ARLINGTON, VA – COVID-19 has significantly disrupted and is changing the way the
food industry and trading partners conduct business, which is why today FMI – The Food Industry Association announces a new, virtual trading partner program like its highly successful Strategic Executive Exchanges. Known as FMI Midsummer Strategic Executive Exchange, the program aims to accelerate business recovery and streamline supply chain collaboration.
FMI President and CEO Leslie Sarasin commented on the inception of this event, saying, “COVID-19 has provided FMI members a vivid reminder of the need for enhanced communications and planning; and has proven that agility and speed are the new normal as companies seek to stabilize their business operations and better prepare for a future filled with unknowns.”
She continued, “To help facilitate addressing these industry needs, I am pleased to announce a unique, virtual, strategic opportunity for trading partner collaboration to identify, prioritize and address the industry’s most pressing business issues.”
The Midsummer program is open to FMI members from retail, wholesale, consumer products companies and suppliers who sell food, beverage and non-food products.
FMI Midsummer 2020 will kick-off with a compelling keynote Tuesday, July 7, and will run over the course of eight business days to allow for flexibility with 48 possible meeting timeslots using a collaborative technology platform. The menu of meeting windows offers retailers and suppliers the ability to pick the dates, times, and quantity of meetings that best meet their availability and needs over the course of the event.
Mark Baum, senior vice president, industry relations and chief collaboration officer, FMI, noted, “The possibility of focused private online meetings with multiple company teams over the course of a few days is an excellent opportunity for trading partners to regroup, discuss business challenges, opportunities and anticipate post-pandemic shifting consumer shopping behaviors.”
This Midsummer program offers business continuity and complements the upcoming FMI Annual Business Conference (ABC) scheduled for September 13-16, 2020 and the marquee FMI event, .
Industry Topics address your specific area of expertise with resources, reports, events and more.
Our Research covers consumer behavior and retail operation benchmarks so you can make informed business decisions.
Events and Education including online and in-person help you advance your food retail career.
Food Safety training, resources and guidance that help you create a company food safety culture.
Government Affairs work — federal and state — on the latest food industry policy, regulatory and legislative issues.
Get Involved. From industry awards to newsletters and committees, these resources help you take advantage of your membership.
Best practices, guidance documents, infographics, signage and more for the food industry on the COVID-19 pandemic.
