Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Midwinter Executive Conference, USA

Unlocking the Future of Food Retail: Your Definitive Guide to the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference, USA!

In the fast-evolving landscape of food retail, staying ahead of the curve isn’t just an aspiration – it’s a non-negotiable for success. From the seismic shifts brought by e-commerce and artificial intelligence to the ever-changing demands of the modern consumer, food retailers and their supplier partners face a dynamic environment that requires constant innovation, strategic foresight, and unparalleled collaboration. It’s about more than just selling groceries; it’s about building resilient supply chains, fostering sustainable practices, leveraging cutting-edge technology, and creating seamless customer experiences that resonate with today’s shoppers. For C-suite executives, senior leaders, and decision-makers across the food industry, having a pulse on these critical trends and connecting with the brightest minds in the business is absolutely vital. This is precisely why the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Midwinter Executive Conference, USA, stands as the premier annual gathering, the essential forum where the industry’s most influential leaders convene to tackle what’s next in grocery!

Imagine an exclusive gathering where candid discussions about the biggest challenges and opportunities unfold among industry giants. Here, you’ll find thought-provoking keynote speeches, interactive strategic executive exchanges, and focused discussions on the disruptive technologies and consumer behaviors that are reshaping the future of food. This isn’t a sprawling trade show floor filled with booths; it’s a high-impact, curated event designed for genuine dialogue, strategic partnerships, and invaluable peer-to-peer learning. If you’re looking to gain actionable insights into AI-driven retail, understand the impact of evolving consumer habits, explore new frontiers in sustainability, or forge critical relationships that will drive your business forward, attending the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference offers an unrivaled opportunity to innovate, inspire, and impact the trajectory of the food retail sector.

The Apex of Food Retail Leadership: Venue and Time

The FMI Midwinter Executive Conference consistently chooses top-tier resort destinations that provide a conducive environment for high-level discussions, focused networking, and a blend of professional and social engagement for senior executives. It’s a deliberate choice to foster a relaxed yet highly productive atmosphere.

Where Strategic Conversations Unfold: The Venue The FMI Midwinter Executive Conference has a strong tradition of returning to cherished locations that offer both excellent meeting facilities and opportunities for executive-level networking and relaxation.

For 2025, the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference was held at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort in Marco Island, Florida, USA. Located at 400 South Collier Boulevard, Marco Island, FL 34145, this luxurious beachfront resort provides an ideal setting for a high-profile executive conference, combining sophisticated meeting spaces with a stunning natural environment. Marco Island’s serene yet accessible location on Florida’s southwest coast makes it a desirable destination for attendees from across the country.

Looking ahead, the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference will continue its tradition of choosing premier destinations:

January 21-24, 2026: The conference is slated to move to a new location in Chula Vista, California. Specific venue details within Chula Vista will be announced, but this move highlights FMI’s commitment to providing diverse experiences for its members while maintaining its standard of high-quality event execution.

Timely Insights: The Schedule The FMI Midwinter Executive Conference is an annual event, consistently held in late January or early February. This timing is strategic, allowing industry leaders to gather vital insights and establish key partnerships at the beginning of the new business year, setting the tone for the months ahead.

For 2025, the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference took place from January 30 – February 2, 2025.

The conference typically spans four days, with a meticulously designed agenda focused on a blend of formal sessions, structured B2B meetings, and targeted social events to maximize networking:

Day 1 (e.g., Thursday, January 30, 2025): Often serves as an arrival day, with opening registration, initial FMItech Pop-Ups (discussions/demos on technology), and key networking events like the “First-Timers Welcome Reception” and the popular “Stir It Up!” opening night social, which celebrates culinary skills and new product showcases. Strategic Executive Exchanges (pre-scheduled B2B meetings) also begin.
Day 2 (e.g., Friday, January 31, 2025): A full day of keynote speeches from industry titans and thought leaders, exploring macro trends, consumer behavior, and the future of food retail. More Strategic Executive Exchanges and breakout sessions delve into specific topics.
Day 3 (e.g., Saturday, February 1, 2025): Continues with high-level educational programming, including panel discussions and deep dives into critical issues like supply chain resilience, AI, and sustainability. More executive exchanges and social events take place. This day often features the FMItech Pitch Competition, showcasing emerging retail technologies.
Day 4 (e.g., Sunday, February 2, 2025): Concluding sessions, often summarizing key takeaways and looking ahead. The conference typically wraps up by early afternoon, allowing for travel.

This structure is intentionally designed to foster a rich environment for strategic discussions and relationship building among the industry’s most senior executives.

