1:00 - 1:25 PM
Profitability and financial success for Independent Grocers with FMS
Courtyard 3
Come learn what drives profits and creates profit leaders for independents across the US.
Presented by Robert Graybill
[more]
Robert Graybill has over 30 years of grocery experience and is the president and CEO of FMS Solutions, the industry leader in accounting, payroll, and consulting services.
1:30 - 1:55 PM
Refresh, Remodel, or New Build: What is Right For Your Store? with DSG
Courtyard 3
With all of the project options, it can be a daunting task to determine the right scope of work for your store. During this presentation we will discuss strategies for refreshing an existing store, possible rebates and incentives, potential ROI, and how to determine the right scope and timing for your store's needs.
Presented by Jessica Magnussen
[more]
With12+ years' experience with AWG's DSG Design Group and 20+ years' experience in Interior Design, Jessica has worked on projects with many different levels of involvement and scopes.
2:00 - 2:25 PM
Cyber Security Panel Discussion with AWG Sales & Solutions
Courtyard 3
As the world becomes more interconnected, security of your data is not optional. In this session, a panel of subject matter experts will provide important information regarding preventative measures and solutions from experts in the technical, legal and insurance fields. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn what actions you can take today to be prepared for the unexpected.
Presented by Shelly Moore
[more]
Shelly is responsible for the Information Technology and Security functions supporting AWG and its members. This includes alignment of technology roadmap and strategy to business priorities and ensuring the contracts and services used are reliably integrated, secure and cost controlled. Her direct reports are responsible for Application Service Development & Delivery, Enterprise Data & Analytics and Infrastructure & Security.
2:30 - 2:55 PM
Revolutionize Retail: Integrating EV Charging for Business Growth with Zevtron
Courtyard 3
Discover how integrating Electric Vehicle (EV) charging can boost your retail business. This session explores innovative installation options like using existing light poles, and how EV chargers can attract new customers and enhance loyalty programs. Learn about generating additional revenue through advertising and incentives, and how this eco-friendly addition aligns with zero-emission goals and drives business growth.
Presented by Chuck Kaufmann
[more]
Hello, my name is Chuck Kaufmann. I am a global sales and business development executive with experience spanning 30+ years. I have built and managed high-performing worldwide sales teams in the technology sector that resulted in a revenue stream exceeding $1B. I have been with Zevtron LLC for almost five years now solidifying a foundation on which to build in the dynamic EVSE market.
3:00 - 3:25 PM
Going beyond loyalty: boosting your current acquisition and retention strategies with Upside
Courtyard 3
Join Upside as we delve into customer allegiance. This session will examine how growing competition and cross-shopping behavior is challenging grocers’ existing loyalty programs, digital marketing, and pricing strategies. We’ll identify the importance of these investments, and introduce additional tactics grocers can use that work alongside these programs to better acquire new, retain existing, and engage infrequent shoppers.
Presented by Tyler Renaghan
[more]
Tyler is a business development leader with over 15 years of experience in identifying new segment opportunities, developing high-performing sales teams, and elevating company profiles with target markets. In his current role as Vice President of Grocery, he is responsible for developing the go-to-market strategies that drive merchant adoption and continued growth through our retail partners on the Upside platform. Prior to joining Upside, held critical leadership roles at Instacart and Groupon.
3:30 - 3:55 PM
AI Pricing and Forecasting with BR Data
Courtyard 3
Effective strategies leverage technology and data-driven approaches to optimize pricing decisions, and drive profitability. Discover how AI, ML, and predictive analytics are empowering retailers to gather real-time data and insights that guide pricing options. Discover how dynamic pricing philosophies can suggest new opportunities for growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction in grocery retail.
Presented by Joseph Dwyer
[more]
Joseph has spent more than a decade focused on economic data analysis. This work included building models, maps, dashboards, and software packages. He loves all things data science, especially hearing about problems in need of a data solution. At BRdata, he is currently leading projects on Independent Insights, optimal price recommendations, demand forecasting, customer segmentation and engagement, and more.
