the grocery ecosystem, rather than purely retail-tech or supplier conferences. It is tailored for the grocery sector (rather than broad retail) and focuses on innovation, technology and experiential learning (hands-on, collaborative).

Will there be networking opportunities at GroceryLab 2026?

The GroceryLab conference is a collaborative format, where participants co-design and work together. Networking and peer-interaction are built into the agenda.

What can I expect to learn or gain from attending GroceryLab 2026?

At the GroceryLab conference, you can expect to gain: fresh insights into how grocery retail is evolving via technology, data and shopper experience; exposure to peers, innovators and partners in grocery retail/CPG—which may spark partnerships or new ways of thinking; practical frameworks or inspiration to help your business move from idea to execution—particularly in technology, operations and shopper experience; and a deeper understanding of how the grocery ecosystem (retailers, suppliers, tech) is collaborating for the future.

How can I become a sponsor or exhibitor at the GroceryLab conference?

Sponsorship opportunities for the GroceryLab conference are available for solution providers and partners supporting financial and operational excellence in the food industry. For details, visit the sponsorship page at https://www.fmi.org/grocerylab/sponsorship.

Who can I contact for questions about the GroceryLab conference?

For questions about the GroceryLab conference please reach out to Doug Baker.

Where can I find updates or news about the GroceryLab conference?

Updates about the GroceryLab conference will be posted on the FMI event webpage and shared through FMI newsletters and social media channels. Website: https://www.fmi.org/grocerylab

Can trade media attend the GroceryLab conference?

Trade media may reach out to media@fmi.org to request attendance to FMI events. Some FMI events are closed to media. Please see our press credentials for events details: https://www.fmi.org/newsroom/press-credentials