The Blueprint for Retail Excellence: Key Discussion Themes and Solution Categories

It’s important to clarify that FMI Midwinter is not an exhibition with a vast “product category” floor in the traditional sense of a trade show. Instead, it’s an executive conference where the “products” are primarily ideas, insights, strategic partnerships, and solutions that address the most pressing challenges and opportunities in food retail. While there may be technology showcases or private presentations by solution providers (especially within the FMItech program), the emphasis is on high-level discussion and strategic collaboration.

The key themes and types of solutions/areas of focus include:

Technology & Digital Transformation:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning: Applications in pricing, promotions, inventory management, personalized marketing, customer service, and supply chain optimization. Discussion often includes generative AI’s role in reinventing work and experiences.
- Automation: Robotics in stores and warehouses, automated checkout solutions, and efficiency improvements.
- Data Analytics & Consumer Insights: Leveraging data to understand shopper behavior, predict trends, optimize assortments, and enhance the omnichannel experience.
- e-commerce & Omnichannel Retail: Strategies for seamless online-to-offline integration, last-mile delivery, and personalized digital engagement.
- RFID Technology: Revolutionizing inventory accuracy, reducing out-of-stocks, and improving loss prevention.
Supply Chain & Operations Excellence:
- Resilient Supply Chains: Strategies for navigating disruptions, ensuring food security, and optimizing logistics.
- Food Waste Reduction: Innovative approaches to minimize waste throughout the supply chain.
- Operational Efficiency: Best practices for store operations, labor management, and cost optimization.
Sustainability & ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance):
- Environmental stewardship, responsible sourcing, energy efficiency, and reducing the carbon footprint of food retail.
- Social impact, community resilience, and the role of food retailers in addressing food insecurity.
Consumer Behavior & Market Trends:
- Understanding evolving shopper preferences, dietary trends (e.g., impact of GLP-1 drugs), and generational shopping habits (e.g., Gen Alpha’s influence).
- The future of meal occasions and shifting consumption patterns.
Workforce & Leadership:
- Attracting, retaining, and developing talent in the food retail industry.
- Adaptive leadership in times of rapid change.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.
Regulatory & Public Policy:
- Discussions on emerging regulations impacting food safety (e.g., FSMA Rule 204), credit card competition, and other policy issues relevant to food retail.
Strategic Partnerships & Collaboration:
- Strengthening relationships between retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, and solution providers.
- Collaborative efforts on pre-competitive industry challenges.

The “FMItech” program within Midwinter is a dedicated segment for technology-focused discussions, pitch competitions from emerging tech companies, and private exchanges on innovation.

The Gathering of Giants: Visitor Count and Demographics

The FMI Midwinter Executive Conference is renowned for its exclusive, high-caliber attendance, making it a unique networking opportunity for the food retail industry. It’s not about mass numbers, but about the unparalleled seniority and influence of the participants.

Visitor Count: The conference typically attracts over 1,400 to 1,600+ highly qualified attendees. This size is ideal for fostering meaningful connections without the overwhelming crowds of larger trade shows.
Exhibitors/Solution Providers: While not an open expo hall, the conference features a select group of dozens of sponsor companies and solution providers (often over 100 in various capacities), who participate through strategic partnerships, private meetings, and dedicated FMItech showcases. These are typically leading companies offering enterprise-level solutions.
Attendee Demographics: The audience at FMI Midwinter is exclusively senior-level, making every interaction highly valuable:
- CEOs, Presidents, and Board Members: From major food retail chains, wholesalers, and large CPG manufacturers.
- C-suite Executives: Including CFOs, COOs, CMOs, CTOs, CIOs, CHROs, and Chief Sustainability Officers.
- Senior VPs and VPs: Across all functional areas, including Merchandising, Operations, Supply Chain, IT, Marketing, HR, Asset Protection, and Government Relations.
- Independent Grocers & Wholesalers: Leaders from mid-size and regional operations.
- Product Suppliers & Manufacturers: Senior executives from food and beverage companies, as well as non-food CPGs.
- Service Providers & Consultants: Leaders from firms specializing in retail technology, supply chain, market research, and strategic consulting.
- Emerging Tech Leaders: Founders and executives from innovative startups participating in the FMItech program.

This unparalleled concentration of executive talent ensures that discussions are at the highest strategic level, and networking yields truly impactful connections.

