Last month, CresLane had the privilege of attending the National Grocer’s Association tradeshow, held February 24-25th at the Caesar’s Forum Convention Center in Las Vegas. This renowned grocery trade show brings together independent grocers, wholesalers, and technology companies to showcase new products, innovative technologies, and industry insights. It also offered us one of the best opportunities for networking and collaboration within the grocery industry.
Here’s a recap of our key takeaways and experiences from the NGA conference, as well as the exciting action items we left with.
Exploring Innovation in the Grocery Industry
The NGA conference offers something for everyone in the grocery retail world, and this year was no exception. From cutting-edge technology to expert discussions on industry growth, the event provided immense value for attendees.
Key Learnings from the Tech Summit
One of the highlights of the event was the Tech Summit, where industry leaders like the CEO and Co-founder of Consumer Equity Partners, Vusion Group, and Think Blue shared their expertise. The panels and discussions centered on how grocery retailers can use AI and IT not just as tools, but as strategic drivers of success.
For instance:
- AI is becoming an essential tool to improve efficiency and streamline operations—not just an expense to manage.
- The value of shopper data has never been more important. Combined with factors like location, product selection, quality, and pricing, it can create a powerful competitive advantage for grocery retailers.
Leadership Lessons from Admiral William McRaven
The NGA conference included an inspiring keynote address by Admiral William McRaven. Known for his leadership in the military, Admiral McRaven applied his leadership insights to the grocery industry, giving attendees practical takeaways for personal growth and business success.
Some of his memorable advice included:
- Tackling challenges head-on with resilience and a strategic mindset.
- Building small, consistent habits that lay the foundation for long-term success.
Advocacy and Collaboration in Grocery Retail
NGA CEO, Greg Ferrera, and Board Chairman, Richard Morgan, also addressed attendees during the opening session. Their focus on industry growth and the importance of advocacy within the grocery space was inspiring. They encouraged grocery retailers to collaborate across the industry to overcome challenges and tap into new opportunities.
Throughout the event, featured speakers included professionals from grocer software companies, Presidents and Vice Presidents of major food corporations, and C-suite leaders in marketing, sales, and operations. Their industry expertise and unique experience within the grocer retail industry painted a clear picture of where the grocery industry is headed and how businesses can position themselves for success.
Fun and Unique Experiences at the NGA Conference
While the NGA conference included plenty of insightful discussions, there was also plenty of fun to be had on the expo floor.
We came across an interactive booth where attendees could play a crane game to win prizes. Another standout was a robotics company showcasing cutting-edge automated sorting solutions—an exciting peek into the future of grocery operations.
Beyond these attractions, the event provided countless opportunities to connect and network with other professionals passionate about grocery retail.
A Final Note About the NGA Conference
The NGA conference offered a space for growth, connection, and forward-thinking in the grocer retail space. For CresLane, attending provided invaluable insights and renewed focus for our future initiatives as we continue to support grocery retailers and contribute to the industry’s advancement.