Trade Summit

October  2009

Overview --- Few areas of the country even approach New York State and its Metro region in the sheer number and magnitude of leading supermarket chains and wholesalers. As competitive pressures and time constraints increase, opportunities to conduct business in a meaningful environment decrease. Through the Food Industry Alliance (FIA) of New York State's Trade Summit, manufacturers and suppliers maximize their ability to conduct business with industry-leading retailers and wholesalers in a professionally organized, time-efficient setting.

Concept --- The FIA will conduct its thirteenth annual two-day Trade Summit in 2009, which will bring together the executive ranks from retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and suppliers. High level, confidential Executive Conferences occur during the two day Summit between retailers/wholesalers and manufacturers/suppliers. These meetings are scheduled well in advance of the Summit to allow for adequate preparation by both retailers/wholesalers and manufacturers/suppliers.

Format --- There are up to fourteen available meeting sessions over the two-day period --- eight on Thursday and six on Friday. The agenda will be mutually set by manufacturers/suppliers and retailers/wholesalers regarding the topics, issues, strategies, etc. that will be discussed. Each Executive Conference should be uniquely structured to the retail/wholesale company attending the particular appointment. All Executive Conferences will be conducted in suites assigned to manufacturers and suppliers.

Scope of Discussion --- It is recommended that the subject matter of each Executive Conference go beyond a typical business review and include long range merchandising and purchasing programs, strategic planning for the next year, candid assessment of shared business opportunities, and renewal or establishment of top level business relationships.

Who Should Attend? --- FIA's Trade Summit is designed for (1) retail and wholesale company officers and executives who have the corporate decision-making responsibility for procuring products and services and (2) manufacturer/supplier executives who have senior oversight responsibility for marketing, sales promotion and customer relations.

Dates --- Thursday-Friday, October 15 & 16

Location --- Embassy Suites, Secaucus, New Jersey

Dress Code --- Business Casual

Attendant Activities --- During the two-day Trade Summit, opportunities will be available for retailer/wholesaler and manufacturer/supplier registrants to meet informally outside of the scheduled Executive Conferences. Additionally, a reception will be held on the evening of October 15th with the remainder of the evening left open for dinner appointments at one of the area's restaurants.

Summary of Benefits

• Prestigious industry event in one of the country's most important regions;
• More focused, yet dramatically less costly, than a trade show;
• Concentrated, two-day format limits expenses yet maximizes business opportunities;
• Pre-scheduled, executive appointments reinforce productive business and,  Thursday evening reception and "open times" offer opportunities for registrants to mix in a business, yet casual setting.