Bozzuto’s Markets Trade Show Technology

MICHAEL GARRY

CHESHIRE, Conn. — Bozzuto’s, a grocery wholesaler based here, is branching out into the trade show business. The company, which has developed a slew of systems to support its two-day Independent Retailer Conferences held twice a year, is now marketing that technology to other companies that hold trade shows, said John Keeley, vice president of information systems for Bozzuto's.

To make the conference experience more valuable for its retailers and manufacturers, Bozzuto's has since 2007 deployed a number of technologies that facilitate conference logistics — such as registration and entry to the trade show — as well as commerce on the trade show floor. These systems include everything from a Microsoft .Net architecture and wireless tablet PCs to an RFID tracking system, a mag-stripe card for each retailer and wireless kiosks that generate summary reports for retailers and vendors.

Last year, Bozzuto’s sold that technology to Kellogg Marine Supply, a Connecticut wholesaler of boating products, which used it to run a trade show, said Keeley. Kellogg will be using the technology in three more trade shows this fall. Cheney Bros., a Florida food service distributor, will employ the technology for a trade show as well. Keeley said Bozzuto’s new business venture reflects the “entrepreneurial nature” of the company.