GMA Kicks Off Shopper Momentum Conference

The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) opened its Shopper Momentum Conference Nov. 9 in Naples, Fla. Previously known as the Merchandising, Sales and Marketing (MSM) Conference, the overhauled summit of consumer packaged goods industry executives focused on emerging strategies in merchandising, sales and marketing.

“Designed by CPG executives for CPG executives, the Shopper Momentum Conference offers a fresh, forward-looking perspective on critical shopper trends and serves as a laboratory for trading partner collaboration,” noted Logan Kastner, senior manager of sales and sales promotion for Washington-based GMA.

This year’s agenda, created to help executives better understand emerging issues affecting the industry, will specifically address next-generation digital marketing and social media platforms, actionable shopper insights, and the latest consumer trends, trading partner collaboration and sales leadership.

Several general sessions will feature such industry standouts as Scot Hendricks of the Kroger Co., Dan Portnoy of Winn-Dixie, both of whom will offer keynote remarks, as well as speakers from Brookshire Grocery Co., Publix Super Markets, Delhaize Group, Metro AG and Peapod, among others.

The 2010 event, which ends tomorrow, is also the venue for the first annual Retail Honors Award Dinner on Nov. 9, honoring three retailers for their sustained excellence in performance, collaboration and innovation in the industry. This year’s recipients are CVS (Most Innovative Retailer), Kroger (Most Collaborative Retailer) and Dollar General (Retailer of the Year).