NGA Show Registration Begins

The National Grocers Association (NGA) has opened registration for The NGA Show, scheduled for Feb. 8-11, 2015, at Las Vegas' Mirage Hotel and Casino.

"The NGA Show is exclusively designed for the independent supermarket channel, offering over 30 educational workshops and general sessions geared specifically for independent grocers, in addition to an expansive exhibit floor," noted Peter Larkin, president and CEO of Arlington, Va.-based NGA. "The show also provides a forum for independent retailers, wholesalers and suppliers to interact with and learn from one another, which is reflected in our 2015 theme: Where Independents Gather to Learn, to Engage, to Share, to Network and to Innovate."

Following the 2014 show, which set records for both the number of attendees and of exhibitors, the upcoming event will feature former U.S. Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon E. Panetta as keynote speaker at its opening session, sponsored by Northfield, Ill.-based Kraft Foods. Further, the band America, still remembered for its 1970s hits, particularly "A Horse With No Name," will perform at the Chairman's Gala and Reception.

NGA will also offer its popular pre-convention workshops on a range of pressing industry issues, along with a host of special activities, among them the PepsiCo-sponsored Best Bagger Competition, and the Creative Choice Awards, sponsored by The Kellogg Co. and Unilever.

Larkin expressed the hope that the trade organization would build "on the momentum from the previous show and [make] the 2015 NGA Show an even bigger and better event for independents."

Registration for the show is available online.