Schedule

Keep on top of trends and the latest data through live, on-demand keynotes and workshops and expert demos over 3 days, 24/7. After the event, the presentations will be available for 30 days.

8:00am-8:30am EST

Keynote

Redefining experiential retail:

Exploring the evolving drivers of shopper experience in Canada, presented by Amar Singh, Kantar

CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS

• 8:35am – 9:05am
• 9:10am – 9:40am
(Choose two; view on demand afterwards)

8:35am – 9:05am WORKSHOP #1

– CHOOSE ONE FROM BELOW (Available on demand after)

8:35am – 9:05am EST

Workshop #1

Shopping anxiety is common among consumers.

The ongoing pandemic has created new challenges and introduced more uncertainty to consumers. In this workshop, we will examine how shopping anxiety affects consumer behavior. We will also discuss how businesses can assess shopper anxiety and develop mitigation strategies. Dr. Yu Ma, McGill University

8:35am – 9:05am EST

Workshop #1

PepsiCo & Nestle workshop

Coming Soon

9:10am – 9:40am WORKSHOP #2

– CHOOSE ONE FROM BELOW (Available on demand after)

9:10am – 9:45am EST

Workshop #2

Global Post-Pandemic Impact:

Jeremy Attridge, and Taher Hussain of Kraft Heinz take a look at some local and international trends post pandemic with an outlook of what the industry should be mindful of moving forward within the marketplace.

9:10am – 9:45am EST

Workshop #2

Ontario’s Blue Box Regulation

Are you ready? Ontario’s Blue Box Regulation requires the transition of more-than 250 local blue box programs to a new collection system funded by producers and operated by producer responsibility organizations (PRO). Presented by Ron Soreanu of Circular Materials, the not-for-profit organization supporting producers with Ontario Blue Box regulatory compliance

10:00am – 5:00pm EST

EXHIBITION AND MEETINGS

EXHIBITION HALL

9:50am – 10:20am EST

INTERAC-TIVE CENTRE

FMS’ Annual Financial Survey of Independents.

Robert Graybill, FMS

Robert Graybill

President & CEO, FMS

10:25am – 10:55am EST

INTERAC-TIVE CENTRE

Uniquely Ours!

Unique ‘mini-departments’ and new, creative product categories can be powerful customer attractions. Any store looking to repurpose space gained from our shrinking centre store and/or Covid related space repurposing, should take a look at this session which showcases 40 alternative unique and attractive mini-departments that could be Uniquely Yours. Presented by Harold Lloyd.

1:00pm – 2:05pm EST

OMAFRA PITCH THEATRE

• 1:00pm – 1:30pm
• 1:35pm – 2:05pm

A selection of new products from Ontario companies hitting the market live on stage. Moderated by Tony Chapman

Tony Chapman

Radio Host - Podcaster - Speaker

3:00pm – 3:30pm EST

GALA AUDITORIUM

NETWORKING RECEPTION – All Welcome

Hosts Tony Chapman & Tom Shurrie

Tony Chapman

Radio Host - Podcaster - Speaker

3:30pm – 4:30pm EST

GALA AUDITORIUM

2021 MASTER MERCHANDISER AWARDS

Celebrating the best merchandising displays. Hosts Tony Chapman & Tom Shurrie

Tony Chapman

Radio Host - Podcaster - Speaker

8:00am-8:30am EST

Keynote

Data & Beyond: Tools, Recruitment and the Future of Analytics

In an ever-evolving industry, new data source are emerging at a rapid pace. Covering the basics of data and implementation, you will understand from a ground level trends and tactics.

Focusing on integrated approaches based on business strategy, this talk will touch on key points of applications of analytics regardless of business size. With an eye to the future, you will learn where to implement key changes and what you can adopt from other sectors driving the data science business.

The three sections: data & analytics, tools & processes, and recruitment for the future; will allow you to reflect on your business and keep up on best practices. Regardless of technology
background, this talk will have key takeaways for every level of business. Presented by Meghan Chayka, Stathletes Inc.

CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS

• 8:35am – 9:05am
• 9:10am – 9:40am
(Choose two; view on demand afterwards)

8:35am – 9:05am WORKSHOP #1

– CHOOSE ONE FROM BELOW (Available on demand after)

8:35am – 9:05am EST

Workshop #1

Canadian Grocer/EIQ provides consumer insights & trends for store managers

8:35am – 9:05am EST

Workshop #1

The fundamentals of a successful ecommerce business from assortment to execution

Presented by Unilever’s Naniss Gadel-Rab, Danika Johansen and Laura Dobson.

