If you work in food retail or grocery, FMI Connect is a game‑changing event. It’s more than just an expo—it’s a place where retailers, wholesalers, tech innovators, and service providers meet to redefine the future of food shopping. From cutting‑edge in‑store solutions to supply chain upgrades, this expo gives you a front‑row seat to what’s next.
📍 Where & When
- Venue: McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois
- Dates: Usually mid‑June (for example, June 10–13, 2025)
- Expo Hours:
- Opening days: 9 AM–5 PM
- Final day: Mid‑afternoon wrap‑up
Set on the shores of Lake Michigan, McCormick Place is easy to reach by public transport and surrounded by comfortable hotel options—making it a convenient choice for attendees.
What Is FMI Connect?
This event isn’t just about walking past booths. It’s a hands‑on, ideas‑driven experience where food retail professionals can test new tools, discover emerging trends, and explore real-world solutions. Retailers use it to:
- Increase average basket size and customer visits
- Boost profitability and expand market share
- Empower teams with fresh leadership strategies
FMI Connect brings all players—retailers, service providers, and innovators—into a space designed to spark change.
What You’ll See on the Expo Floor
Retail‑of‑the‑Future Pavilion
This showcase lets you explore tomorrow’s store today. Expect demos of personalized shopping tech, smarter shelving ideas, and customer-focused experiences.
Packaging Innovation Pavilion
Curated by packaging experts, this pavilion shows how smarter design can save costs, extend shelf life, help the environment, and boost private‑label sales.
Focus‑On‑Fresh & Health Zones
Get fresh‑food tips from demos and experience how wellness-driven initiatives—like in‑store nutrition counseling—are trending.
Technology Zone
Explore tomorrow’s retail tech—from beacon apps to real‑time inventory systems and seamless online‑to‑store tools.
Who Should Attend
- Chain and independent grocery retailers
- Wholesale operators
- Category managers and buyers
- Supply‑chain and logistics teams
- Heads of private‑label and procurement
- Retail‑tech vendors and solution providers
- Food‑service and pharmacy professionals
If your role touches any part of the grocery or retail food business, you’ll benefit from being here.
Why You Should Attend
See Solutions in Action
Test new tech, inspect packaging up close, and experience formats you can bring back to your stores.
Gather Industry Insights
Learn about shopping trends, customer behavior, and market movement from top industry minds.
Hear from the Pros
With multiple seminar tracks on areas like e‑commerce, leadership, and private label, you’ll come away with real strategies you can use right away.
Make Valuable Connections
Thousands of retail decision‑makers and innovators come together to share ideas and start projects.
What a Typical Day Looks Like
- Morning: Dive into the Retail‑of‑the‑Future Pavilion for peak inspiration
- Midday: Visit the Packaging Innovation area to browse top solutions
- Afternoon: Attend a seminar on something like digital transformation or leadership
- Late day: Explore the Technology Zone and meet vendor reps for deeper demos
- Evenings: Enjoy networking events, dinners, or Chicago sightseeing
Cost to Attend
- Retailers & Wholesalers: Typically $200–$400 for expo access plus seminars
- Solution Providers & Vendors: Starts around $3,000 for booth space
- Consultants & Independent Buyers: Discounted rates often available
- On‑site registration: Slightly higher, so it pays to register early
Group pricing and early-bird deals are often offered—so checking ahead is a smart move.
Where to Stay
Guest accommodations around McCormick Place include:
- Hyatt Regency McCormick Place – Connected via skybridge
- Marriott Marquis Chicago – Sleek and modern
- Hilton Chicago – Grand, historic, and comfortable
- Ritz‑Carlton Chicago – Upscale, with lakefront charm
- Homewood Suites – Practical and close to the venue
These options offer convenience, comfort, and easy access to the expo center.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of It
- Plan your day using the event app or planner
- Bring comfy shoes—you’ll be walking a lot
- Pack a notebook or charger to stay connected
- Engage with demos and speakers
- Network during mixers and lounge times
- Follow up with people you meet—it can open doors after the show
Final Thoughts
FMI Connect is more than another event—it’s a catalyst for transformation in food retail. Between interactive demos, actionable insights, and meaningful connections, you’ll leave with ideas ready to implement. Whether you’re looking to enhance the customer experience, upgrade your supply chain, or introduce private‑label innovation, this expo helps you make meaningful progress.
If you’re serious about shaping the future of food retail, FMI Connect is where it happens.
To register or learn more about FMI Connect 2025, visit:
https://www.fmi.org/events-education/conferences/fmi-connect