Don't Miss These IGA Events at The NGA Show

Headed to The NGA Show this weekend? Start planning your schedule now to make sure you don’t miss a minute of the IGA content, from keynote presentations featuring IGA CEO John Ross to IGA-specific workshops highlighting opportunities and best practices in independent grocery retailing.

Unable to attend? Return to this space for a recap of all the sessions and celebrations, coming your way after the show.

Monday, March 11

A New Look at Labor Retention for Independent Grocery Operators*

8:45-9:30 a.m. Summit 215-216

Grocery has an acute labor issue, with one of the highest turnover rates of any U.S. industry. A recent study commissioned by the Coca-Cola Retailing Research Council examines the lingering impact of the pandemic and other issues around hiring and retention, leaving you with tactical solutions for how win — and keep — the best workforce.

Presenter & moderator: Michael Sansolo, President, Sansolo Solutions

Panelists:
Paulo Goelzer, President, IGA Coca-Cola Institute/Retail Learning Institute
Ted Balistreri, Owner, Sendik’s Food Market
Anthony Presley, Managing Partner, TimeForge Labor
Katie Krogstad, VP of Marketing, Hyer

Gain a Competitive Advantage with Brand-Focused Advertising*

9:45-10:30 a.m. Summit 215-216

Differentiation is the life blood of a hyper-local, independent grocery retailer, but how do you ensure shoppers know what makes your store unique when so much of the advertising in this ultra-competitive industry is focused only on item and price? Learn how starting with media and marketplace analysis and customer feedback positions you for a more impactful brand message and more effective media spend. Hear directly from retailers strengthening their media playbook with low-cost digital display, television, and social media advertising that drives home the values and brand personality of their business.

Leigh Engelbrecht, President, ADVay Media Group
Bob Rybick, President & CEO, Geissler’s Supermarket
Emily Malahan, Director of Retail Technology and Digital Marketing, Certco

AI-Powered Marketing Analytics

Monday, March 11 9:45-10:30 a.m. Summit 217-218

In this dynamic session we will delve into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in reshaping marketing strategies. Gain insights into leveraging advanced analytics to understand customer behavior, optimize promotional campaigns and enhance overall marketing ROI. Leave equipped with the knowledge and tools to harness the power of AI for more effective data analysis and shopper marketing.

Sarah Rivers, Digital Marketing Director, Independent Grocers Alliance
Elise Kunkel, Web Services Lead, SpartanNash
Sean Turner, Chief Innovation Officer and Co-Founder, Swiftly
Shawn Tuckett, Chief Executive Officer, Webstop
Samantha Johnston, Director of Marketing, Clarks Market

Retail Media and the Growing Opportunity for Independents*

11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Mainstage Forum Ballroom

Billions of dollars are flowing from media publisher budgets to retailers. Amazon, Walmart, Kroger, Home Depot, Dollar General, and other major retailers are reporting their earnings differently due to the rapid influx of new money. Where is this money coming from and why is it happening now? What changed in the media marketplace that is accelerating retailer investment? Who are the decision makers at CPG and DSD brands, and what are they hoping to achieve by moving money away from Google and to a retailer? IGA CEO John Ross, former head of retail shopper marketing for IPG Media Brands, will talk about the who, what, and why of the explosion in retail media — and what independents can do to get our fair share of these new advertising dollars. 

John Ross, CEO, Independent Grocers Alliance

**Awards of Excellence Ceremony* – Join us on Facebook Live**

6:00-9:30 p.m. Summit Ballroom 224

The 2024 IGA Awards of Excellence Ceremony will be held on site at Caesars Forum, honoring IGA members and partners. Can't make the event? Join us on Facebook Live to see all the action in real time, including our 2024 IGA Retailer of the Year awards.

Tuesday, March 12

Come Together: The Collective Advantage of a Unified Retail Media Strategy*

2:00-2:45 p.m. Summit 215-216

Retail media’s rise and impact on the marketing landscape have been meteoric and show no signs of dying down. However, competition in retail media is set to intensify, even as the market continues to grow. This session will explore more about the next evolution of retail media and the three criteria needed for retailers to obtain sizable brand media investments in the future. Importantly, we’ll lay out a path for how independent grocery retail can come together to take advantage of the changing landscape in retail media to drive trips and transactions (and ultimately) profit.

Michael La Kier, VP of Brand Development, Independent Grocers Alliance

Reducing Theft at the Front-End

2:00-2:45 p.m. Summit 219-220

Theft due to shoplifting seems to be at an all-time high. We will review trends in shopper theft, particularly at the front-end explore cutting-edge approaches aimed at mitigating theft challenges. From advanced surveillance technologies to employee training programs, attendees will gain valuable insights into the multifaceted strategies employed by successful retailers. Discover new ways to create a secure shopping environment while staying ahead of evolving theft patterns. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your supermarket's security measures and protect your bottom line.

Paulo Goelzer, President, IGA Coca-Cola Institute/Retail Learning Institute
Dave Cleckner, Director of Operations, Buehler Fresh Foods
Ashley Harris, Vice President, Finance, Stepherson's Super Lo Foods
Tony Latona, Executive Director of Professional Services, NCR Voyix Corporation

Ransomware: How to Protect Yourself from One of Retail’s Biggest Threats*

3:00-3:45 p.m. Summit 215-216

Did you know the average ransomware attack costs businesses an average of 15 days downtime? Small, local grocers with busy management, slim margins, and often outdated and vulnerable technology systems are particularly susceptible to a ransomware attack that can shut down the POS and other essential systems and cost thousands — or even millions of dollars — to resume business. Hear why and how cyber criminals target independent retailers, how AI is making it harder to detect fraudulent activity, and what simple steps you can take to protect your business in as little as a week.

John Ross, CEO, Independent Grocers Alliance
Ken Andrews, President and CIO, Millennium Digital Technologies 
Guest panelists

Economic Challenges for Consumers and the Changing Shopper Landscape for Grocery*

5:00-5:30 p.m. Mainstage Forum Ballroom

Shoppers are stressed and likely to become more so during the next 12 months. Inflation in food, housing, and energy are forcing shoppers to trade down at the very time they are hoping to eat better, buy higher quality meals for their family, and improve their overall health. IGA CEO John Ross will look at changes in the global and U.S. economies that are creating this dilemma for average Americans and make suggestions for how retailers and brands can modify their store offerings and marketing to keep pace with changing shopper demands. Ross will also examine recruiting and retention strategies for our own associates in light of the same economic and behavioral trends.

John Ross, CEO, Independent Grocers Alliance

The NGA Show App

Download The NGA Show app today to unlock the ability to browse through the entire list of registered attendees. By activating the app, you gain the power to:

Search Attendees: Explore the full list of registered attendees and identify potential new customers.
Schedule Meetings: You can also schedule meetings with attendees right in your booth to dive deeper into your products and services.
Download Your Leads: After the event, you can download a full list of all your connections and meetings to keep the momentum going.

Click here to download the mobile app.

*Sessions with an asterisk were developed exclusively by the Independent Grocers Alliance.