9:10am – 9:40am WORKSHOP #2

– CHOOSE ONE FROM BELOW (Available on demand after)

9:10am – 9:45am EST

Workshop #2

Evolving sustainability priorities of Canadian consumers

Presented by Steven Sage, Kruger Products

9:10am – 9:45am EST

Workshop #2

Store managers best practices – audit session with IGYA jurors.

Presented by Tom Barlow.

10:00am – 5:00pm EST

EXHIBITION AND MEETINGS

EXHIBITION HALL

9:50am – 10:20am EST

INTERAC-TIVE CENTRE

FMS’ Annual Financial Survey of Independents.

Robert Graybill, FMS

Robert Graybill

President & CEO, FMS

10:25am – 10:55am EST

INTERAC-TIVE CENTRE

Uniquely Ours!

Unique ‘mini-departments’ and new, creative product categories can be powerful customer attractions. Any store looking to repurpose space gained from our shrinking centre store and/or Covid related space repurposing, should take a look at this session which showcases 40 alternative unique and attractive mini-departments that could be Uniquely Yours. Presented by Harold Lloyd.

1:00pm – 2:05pm EST

OMAFRA PITCH THEATRE

• 1:00pm – 1:30pm
• 1:35pm – 2:05pm

A selection of new products from Ontario companies hitting the market live on stage. Moderated by Tony Chapman

Tony Chapman

Radio Host - Podcaster - Speaker

3:00pm – 3:30pm EST

GALA AUDITORIUM

NETWORKING RECEPTION – All Welcome

Hosts Tony Chapman & Tom Shurrie

Tony Chapman

Radio Host - Podcaster - Speaker

3:30pm – 4:30pm EST

GALA AUDITORIUM

CELEBRATION OF GROCERS 2021

Celebrating the best merchandising displays. Hosts Tony Chapman & Tom Shurrie

Tony Chapman

Radio Host - Podcaster - Speaker

10:00am EST

TOP 10 IN GROCERY WINNERS ANNOUNCED

8:00am-8:30am EST

Keynote

Stop telling your story, become part of theirs./span>

How Independent Grocers Can Survive and Thrive. The consumer today has the world within arms reach of desire to shop online. To counter independent grocery must change the consideration and conversation from what you do, selling groceries to why you matter. Don’t miss Tony Chapman, host of Chatter that Matters, in the followup workshop where Tony provides actionable ideas on how independent grocers can capture the confidence and traffic and spending of the consumer.

Tony Chapman

Radio Host - Podcaster - Speaker

CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS

• 8:35am – 9:05am
• 9:10am – 9:40am
(Choose two; view on demand afterwards)

8:35am – 9:05am WORKSHOP #1

– CHOOSE ONE FROM BELOW (Available on demand after)

8:35am – 9:05am EST

Workshop #1

How to Survive and Thrive by Being Part of the Story

Tony Chapman sits down with CFIG to provide a game plan on how independent grocers can work with their teams and suppliers to change the conversation from what they do to why they matter. Walk away with at least five ideas for your business that require little capital investment but can pay great dividends.

Tony Chapman

Radio Host - Podcaster - Speaker

8:35am – 9:05am EST

Workshop #1

21st Edition of Flavour Forecast brought to you by McCormick

Presented by Geneviève Heeman and Chef David Burnett

9:10am – 9:40am WORKSHOP #2

– CHOOSE ONE FROM BELOW (Available on demand after)

9:10am – 9:45am EST

Workshop #2

Evolving sustainability priorities of Canadian consumers

Health and wellness became top of mind for many consumers during
the COVID-19 pandemic. As we continue to navigate our new normal, health and wellness remains at the forefront of many decisions for shoppers and grocers alike. During this session, Tree of Life will explore the growth of the health and wellness segment and its projected trajectory, review some of the consumer perceptions around natural and organic foods and evaluate how grocers are adapting to the category. Presented by Mike Cunningham, Serene Martin, Tree of Life.

9:10am – 9:45am EST

Workshop #2

The Fallout from Covid: A Cautionary Tale

Covid has unleased a set of forces that threaten margins and call for increased productivity and lower costs. The challenge of “doing more with less” will require a rethinking of marketing and a tipping point for new Martech. Presented by Ken Wong, Queen’s University

10:00am – 5:00pm EST

EXHIBITION AND MEETINGS

EXHIBITION HALL

9:50am – 10:20am EST

INTERAC-TIVE CENTRE

Coupons

A Value-added Tool for Marketers and Retailers with Ron Peacock, CF&R Services

10:25am – 10:55am EST

INTERAC-TIVE CENTRE

Chicken Farmers of Canada presentation