FMI Hosts Health & Wellness in Orlando

CHRISTINA VEIDERS

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Food Marketing Institute is set to hold its Health & Wellness Conference as a stand-alone meeting at the Omni Resort at ChampionsGate, Orlando, Fla., April 3-5.

Last year FMI inaugurated the conference in conjunction with the 2010 FMI Show in Las Vegas.

Cathy Polley, FMI’s vice president of Health & Wellness, said attendance this year was “looking strong” with more retailers registered. Companies are bringing their health and wellness teams in order to maximize the benefits of this year’s event, she noted.

The Orlando venue should allow for better interaction and discussion among conference attendees. “The hotel property itself allows us a more intimate setting for meetings and education sessions,” Polley explained.

Wellness Innovation Zone is new this year. The exhibit concept is described as a fun, interactive learning and idea-sharing experience. “They [attendees] should bring their questions, ideas and experiences and be prepared to answer the challenge ‘How might we…?’

“It’s the total store delivery of health and wellness, of which pharmacy is a key component, that we want to support and inspire with our conference," said Polley.

“The supermarket provides the unique assets of food, pharmacy and knowledgeable nutrition experts in one location to help America’s grocery shoppers better manage diseases, lower stress, improve nutrition and enhance their quality of life through healthy eating.”

In conjunction with the conference and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship, April 2-4, FMI will host an NCAA championship game dinner party on April 4. It will be held in “a fun and relaxed setting for all conference goers to mingle, have fun and open doors to new business opportunities.”