Get Ready for Grocery’s Biggest Western Conference & Trade Show!
Grocery decision makers from across the country are getting ready for the 36th edition of Grocery & Specialty Food West – Grocery Redefined taking place at the Vancouver Convention Centre, East Building, April 14-15. This year more than ever, with the many issues the sector is facing, the conference sessions will provide much needed expert insights and ideas about what’s top of mind.
Starting Sunday, there is a guided industry tour of several independents (retailers must register and limited spaces!) Contact [email protected]
Morning sessions will be chock full of expert insights and reflections from leaders in their field to provide grocers with the best opportunities and solutions. Monday the new Grocery Adjudicator Karen Proud will participate in a session moderated by Gary Sands, of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers. Grocers have submitted questions ahead of the event. There will also be a session by Stewart Samuel of IGD and the impact AI has had and will have on grocery. The information will be unveiled at GSF for the first time!
On Tuesday, Carman Allison, NielsenIQ will present exclusive only at GSF industry update on the ever-changing retail and consumer environment in Western Canada.
FULL SCHEDULE https://gsfshow.com/schedule/
On the exhibition floor, attendees will be able to experience the newest innovations and hear from experts in the constantly changing grocery sector. This year’s Grocery & Specialty Food West will feature innovations across all categories, products, services, technology, equipment and more. It’s here where grocery gathers annually to grow and redefine the business. GSF West features more Canadian products in the pavilions (Canada Connect, Buy BC, Ontario) along with other offerings in various categories in the pavilions: Sustainability Sentral and First Timers.
Leading to the entrance, check out all the latest innovations in the hall of New Product Showcases. The Top 10 in Grocery innovation winners will be selected on Monday to highlight the latest goods in grocery. On the floor, be sure to catch the education sessions on the Insights and Innovations Trade Floor Stage.
“Category Connect” meetings are available Sunday, before the opening reception. The new face-to-face program brings together retailers and exhibitors to have one-on-one meetings to discuss products, services and/or solutions in their respective categories.
Participate in the various networking events at GSF to grow your opportunities. Sunday opening reception at the Vancouver Convention Centre East Building welcomes all attendees to mix and mingle with colleagues. On Monday there is a trade floor cocktail reception by the Insights and Innovations stage followed by the gala dinner and entertainment in the West building Summit Room.
CFIG Life Members who will be celebrated this year are Peter Bowman (Saputo) & Jim Hamilton (Hammy’s).
The event will also provide expert sessions covering a broad range of topics from Progressive Grocer’s Gina Acosta, session on AI, to in-store marketing and communications with Patrick Rodmell, Rodmell & Co.
Don’t miss the fireside chat between Amanda Lai of McMillanDoolittle and Stephanie King, founder of Kitchen & Market.
Independents will be the focus for the one on ones Ron Welke, CFIG President and CEO will interview: Doug Lovsin, Freson Bros.; Nathalie Coutayar, Denninger’s; and Jacky Ho, PriceSmart Foods.
Visit the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers’ booth in the entrance to the trade show and find out how the association can assist your business goals.
Be sure to download the comprehensive GSF Show App to get connected! Or scan the QR code here to download the app.
To Exhibit: Rolster Taylor [email protected]; Questions: Marketing@cfig.ca