The Executive Edge: Benefits and Perks of Attending

Attending the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference is a powerful investment in future-proofing your business and elevating your leadership within the food retail industry. The benefits are uniquely tailored to its executive audience:

Unparalleled Peer-to-Peer Networking: This is the primary draw. Engage in candid, high-level discussions with other C-suite executives and senior leaders who are navigating similar complex challenges. These are the decision-makers you want to connect with.
Strategic Executive Exchanges (B2B Meetings): The conference facilitates pre-scheduled, one-on-one business meetings between retailers, wholesalers, and supplier partners. These focused sessions are incredibly efficient for exploring new partnerships and strengthening existing relationships.
Exclusive & Forward-Thinking Content: The agenda is curated by industry leaders for industry leaders. Keynote speeches and breakout sessions delve into macro-economic trends, disruptive technologies (especially AI), evolving consumer behavior, and critical policy issues, providing insights directly applicable to strategic planning.
Direct Access to Industry Visionaries: Hear from and interact with renowned speakers, including prominent CEOs, economic experts, and even celebrated figures like Chef José Andrés (who spoke in 2025), offering diverse perspectives and inspiration.
Deep Dive into FMItech: Explore the cutting edge of retail technology. The FMItech program provides dedicated sessions, showcases, and a pitch competition for emerging tech companies, helping executives identify solutions for e-commerce, inventory, automation, and customer experience.
Insights into Regulatory & Policy Landscape: Stay informed on critical policy developments and regulatory changes impacting food retail, enabling proactive compliance and strategic advocacy.
Collaborative Problem Solving: Engage in discussions on pre-competitive issues like supply chain resilience, food waste reduction, and workforce challenges, fostering industry-wide solutions.
High-Caliber Community: Be part of an exclusive community where ideas are exchanged freely, and relationships are built on trust and mutual understanding. This “family meal” atmosphere, as FMI often describes it, is unique.
Strategic Planning & Foresight: The insights gained from keynotes, sessions, and peer interactions equip leaders with the knowledge to make informed decisions for long-term growth and competitiveness.
Unique Social Events: Beyond formal sessions, events like the “Stir It Up!” culinary competition offer a fun, informal setting for networking and building camaraderie.

Your Executive Retreat: Nearby Hotels and Convenient Accommodation

Given that the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference is held at a premier resort property, the primary and most convenient accommodation option is typically the host hotel itself.

For 2025, the conference was held at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort. Staying at the host resort offers unparalleled convenience, with all conference sessions, strategic executive exchanges, and networking events just steps away. The resort also provides a luxurious environment with amenities conducive to both productive work and relaxation, which is a key part of the Midwinter experience.

While staying at the host hotel is highly recommended for the full immersive experience, if the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort were fully booked or if alternative arrangements were preferred, options in the immediate vicinity of Marco Island might include other high-end resorts or vacation rentals. However, due to the secluded nature of Marco Island, other major hotel chains within immediate walking distance are limited. Attendees would likely need to consider short drives or ride-shares for off-site accommodations if not staying at the host resort.

It is absolutely crucial to book your accommodation as early as possible, especially through any official FMI housing links or preferred hotel blocks. Given the exclusive nature and popularity of the conference among senior executives, rooms at the host resort fill up quickly.

The Investment in Leadership: Understanding the Cost to Attend

The FMI Midwinter Executive Conference is an exclusive, invitation-only event for FMI members, reflecting the high-level content and networking opportunities it provides. The registration fees are significant, reflecting the caliber of attendees and speakers, and the comprehensive nature of the program.

While exact 2026 pricing would be released closer to the event, we can infer from typical executive conference costs and past FMI events:

FMI Member Registration: The conference is exclusively for FMI members. Registration fees for senior executives (retailer, wholesaler, manufacturer, or solution provider members) typically range from $2,500 – $4,000+ USD for a full conference pass. This fee usually includes access to all educational sessions, keynote speeches, Strategic Executive Exchanges, and most networking/social events (including meals and receptions).
Executive Level-Specific Pricing: Sometimes there are slight variations based on the type of FMI membership or the specific role of the executive.
Companion Passes: Often available for a spouse or partner, covering access to social events and meals, typically at a reduced rate (e.g., $700 – $1,000+ USD).

The cost of attendance is a substantial investment, but for C-suite leaders and senior executives in the food retail and CPG industries, the return on investment in terms of strategic insights, partnership development, and peer networking is considered invaluable for navigating the complex challenges and seizing the growth opportunities within the industry. This investment should also factor in personal travel and accommodation expenses.

Shape the Future of Food: Your Next Strategic Move Awaits!

The FMI Midwinter Executive Conference is more than just an annual meeting; it’s the strategic compass for the food retail industry’s top brass. It’s where the most pressing challenges are confronted with innovative solutions, where the future of grocery is defined, and where the indispensable connections that drive industry-wide progress are forged. Whether you are a CEO grappling with AI integration, a supply chain leader building resilience, or a marketing executive seeking to understand the next generation of shoppers, attending this conference is a critical investment that will empower your leadership, sharpen your strategic vision, and connect you with the exclusive community shaping the future of food. Don’t just adapt to change; lead it!

To learn more about the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference and register if you are an FMI member, visit: fmi.org/midwinter-conference