2012 NGA Convention Evolves, Expands: Larkin

ARLINGTON, Va. — Peter Larkin is continuing to listen to his membership.

In his second year as president and chief executive officer of the National Grocers Association, Larkin is beginning to implement some of the changes and suggestions he’s gleaned from talking to retailers, wholesalers and suppliers — both in terms of The NGA Show this week and the initiatives NGA is implementing (see “Larkin Cites Progres,” third page).

“It’s been very valuable for me to listen to what the members have to say,” Larkin (right) told SN. “Generally speaking, people are happy with the convention, but after talking with attendees, speakers and exhibitors on-site during last year’s show and since then, some have offered suggestions for improving the event.”

NGA formed a convention committee last fall consisting of retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers, plus IGA, which is partnering with NGA at this year’s show. The committee spent several days going through the entire program to discuss what they like and dislike about each area and how it could improve.

“After all that listening, I think we’ve preserved the best of what we’ve always done and added things we hope attendees will respond to in positive ways,” Larkin said.

MORE EXHIBITORS

The changes at this week’s convention will include:

• Additional space on the show floor to accommodate more exhibitors, including a pavilion featuring member companies from the Produce Marketing Association and another area called “Center for Collaboration,” in which attendees will be able to talk face-to-face with representatives from the Grocery Manufacturers Association.

“Members told us they wanted to see more perishables suppliers on the show floor,” Larkin said. “As a result, we developed a very large pavilion where 20 PMA member companies will be exhibiting.”

The availability of GMA representatives on the show floor takes the place of one-on-one meetings retailers were formerly able to arrange with suppliers during the convention. “The new arrangement will allow retailers to get together with manufacturers to discuss common issues,” Larkin explained.

“There will be a seating area and food and beverages available so our members can talk with GMA members about issues of mutual concern in an informal setting.”

The total exhibit space will be up 25% this year, and the number of exhibitors will be up 10%, with the entire show having sold out last month, Larkin said.

Some of the additional space available this year had been allocated last year to the National Meat Association, which co-located its annual convention with NGA. The NMA meets every other year and will be back as a partner at next year’s NGA show, Larkin said.