4:00 - 4:25 PM
Three Best Practices to Prevent Credit Card Skimmers in Your Store with TRUNO
Courtyard 3
Criminals have realized that the combination of fewer workers aware of skimming devices and more people swiping their card each day mean that grocery stores can be a target for a bigger payday. Join TRUNO as they outline three key best practices every retailer needs to put into action to combat skimmers.
Presented by Uwe von Sehrwald
[more]
Uwe von Sehrwald joined the TRUNO team in 2006 as the General Manager of Sales for South Texas. Today as the Vice President of Sales - Central Region, Uwe empowers his team to deliver secure, stable, and integrated retail technology solutions to retailers of all sizes.
4:30 - 4:55 PM
EPA and the AIM Act: What Retailers Need to Know About New Refrigerant Regulations with Hussmann
Courtyard 3
A high level yet detailed review of the regulatory challenges facing grocery retailers today from the new and proposed regulations driven by the EPA and the AIM Act. This will include discussion of what some of the potential impacts may be.
Presented by Tim Anderson
[more]
Tim has vast experience designing, developing, and testing refrigerated equipment with synthetic and natural refrigerants and is currently responsible for distilling/communicating regulatory actions affecting Hussmann’s retail customers. Tim serves on several committees within AHRI, ASHRAE, UL, IEC, and ISO including the board of the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy.
1:00 - 1:25 PM
Navigating Budget-Conscious Consumer Trends with Innovative Payment Solutions with ECRS
Courtyard 4
With inflation on the rise, consumers are more budget-conscious and seek ways to reduce costs without compromising on healthy food options. This shift presents an opportunity for independent grocers to bolster their local communities by embracing diverse payment options such as Healthy Benefits/OTC cards, Healthy Savings, digital coupons, online EBT/SNAP acceptance, and more. In this session, we will explore the variety of solutions available to independent retailers today, ensuring that shoppers can maintain a healthy lifestyle with access to affordable, nutritious food.
Presented by Otis Flieth
[more]
Otis Flieth, with over 29 years of retail technology consulting experience in the independent grocery and retail industry, has led ECRS in sales and consulting for the past 23 years. His expertise lies in helping retailers maximize efficiency and profits through technology solutions and best practices implementation. With a background in Accounting and Business, Otis excels in conveying the benefits of technology through a proven system that delivers real Return on Investment (ROI).
1:30 - 1:55 PM
Countdown to FSMA 204: Essential Steps Grocery Retailers Need to Take Now with iFoodDS
Courtyard 4
Discover the intricacies of FSMA 204 and understand the role you play as a grocery retailer in complying with this regulation. Gain insights from one of the rule’s architects and get practical guidance on steps you must take now to prepare for the compliance deadline of January 20, 2026.
Presented by Andrew Kennedy
[more]
Andy Kennedy, formerly with the FDA Office of Food Policy and Response and member of the Food Traceability Rule Working Group, played a key role in architecting the FSMA 204 rule. Now, Andy aids food companies throughout the supply chain in navigating the regulation and managing supplier data.
2:00 - 2:25 PM
Macro Forces Impacting Consumers and the Retail Environment with Kellanova
Courtyard 4
Mission Value, Fed & Fulfilled, Flexible Balance, Blurred Lines, and Amplified Experience are impacting retail now and into the future. Learn more about Macro Trends impacting young and older shoppers.
Presented by Caryn Grey
[more]
Caryn has extensive marketing experience with companies, such as Burger King, Safeway, and Kelllog’s, now Kellanova. Her consumer and shopper insights have contributed to many successful marketplace initiatives and food innovations. Her latest work has given life to seasonal opportunity, everyday moments, and micro-occasions to unlock more sales potential.
2:30 - 2:55 PM
Increase SKU Productivity with Category Initiatives
Courtyard 4
Hear how collaboration among multiple AWG teams ultimately comes to life in planograms with optimal products for your store. Using a mix of data-driven and vendor insights, Category Initiatives aim to help you realize long-term cost of goods improvement with the most productive SKUs on your shelves.
