Immersive, tech-enabled experiences are shaping shopper expectations — on and off the green.
By: Peggy Robins, Senior Manager, Meeting Services, FMI
As grocery retailers rethink the shopper journey, one thing is clear: the future belongs to those who blend convenience with personalization. That insight comes through loud and clear in FMI's latest consumer research, where shoppers consistently share health, entertainment, exploration and convenience as benefit areas for expanding baskets.
So, what does that have to do with a driving range?
At the 2025 FMI Annual Business Conference (ABC), we're kicking off with a networking dinner at Eagles Edge, a state-of-the-art golf and dining experience at the Omni Orlando Resort. It's more than just a fun night — it's a working case study in consumer engagement.
Each bay at Eagles Edge uses Toptracer technology to track and display every shot in real time, providing instant feedback, game modes and virtual course play. It's high-tech, intuitive and built for everyone, from scratch golfers to first-timers. The result? A personalized, low-friction experience that's engaging, rewarding and repeatable.
Sound familiar? That's exactly the experience today's grocery shopper expects.
Whether it's scanless checkout, digital coupons based on past purchases, or recipe recommendations tied to your cart, consumers now expect stores to anticipate their needs and respond in real time. FMI's U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends report found that 61% of shoppers are willing to pay more for one-stop convenience.
And ABC is the place to talk about these shifts. With 25 retailers and wholesalers and 24 suppliers already registered, the 2025 ABC Conference is shaping up to be a high-value, high-connection event. The popular curated 1:1 meetings scheduler opens mid-July, giving attendees time to plan the strategic conversations ABC is known for.
At ABC, we'll talk strategy. But at "Par-Tee on the Green," we'll experience what's possible when technology and hospitality work together. Bring your swing, and your curiosity.
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