Schedule
VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE, EAST BUILDING (999 CANADA PLACE)
SUNDAY, APRIL 21
5:00PM - 7:00PM
OPENING SCHEDULE - ALL WELCOME
BALLROOM B, C | EAST BUILDING
SPONSORED BY:
MONDAY, APRIL 22
BALLROOM B, C | EAST BUILDING
8:45AM - 9:10AM
BREAKFAST
SPONSORED BY:
9:10AM - 9:15AM
WELCOME & REMARKS
CFIG President & CEO Tom Shurrie
9:15AM - 10:00AM
THE FUTURE OF FOOD INNOVATION
Amanda Lai, Director of the Food Industry Practice, McMillanDoolittle, leads a panel discussion with U.S. independent grocers Nancy Lebold, CEO of New Seasons Market and Lauren Redman, CEO and President of Rudy’s Markets to learn practical approaches to how they differentiated themselves from the big players, to drive sales and customer loyalty.
SPONSORED BY:
10:00AM – 10:45AM
JOIN US FOR A LIVE TAPING OF CHATTER THAT MATTERS.
Tony Chapman interviews Jay DeMerit, and his story is one of inspiration, determination, and refusing to surrender his dream to play soccer for the Premier League in England, and America’s team at the World Cup. You will walk away with insights on leadership, resilience, competition, and how to inspire the younger generation to go after their dreams. A not to be missed session.
11:00AM - 4:30PM
TRADE SHOW EXHIBITION
BALLROOM B, C | EAST BUILDING
SPONSORED BY:
2:00PM - 2:30PM
Maple Leaf Foods’ Chef Sam Lazuric, Head of Culinary, Retail, showcases Crispy Pancetta (Feat. VIAU Fantino & Mondello) Spring Salad inspired 2024 trends. This meal style salad application will tempt the consumer through textures and umami. Come experience the signature feature!
4:15PM - 5:00PM
MIX AND MINGLE NETWORKING RECEPTION
INSIGHTS & INNOVATIONS STAGE – ALL WELCOME
SPONSORED BY:
6:00PM – 9:00PM
*MONDAY EVENING EVENT *PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
WEST BUILDING | SUMMIT ROOM 3RD FLOOR - 1055 CANADA PL., VANCOUVER, BC
6:00PM
RECEPTION
SPONSORED BY:
6:30PM
DINNER & ENTERTAINMENT
Cohosts Tom Shurrie & Tony Chapman. Entertainer: Wes Barker, Magic, Comedy & Stunts
DINNER SPONSORS:
TUESDAY, APRIL 23
BALLROOM B, C | EAST BUILDING
7:00AM
BREAKFAST
SPONSORED BY:
7:30AM - 8:00AM
IN THE KNOW: WHAT CONSUMERS ARE THINKING
Tony Chapman, Chatter that Matters, looks at research platform Crewasis.ai that uses AI to unlock the power of data by delivering game-changing insights on the grocery category. Hear what is at the top of consumers’ minds and how it will impact your business of doing business.
8:00AM – 8:05AM
WELCOME & REMARKS
CFIG CHAIR JAMIE NELSON
8:05AM – 8:50AM
TOP U.S. GROCERY TRENDS IN 2024
This thought-provoking panel discussion with Sarah Holt, Director of Marketing + Community, prepared foods and grocery staples, Bi-Rite Family of Businesses and Lauren Redman, CEO/President, Rudy’s Markets, will explore the key strategies driving growth in the U.S. market. Topics will include ROI of technology investments, automating pricing and promotions, foodservice differentiation, private brands, fresh perimeter innovation, “adaptive” customer experience. Moderator Progressive Grocer magazine Editor-in-Chief Gina Acosta.
SPONSORED BY:
8:50AM – 9:25AM
VALUE VS. VOLUME: GETTING BACK TO REAL GROWTH
Since every sales opportunity ends with the consumer, it is important that we understand how the consumer in Western Canada continues to evolve. Inflationary pressures over the past two years have reset consumer priorities with more consumers still uncertain about their future spending power. Carman Allison, NielsenIQ, will discuss how do we get back to real growth now that rising prices have subsided.
SPONSORED BY:
9:25AM – 9:35AM
NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK
SPONSORED BY:
9:35AM – 10:40AM
EAST BUILDING | HALL A | BALLROOMS B, C
9:35AM – 10:05AM
CHOOSE ONE WORKSHOP
WORKSHOP #1 | INNOVATING AS AN INDEPENDENT GROCER
MAIN STAGE | BALLROOMS B, C
Amanda Lai, Director of the Food Industry Practice, McMillanDoolittle, explores key trends and winning concepts shaping the industry that will keep independents competitive in the grocery game.
WORKSHOP #2 | POLICY UPDATE
EAST BUILDING | HALL A
Join Gary Sands, CFIG for key government-related issues affecting our business – Grocery Code of Conduct, single-use plastic, credit card fees, supply management, Competition Act changes and more.
SPONSORED BY:
10:10AM – 10:40AM
CHOOSE ONE WORKSHOP
WORKSHOP #1 | 2024 ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
MAIN STAGE | BALLROOMS B, C
Trends, risks, and opportunities for the food industry.
Presented by JP Gervais, Vice-President and Chief Economist, FCC
SPONSORED BY:
WORKSHOP #2 | TECH & GROCERY
EAST BUILDING | HALL A
Let tech do the work for you! Ex-Googler Rachel Loui shows how to Identify diversified local opportunities through data big and small, and best leverage free online resources to maximize your business opportunities.
SPONSORED BY:
11:00AM - 4:00PM
TRADE SHOW EXHIBITION
BALLROOM B, C | EAST BUILDING
SPONSORED BY:
1:00PM – 1:30PM
Buying through the heart and brain: how consumers use quantitative and qualitative signals to purchase (and how you can use technology to identify them). Presented by Ex-Googler Rachel Loui.
2:00PM – 2:30PM
Fresh Insights! Making your fresh department the best restaurant in town with Progressive Grocer’s Editor-in-Chief Gina Acosta presents grocery insights to grow your business.