Presented by Brian Adams
[more]
Brian has over 30 years of retail experience in multiple arena’s grocery, big box, and dollar channels. He spent nearly 15 years in operations, managing single, multiple, and regions of stores and the remaining time in Category Management, Center of Store, and currently Category Management Execution. He has been with AWG for almost 7 years. Outside of work he enjoys playing sports, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends.
3:00 - 3:25 PM
Winning with AWG Brands
Courtyard 4
Your shoppers have come to expect private brands for quality and value, especially in budget-constrained times. Come learn about how AWG Brands (Always Save, Best Choice, Clearly by Best Choice, and Best Choice Superior Selections) can help you deliver a wide variety of high quality, consumer-recognized brands at a good value to win every day with value-seeking shoppers.
Presented by Emily Detwiler
[more]
Emily has over 20 years in the CPG and grocery retail space; with 10 dedicated to driving Private Brand strategy. An avid marketer and brand builder, she serves AWG members by leading the AWG Brands and cross-functional teams to help retailers win at shelf with a strong private brands program.
3:30 - 3:55 PM
Understanding Consumer Shifts to drive Growth with P&G
Courtyard 4
Understanding today's context and how shopper behavior has shifted is essential in order to build successful strategies. This session will focus on key shopper behaviors that can help retailers understand how shoppers make choices from where to shop, what to buy and how to get the most value.
Presented by Mariana Y. Eagen
[more]
After completing her BBA at the University of Texas at Austin, Mariana Eagen joined P&G 15 years ago as a Consumer & Market Knowledge Associate Manager for Gillette Venus. Since then, she has completed an MBA from Indiana University and had a variety of roles from Advanced Analytics across P&G's Beauty portfolio, Global Marketing Optimization and most recently six years focusing on Shopper Insights & Analytics.
4:00 - 4:25 PM
Importance of Winning Breakfast and Cereal with Post Consumer Brands
Courtyard 4
Why are Grocery retailers positioned to win at the Breakfast occasion and how can traffic driving stock-up categories like Cereal help you win more than your fair share of the most critical households and most critical pantry-loading trips
Presented by Steve Langlois
[more]
I have been in the CPG industry for 30 years, starting as a Broker Rep and getting into Category Management in the early days. Spent 20+ years at a Fortune 100 company leading category strategy for one of the largest categories in Grocery.
4:30 - 4:55 PM
Your Gateway to Maximizing Frozen Treats Space & Sales with Wells Blue Bunny
Courtyard 4
Leveraging the power of the AWG Partner Gateway to optimize your assortment and grow sales within your space
Presented by Jeff Mullan
[more]
Jeff Mullan brings 20+ years of CPG experience to his Category Development role at Wells Enterprises. Jeff lives in the KC area with his wife and four children, who think his job is sitting in an office with the door locked eating Bomb Pops and Ice Cream cones all day.
9:30 - 9:55 AM
What is a ‘Pitch Book’… and why would I need one if I’m not currently selling my business? with Crossroads
Courtyard 3
As a business owner you have dedicated much of your life to your business. For many it is like a child to them. For all it will at some point come to an end. Planning is crucial and a well-built Pitch Book will serve your business and family well as you come to different crossroads in your time as a business owner.
Presented by Carey Berger
[more]
Carey Berger is the president of the BSR Group, a consulting firm specializing in developing estate and business plans for family-owned businesses primarily in the grocery industry. The singular goal is to help clients make their own informed decisions. Carey works closely with AWG and its retailers through the Crossroads program.
10:00 - 10:25 AM
Working As One Retail Media Network with AWG RMN
Courtyard 3
Navigating the Retail Media landscape: A panel discussion on strategies, collaboration, and impact on consumer engagement.
