Below are answers to frequently asked questions about FMI's FreshForward Conference.
What is the FreshForward Conference and why should I attend?
When and where is the FreshForward Conference taking place?
The 2026 FreshForward Conference is scheduled for August 10-12, 2026, at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis in St. Louis.
How can I register for the FreshForward Conference?
Registration for the FreshForward Conference will be available online through the FMI event webpage: https://www.fmi.org/fresh-forward
Who attends the FreshForward Conference?
FreshForward Conference attendees include senior-level executives in the food retail and wholesale industry—particularly those responsible for fresh foods, innovation, input from suppliers and service partners.
What is the cost to attend the FreshForward Conference? Are there early-bird discounts or group rates?
Registration fees for the FreshForward Conference vary based on membership status and timing. Early-bird rates will be available. Group or multi-attendee rates may be available for organizations sending multiple participants. Full pricing will be posted on the event registration page.
What is the dress code for the FreshForward Conference?
Business casual attire is recommended for all sessions and networking events at the FreshForward Conference.
Who from my company will benefit most from attending the FreshForward Conference?
Roles that would benefit most from attending the FreshForward conference include: senior leadership in fresh food merchandising, category management, operations in grocery or wholesale; innovation and growth leads for fresh food segments (retailers, wholesalers, suppliers); and supplier/partner executives focused on fresh category growth, sustainability, nutrition/health and supply-chain for fresh foods. Because it is an executive-level, strategic event, attendees from senior/decision-making levels will gain greatest value.
What topics will be covered at the FreshForward Conference?
The program at the FreshForward Conference will include optimization of fresh food departments, labor challenges in fresh foods, health & wellbeing trends in fresh, capturing meal occasions via fresh foods and innovation in fresh foods supply chain.
What makes the FreshForward Conference different from other similar events?
The FreshForward conference is specifically focused on the fresh food category (rather than broad retail or all grocery). It is a strategic, executive-forum format, emphasizing high-level leadership connection rather than a tradeshow or large expo. It brings together both retail/wholesale executives and their supplier/partner ecosystem in fresh foods for collaborative strategic thinking.
Will there be networking opportunities at the FreshForward Conference?
Yes, there will be networking opportunities at the FreshForward conference given the executive-leadership format, including one-on-one meetings, structured interaction and strategic engagement among attendees.
What can I expect to learn or gain from attending the FreshForward Conference?
By attending the FreshFoward Conference, you will gain strategic insight into fresh food trends, challenges and growth drivers (labor, health & wellbeing, meal occasions, supply-chain); connections with senior decision-makers in fresh foods retail/wholesale and supplier ecosystem; actionable ideas and frameworks for your fresh category growth, innovation and supply-chain execution; and a strong peer network of executives focused on fresh foods and the ability to benchmark and collaborate at the conference.
How can I become a sponsor or exhibitor at the FreshForward Conference?
Who can I contact for questions about the FreshForward Conference?
For questions about the FreshForward Conference, please reach out to Rick Stein and Andrew Brown.
Where can I find updates or news about the FreshForward Conference?
Updates about the FreshForward Conference will be posted on the FMI event webpage and shared through FMI newsletters and social media channels. https://www.fmi.org/fresh-forward
Can trade media attend the FreshForward Conference?
No. Members of the trade and business press are not permitted at the FreshForward Conference.
