How does the Future Leaders eXperience online course work?
The Future Leaders eXperience curriculum, developed in partnership with Root, is based on their interactive Compass leadership program. Completing the Future leaders eXperience – a multi-session online course over a period of four months – enables participants to earn the Food Retail Leader Certificate.
- Kick-off & Introduction Session: April 30, 2026
- Session 1: Thursday, May 14, 2026
- Session 2: Thursday, May 28, 2026
- Session 3: Thursday, June 11, 2026
- Session 4: Thursday, June 25, 2026
- Session 5: Thursday, July 9, 2026
- Session 6: Thursday, July 23, 2026
- Course Completion Deadline: Thursday, August 13, 2026
Leaders will select to attend either the AM or PM session for all seven sessions:
- 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET OR 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. ET
In addition to the live group sessions, Future Leaders will be required to complete pre-session and post-session activities, including viewing videos, completing workbook readings, starting discussions, submitting assignments, taking quizzes and completing evaluations. These pre- and post-session activities can be completed from a personal or work computer at times that are convenient for the leader.
Prior to the start of the course, leaders will be assigned to a team of 10-20 leaders from other companies and varying job roles. Each team will also be assigned a coach, who is a returning Future Leader with experience navigating the course and guiding their team to success. Each team will work together to complete activities as well as share their leadership journey throughout the program.
What tools do you need to complete the course?
Essentials:
- Access to a computer and a high-speed internet connection.
- Current web browser. Future Leaders eXperience will support the latest versions of Chrome (preferred), Safari, Firefox and Edge.
- Current version of Zoom downloaded onto your personal or work computer, and access to be able to use Zoom from this device during each live session.
- An external or integrated webcam, microphone, speakers and headphones.
- Access to paper and writing utensils to take notes and complete some activities.
- Motivation to transform as a leader!
Nice to Haves:
- Access to an Outlook calendar to receive Future Leaders eXperience session appointments and deadline reminders.
- Access to a printer and paper should the leader choose to print their workbook or any other course materials.
How much does it cost to participate in the course?
2026 Future Leaders eXperience registration rates:
- Retailer/Wholesaler/Product Supplier – Group of 10 or more = $879/person
- Retailer/Wholesaler/Product Supplier – FMI Member (individual) = $989/person
- Associate Member = $1,099/person
- Non-Member = $1,649/person
- First-Time (last 5 years) Company Discount – Group of 10 or more = $769
- FMI Conference Attendee (Discount for individuals who have previously attended an FMI conference) = $879
Registration Deadline = April 10, 2026
For questions regarding registration, please contact register@fmi.org.
Do participants who complete the Future Leaders eXperience online course earn the Food Retail Leader Certificate?
Upon the successful completion of all the required activities in the Future Leaders eXperience by the course completion deadline of 11:59 p.m. ET on August 13, 2026, learners will earn their Food Retail Leader Certificate that can be shared with their employer and professional networks on LinkedIn or other social platforms.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel your registration, please email the registrar at register@fmi.org by April 10, 2026. A refund of the registration fee, minus a $75 processing fee (plus a 3% surcharge for credit card payments), is available if the request is received by April 10, 2026. No refunds will be issued after this date.
What is the substitution policy?
Substitutions of existing registrations are permitted prior to the Cancellation & Substitution Deadline of April 10th. Registered attendees cannot be substituted after this date. Please review the Cancellation Policy for information on cancelling a registration. To substitute one registrant with another, please contact register@fmi.org by April 10, 2026.
My company is interested in sponsoring the Future Leaders eXperience.
That’s great to hear! Please submit this form to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
I’ve earned my Food Retail Leader Certificate and am interested in returning as a Coach.
Awesome! Send us an email at futureleaders@fmi.org. We’d love to talk to you.
I’m a Future Leaders Alum. What other learning opportunities and resources does FMI offer for leaders like me?
Great Question. Check out this page for Alumni Resources.
I work at a company that is registering employees for the 2026 Future Leaders eXperience. What can my company do to best support them on their leadership journey?
Supporting your employees is an excellent way to inspire new leaders. Check out this page for suggestions for supporting your rising stars.
If you have more questions, please contact the Future Leaders eXperience team at futureleaders@fmi.org.