Presented by Carissa Teschner
[more]
Kraft-Heinz-Robert Thatcher, Associate Director Omni Marketing & eCommerce | Grocery Wholesale Area Nestle Purina-Ellie Hattrich, Sr. Manager, Shopper Marketing AWG-Carissa Teschner, Omni Supervisor, Randy Lane, Director of Marketing
10:30 - 10:55 AM
Going BEYOND: How You Can Gain up to 150 Gross Margin Basis Points in 120 Days with ProfitTrax
Courtyard 3
Learn how the right combination of all-in-one technology and daily practices will reduce internal profit erosion, streamline workload, and improve inventory turns, labor efficiency, and product freshness. Plus, how to train and enable store operations teams to understand and put in place 6 Vital Steps for Whole Store Profit Optimization.
Presented by Larry Miller
[more]
Larry Miller is a Profit Strategist. Since 1990 he founded the National Supermarket Shrink & Operations Survey revealing the causes and cures of retail gross margin erosion in supermarkets. He may be best known as the creator of the ShrinkTrax program for cashier-caused shrink prevention & productivity improvement, The Total Store Manager and Customer Service Excellence Training programs and today the creator of the ProfitTrax, the Whole Store Profit Improvement Program.
11:00 - 11:25 AM
Electronic Shelf Labels: Beyond the Price Change with RDS
Courtyard 3
As labor shortages continue and costs continue to rise, RDS is helping retailers enhance in-store efficiency, automate operations, and reduce labor costs generated by the daily implementation of pricing policies with Electronic Shelf Labels from SES Imagotag. From point of sale to backoffice products, managing shelf pricing has never been easier than with RDS’s dynamic solutions.
Presented by Chuck Korenic
[more]
Chuck Korenic has been working in the grocery industry for 25 years. Working for a three-store chain in the suburbs of Chicago, he started his grocery experience working summers in the meat department. After college, he accepted the Director of IT position for the same company, eventually settling into the position of General Manager of the company. After the company’s sale in 2010, he came over to RDS, where he continued to expand his grocery knowledge. Focused on customer service and product utilization, Chuck has been helping retailers navigate and get the most out of their technology for the last 13 years with RDS. He is currently General Manager of RDS North Central.
1:00 - 1:25 PM
APG's Innovations Toward Improved Collaboration with Circana
Courtyard 3
During this presentation, you will hear about specific AWG Partner Gateway use cases from AWG's merchant leadership to help you better understand the value you can derive from using this solution. Capability enhancements will be demonstrated. Time will be reserved at the end to entertain your questions.
Presented by Valerie Wilson
[more]
Valerie Wilson is Circana's Team Leader of AWG's Partner Gateway initiative. She has been with AWG since the beginning of the engagement, leading the team to implement vendor and merchant feedback to make APG the one-stop shop for insights, efficiency, and collaboration.
1:30 - 1:55 PM
What's the Point? Maximizing Profits and Influencing Customer Behavior with givex
Courtyard 3
givex will share an award-winning pricing strategy shown to increase current customers’ spending, attract & retain new customers, reactivate lost customers and increase market share. See how we, and others, stimulate shoppers' behavior by using AI personalization, supercharging your loyalty program to drive more trips and profits.
Presented by Andy Ruff
[more]
Andy has an extensive history in loyalty, points and community rewards programs in the retail, wholesale and service provider sectors. For over 30 years he has helped retailers from national and regional chains to independent grocers get the most out of their loyalty programs.
2:00 - 2:25 PM
Connecting Shoppers to the Brands and Services They Love with North Country
Courtyard 3
In this session, we will provide a brief history of coupons and how the advent of digital technologies took a staid paper-based marketing industry and created great opportunity for marketers, retailers, and especially fraudsters. Digital imaging allowed amateurs and pros to create and recreate coupons, costing CPGs and retailers $100s of millions in losses a year. This led to the creation of the new 8112 Universal Digital Coupons, which are serialized, single-use and fraud-free. The conversion of paper coupons to digital using the 8112 standard will lower costs, increase acceptance, and speed retailer reimbursement.
