The National Grocers Association’s 2013 NGA Show has come to a close, having once again expanded its offerings to further solidify its reputation as the place “Where Independents Gather.” The annual four-day show was one of the largest in NGA history, with more than 2,700 in attendance including retailers, wholesalers and industry partners. The NGA expo floor sold out in record time, bringing independent grocers together with manufacturers of a variety of products and solutions, plus the North American Meat Association’s MeatExpo and an expanded Produce Pavilion in conjunction with the Produce Marketing Association.
Other highlights of the show included the announcement of NGA’s expanded technology offerings through a partnership with the Center for Advancing Retail & Technology (CART) to create the NGA SolutionCenter and NGA InnovationCenter. A partnership with Personiphi also will allow independent grocers to utilize advanced personalized marketing and showcase new products from manufacturers.
On Sunday, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP), NGA offered an opportunity for alumni and partners to commemorate the program’s history through an intensive, half-day refresher class for ELDP alumni. The program featured speakers and topics from ELDP core curriculum along with updated and refined content addressing current leadership and industry challenges. Through the refresher course, alumni were able to brush up on skills learned as well as reconnect with fellow alumni. The course was complimentary thanks to the program’s partners, PepsiCo Inc. and Unilever.
At the close of the show, exhibitors worked with NGA to donate two truckloads of food and beverage products to area shelters, The Shade Tree and Safe Nest. The Shade Tree serves homeless and abused women and children, victims of domestic, elder and street violence, female veterans, homeless youth and the physically disabled through safety and shelter. Safe Nest is Clark County’s largest and most comprehensive agency devoted solely to domestic violence issues through confidentially located shelters, a crisis hotline, counseling, victim advocacy, prevention and community education.
“We couldn’t be happier with the turnout and early feedback from the 2013 Show,” said Peter J. Larkin, president and CEO of NGA. “Our goal was to enhance value for both attendees and our partners, and we appreciate the efforts of all those who helped make this show a success.”
The dates for the 2014 NGA Show have been announced. The show, which will once again be held at the Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, will be held Feb. 9-12. Exhibitors already are gearing up for 2014, with spots on the floor selling a year in advance.
In the featured photo at top: The expo floor sold out in record time. (Photo courtesy of Mike Gatty)
More NGA Show photos can be found here.
