NGA bets grocers will care about ‘innovation and disruption’ at 2025 showNGA bets grocers will care about ‘innovation and disruption’ at 2025 show

The National Grocers Association is expecting this year’s version of The NGA Show, scheduled for Feb. 23-25 at the Caesars Forum Convention Center in Las Vegas, to be one of its biggest shows ever, in terms of both exhibitors and attendance.

Once again, the association’s premier event for independent food retailers and wholesalers will be co-located with the IGA Show, which attracts independent IGA operators from around the world.

Based on feedback from past attendees who have stressed the importance of networking opportunities, the 2025 NGA Show will kick off this year with a Breakfast Roundtable event on Sunday, Feb. 23. This feature combines education and peer-to-peer networking in small groups focused on a dozen different topics of importance to food retailers and wholesalers. Planned topics include:

Each roundtable will be led by a moderator who will coordinate the discussions and encourage participants to exchange insights and share best practices.

NGA members have said they want to be able to have these types of intimate, casual conversations at the event, said Jamie Reesby, VP of grocery at Clarion Events, which co-owns the show with NGA.

Past attendees have highlighted the importance of having opportunities to run into their peers and past acquaintances, in an environment that has “that community feeling that the independent supermarket industry brings,” said Laura Strange, chief communications and engagement officer at NGA.

“This year we really did strive to give them more networking opportunities, especially when the show kicks off, so people can connect right when they get to the show and then continue those connections throughout the rest of the event,” she said.

Other educational sessions are grouped around seven specific topics, designed in a way that encourages attendees to tailor their experiences to meet their own specific needs. The overall topics include:

The topics, like the rest of the show, have been assembled based on feedback from the NGA Show’s planning committee, along with information gleaned from surveys and focus groups of past attendees.

“The feedback that we got back from the committee was this overall concept of innovation and disruption, and how to adapt and move within these new times and be able to find key areas of growth for their businesses,” said Strange. “So, a lot of our content in all seven tracks and all the big sessions is focused around these themes of innovation and growth.”

For example, Kevin Kelley, cofounder of design firm Shook Kelley, will conduct one of the merchandising educational sessions along with Tim Lowe, president and CEO of Lowes Foods, that will explore “The Next Generation of Store Design.”

Another session will focus on “Maximizing Prepared Foods Merchandising,” conducted by Andrew Lickiss, business development manager, retail technologies, at Aperion (a division of Hussman), along with Gary Redner, chief operating officer at Redner’s Markets, and Jody Barrick, senior VP of fresh meat, seafood, deli, bakery, and specialty at UNFI.

Among other topics to be covered during the 40-plus hours of educational sessions:

A full slate of speakers is also scheduled to delve into various technology and omnichannel topics during the Tech Innovation Summit series of sessions.

Another example of the education opportunities available at the show include a new “hands-on” workshop that will explore the requirements of Food Safety Modernization Act’s new Food Traceability Rule, known as FSMA 204. The session will be led by traceability experts from GS1 US.

Yet another session will showcase “Insights From Industry Legends,” during which well-respected independent grocery leaders such as Norman Mayne, CEO of Dorothy Lane Market. That discussion will be led by John Ross, president and CEO of IGA.

Educational opportunities will also be available on the show floor, where speakers will be presenting sessions at two thought leadership theaters.

Also new to the exhibit hall show floor this year will be two grab-and-go markets, sponsored by SpartanNash, that will showcase free food and beverage products from exhibitors, as well as some nonfoods items such as shelving systems.

“It’s another unique activation to be able to explore what all of our exhibitors have to offer,” said Reesby.

NGA’s keynote speaker will be…

Helping kick off the 2025 NGA Show will be the opening keynote speaker, Admiral William H. McRaven, retired U.S. Navy Four-Star Admiral, former Chancellor of the University of Texas System and celebrated author.

“Admiral McRaven's keynote address is the perfect event to lead off The NGA Show 2025,” said Reesby. “His practical insights on leadership and overcoming adversity will empower attendees to enhance their operations and leadership practices, helping them thrive.”

In addition to his extensive career as a leader in both military and civilian roles, McRaven has authored several books, including the 2023 No. 1 New York Times bestseller, “The Wisdom of the Bullfrog: Leadership Made Simple (But Not Easy).” The book draws on experiences from McRaven’s life, including navigating crises, management debates, organizational transitions, and ethical dilemmas.

Also at the keynote session, Greg Ferrara, president and CEO of NGA, and Richie Morgan, executive chairman of North State Grocery and incoming chairman of NGA, will reflect on a year of progress at the association, highlighting key accomplishments such as advocacy wins, enhanced member resources, and other industry initiatives. They will share their vision for the future of NGA.

IGA’s presence adds a global presence

NGA attendees also benefit from the presence of the international attendees that IGA attracts.

“It gives other retailers a chance to see what’s going on around the world, what innovations are taking place, and what best practices they’re implementing in their stores,” said Strange.

In addition, the content that IGA assembles for its show is open to all retail attendees of both shows.

“IGA pulls together a great education track, so they bring in an additional element of thought leadership,” said Strange.