Presented by Sam Jonas
[more]
Sam is a 25-year serial entrepreneur with a focus in the payments industry, including ATM and underbanked financial services. Now, in a world of rising inflation and financial uncertainty, Sam and Chip Nichols have formed nData Services, LLC. nData offers creation & clearing services for the new 8112 Universal Digital Coupons as well as validation and fraud reduction for current paper coupon programs. The 8112 will revolutionize couponing by providing serialized, mobile digital discounts, ultimately eliminating paper coupons.
2:30 - 2:55 PM
Keep the Good Ones: Practical ways to recruit, train, and retain employees for better profit with Timeforge
Courtyard 3
Can't find good help? Or keep it? 52% of your employees are already looking for a new job. It's not supposed to be this hard. Join labor and retention expert Audrey Hogan, SHRM-SCP, to see techniques you haven't heard about already, along with best-practices and the tools to get you there.
Presented by Audrey Hogan
[more]
Audrey Hogan is the Chief Operating Officer for TimeForge Labor, where she has worked with its founders since 2010 to grow TimeForge into the leading operational labor system for retail. Hogan is serving her eighth year with SHRM’s Special Expertise Panel on Technology and HR Management, maintains her SHRM-SCP, and volunteers with several community organizations. Audrey cut her teeth in retail and restaurant operations as boots on the ground before pivoting from brick-and-mortar retail to vendor roles. She attended South Plains College and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Texas Tech University. Audrey lives in West Texas with her two young sons and a big dumb poodle. She spends her free time at the pool, reading vintage science fiction, fighting supervillains, or doing random cowboy stuff.
3:00 - 3:25 PM
Elevate with Automation: Making Margins Automatic with Storewise
Courtyard 3
Step onto the frontlines of Independent grocery success with Storewise. Uncover the transformative power of automating back office tasks, empowering you to win on the sales floor. Join our exploration of strategies to automate your store, where each transaction serves as a potent catalyst for margin growth. Revolutionize your approach, driving loyalty, and securing lasting success in the competitive grocery landscape.
Presented by Christopher Greco
[more]
Christopher Greco, Storewise's visionary CEO, leverages over two decades of leadership to empower independent grocers. With a robust background at Symantec, Avast, and a certificate from Cornell’s Food Executive Program, he's a results-oriented professional dedicated to enabling independent grocers to compete with big box retails, bridging the gap with technology automation.
3:30 - 3:55 PM
The Importance of Lighting in Retail with Amerlux
Courtyard 3
Lighting is an important part of Grocery Retail and Amerlux has been a leader in retail lighting for the past three decades. Learn how to implement effective lighting in your space and how the 4Cs of lighting (Color, Comfort, Control, and Configure) can affect your shopper.
Presented by Patrick Casady
[more]
Patrick Casady has over 10 years of experience in grocery lighting design. He was the lighting manager for DSG from 2016 to 2022 helping the independents sell more groceries with lighting. He is now with Amerlux who is a leader in the supermarket lighting industry. Amerlux focuses on Color and quality at an affordable cost.
4:00 - 4:25 PM
Unlocking New Revenue Opportunities with Digital Commerce with Instacart
Courtyard 3
In the rapidly changing grocery landscape of rising costs of goods and labor, independent retailers are challenged to profitably grow their businesses by finding streams of revenue. Find out how partnering with Instacart creates opportunities for independent retailers to acquire customers shopping Instacart Marketplace, attract new supplier revenue from Carrot Ads, and deliver delightful in-store shopping experiences that grow basket size.
Presented by Merrick Rosner
[more]
Throughout his career, Merrick has played a pivotal role in supporting the growth of independent grocers and wholesalers. Currently, he is the Head of Revenue for the Local Independent Grocery division at Instacart. Merrick previously held roles at Rosie, AppCard and KeyMe. His expertise in working with grocery tech, including e-commerce, personalized rewards, loyalty, digital coupons, and omnichannel integrations, has established him as a trusted advisor in the independent grocery space.
