NGA reschedules in-person show for 2021, adds new events

The National Grocers Association (NGA) and Clarion Events Food & Beverage Group have announced new dates for NGA’s annual conference and trade show, with the event to be held May 16-18, 2021, at the new Caesars Forum Convention Center in Las Vegas. The show had originally been scheduled for March 7-9.

“We are grateful to our members and the entire food industry who have been on the frontlines and have remained open during the pandemic,” said Greg Ferrara (left), president and CEO of NGA. “These retailers, wholesalers and vendors each play a critical role in serving consumers, as well as in making The NGA Show the most important gathering for independent grocers.”

He added, “As such, after many conversations and meetings with the Show Planning Committee, based on their resounding feedback, we agree that it is in the best interest of all of our members to postpone the NGA Show to May.” 

“The NGA Show consistently brings the independent grocers together to learn, share innovation and conduct business that will chart the future of independent food retail,” said Courtney Muller, chief corporate development and strategy officer for Clarion Events. “We look forward to gathering in person and celebrating the supermarket heroes, and are excited to bring new experiences, education and innovation to attendees and exhibitors from across the country in an exciting new venue at Caesars Forum.”

Related:Q&A: NGA’s Greg Ferrara sees ‘tremendous opportunities’ for independent grocers

NGA retailer members have applauded the association’s decision to postpone the annual show.

“Postponing the show until May allows extra time to ensure we pull out all the stops in creating an event at which attendees can feel safe and secure,” said Wade Payne, director of retail operations for Alabama-based retailer Food Giant and Foodland. “Our frontline associates have been working hard for months to provide consumers with essential needs and continue to lead by example. I look forward to joining my colleagues to plan new ways to move our industry forward.”

In making the announcement, NGA also said it would be introducing two new events to the 2021 calendar: the NGA Show Extension: Virtual Edition, an online event to provide access to unique educational content and facilitate product introductions and one-on-one meetings to be held Tuesday, August 3, 2021; and The NGA Show Summit, an intimate hosted buyer/vendor gathering that will take place December 1-3, 2021, in Orlando, Fla., at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. The invitation-only meeting will provide the opportunity to discover customer trends and connect with new vendors in a small group setting. 

Related:NGA seeks more independent grocers for SNAP online purchasing

The Arlington, Va.-based National Grocers Association is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. According to the association, the independent grocery sector is responsible for generating $131 billion in sales, 944,000 jobs, $30 billion in wages and $27 billion in taxes each year.