9:30 - 9:55 AM
"What's In Store?" 2024 Trends & Influencers with IDDBA
Courtyard 4
David will be discussing their organizations recently released 6 guiding trends & influencers impacting dairy, deli, bakery, & foodservice operations for 2024. Noting a few key attributes important for company leadership to take note of, as well as provide insights and resources that being a member of IDDBA can afford.
Presented by David Haaf
[more]
David Haaf brings 30+ years of experience in retail deli bakery, & foodservice management to his new role of President & CEO of the IDDBA. Serving as former VP of Foodservice & Starbucks Operations for K-VA-T Food Stores Inc, along with 20 years of service & engagement in various IDDBA board committees & venues. David is committed to his vision of driving our organization & industry forward for years to come.
10:00 - 10:25 AM
Driving Growth Through Ready To Drink Coffee with Danone
Courtyard 4
The refrigerated Ready to Drink Coffee category has a 3 YR CAGR of 22% and grew 8X faster than the Refrigerated Beverage aisle in 2023. Come learn how you can capture the highly valuable RTD Coffee shopper, with the highest buy rate in refrigerated beverages and the second shortest purchase cycle.
Presented by Hiral Damania
[more]
Hiral Damania, Sr. Category Commercial Leader, RTD Coffee, Danone North America; has 10+ years of CPG experience, specializing in Beverages Commercial Strategy, with roles spanning across Marketing, Consumer Insights, Sales, Category and Commercial functions. She currently leads Category Commercial Strategy for Danone’s SToK and International Delight Coffee brands.
10:30 - 10:55 AM
Increase SKU Productivity with Category Initiatives
Courtyard 4
Hear how collaboration among multiple AWG teams ultimately comes to life in planograms with optimal products for your store. Using a mix of data-driven and vendor insights, Category Initiatives aim to help you realize long-term cost of goods improvement with the most productive SKUs on your shelves.
Presented by Brian Adams
[more]
Brian has over 30 years of retail experience in multiple arena’s grocery, big box, and dollar channels. He spent nearly 15 years in operations, managing single, multiple, and regions of stores and the remaining time in Category Management, Center of Store, and currently Category Management Execution. He has been with AWG for almost 7 years. Outside of work he enjoys playing sports, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends.
11:00 - 11:25 AM
Winning with AWG Brands
Courtyard 4
Your shoppers have come to expect private brands for quality and value, especially in budget-constrained times. Come learn about how AWG Brands (Always Save, Best Choice, Clearly by Best Choice, and Best Choice Superior Selections) can help you deliver a wide variety of high quality, consumer-recognized brands at a good value to win every day with value-seeking shoppers.
Presented by Emily Detwiler
[more]
Emily has over 20 years in the CPG and grocery retail space; with 10 dedicated to driving Private Brand strategy. An avid marketer and brand builder, she serves AWG members by leading the AWG Brands and cross-functional teams to help retailers win at shelf with a strong private brands program.
1:00 - 1:25 PM
Today’s Top Tech Trends for Independent Grocers with DCR
Courtyard 4
A brief discussion into the current trends in technology and how they can help overcome the challenges facing today's independent grocer. Whether they are designed to increase profit margins, reduce shrink, improve ordering efficiency, or improve customer satisfaction, today’s tech tools are more capable and affordable than ever before.
Presented by Jason Dilleha
[more]
Jason is a lifelong grocery professional whose background experience allows a unique perspective on the challenges facing today's Independent Grocer. His 38-year career has seen him in grocery store management, as a District Manager for a national grocery vendor, and as a grocery technology consultant. As a Toshiba Certified Engagement Manager, he applies his experience and knowledge of the industry towards helping grocers deploy successful Point of Sale programs.
1:30 - 1:55 PM
Attracting and Retaining SNAP Shoppers with KraftHeinz
Courtyard 4
Receiving nearly $100 billion in 2024, the SNAP program is more important to grocers than ever. During this session, KraftHeinz will bring you up to speed on who SNAP Shoppers are, what matters to them when shopping for groceries, and how retailers can distinguish themselves as SNAP Shoppers favorite store.
Presented by Danny Bowers
[more]
Danny serves as Senior Manager, Shopper Insights for KraftHeinz, where he elevates and champions the voice of the shopper. At KraftHeinz, he has helped reinvent aisles for the future, created shopper frameworks for Brand and Retailer teams, and collaborated with retailers to better meet their shoppers’ needs.
2:00 - 2:25 PM
So Many PASObilities with Old El Paso
Courtyard 4
Consumers are hungry for innovation, and we are here to feed. Old El Paso is the leader in Mexican, and we are bringing several innovative items to drive consumers to the Mexican aisle. From low carb taco shells to rice & beans, we have the items to make any meal a fiesta!
Presented by Jillian McCafferty & Lucas Don
[more]
Jillian & Lucas join us from General Mills to discuss the impact & role Old El Paso has within the entire Mexican Category! These two are the cross-functional backbones of Old El Paso. Jillian is currently the Product Sales Manager for the Old El Paso brand, and Lucas is the Trade Planning Lead. They manage innovation launches, demand, category initiatives, & trade strategies for the Old El Paso brand. Jillian and Lucas have a combined 13 years’ experience at General Mills across: sales, operations, trade, category management, & e-commerce. Please give a warm welcome to both Jillian and Lucas
2:30 - 2:55 PM
The Changing Beef Customer with Certified Angus Beef
Courtyard 4
Inflation is high and consumers are adapting. It’s important to understand the market and trends to drive your meat department into the future. This session will deliver the information needed to be the meat leader in your area.
Presented by David O'Diam
[more]
David leads strategies and services to drive traffic and build consumer loyalty for retail partners, and supports them with innovative, results-driven beef merchandising, marketing and training. David earned a master’s degree in meat science at The Ohio State University and managed its meat science laboratory. Certified since 2009.
3:00 - 3:25 PM
Inflation Impact on Retailers and Consumers with Tyson
Courtyard 4
Tyson Foods presents an overview on the current environment and marketplace landscape during this inflationary time. The Tyson team will share how inflation is impacting their business across key meat categories and how they are providing value to retailers and consumers during this time.
Presented by Michelle Jimenez
[more]
Michelle Jimenez is the Category Insights lead for Beef & Pork at Tyson Foods. She is responsible for gathering and sharing insights from multiple sources for our grocery partners. Michelle has been at Tyson for 5 years and has over 10+ years of experience in CPG and Retail.
3:30 - 3:55 PM
Leveraging Shelf Planning to Drive Value with SymphonyAI Retail | CPG
Courtyard 4
Learn how AWG is leveraging a new cloud based space planning platform to drive value for the retail members. This system will provide the retailer with the ability to efficiently leverage AWG planograms and make edits. This will help with better collaboration between the retail members and AWG. Also get a sneak peek of what is coming to support Assortment Optimization for the Convergence program.
Presented by Gina Hargrave
[more]
Gina has 20+ year of experience in and around Category and Space Management. From running the store design/planogram department at retailer to running consulting and implementation teams of Category and Space Management systems. She know leads SymphonyAI solution success team helping to bring togeher the right people, process, data and technology to drive value for our retail partners.
4:00 - 4:25 PM
Utilizing AI to Revolutionize your Produce Department with Empower Fresh Company
Courtyard 4
Put the power of AI to work for you in the fast-paced environment of perishables to impact gross profit, product shrink, and competitive positioning. Learn from Produce industry experts as they bring their toolbox of tips, tricks, and innovative new tools of the trade to revolutionize your Fresh operations.
Presented by Anthony J Totta
[more]
Growing up a third generation grocer and spending over 40 years serving independent grocers Anthony Totta, founder of Empower Fresh has a passion to see family businesses, flourish in the light of tough competition in North America. Sharing that passion with peers and the concept of intuitive software technology has resulted in the results driven use of Empower Fresh software.