What You Missed from What’s In Store 2019

October 30, 2019
Announcements

Each year at FNCE, the Retail Dietitians Business Alliance in partnership with Fleishman Hillard host What’s In Store, an event exclusive to retail dietitians. A blend of networking with event sponsors and colleagues and education creates a perfect night for all in attendance. Here’s a recap of What’s In Store 2019.

As Marda Heuman from Wegmans and Kara Behlke from Schnuck Markets (pictured above) know, a key highlight for attendees is the opportunity to network with colleagues from across the country. The event provides a unique opportunity to discuss programs and projects with colleagues from non-competing retailers as well as to connect with old and new friends.

With FNCE hosted in Philadelphia this year, which is well within the market of ShopRite stores, we had a great showing of their RD team at What’s In Store, including Stephanie Stackpole, Nikki Toscani, Jena Wood, and Adrienne Olah.

Business is definitely mixed with pleasure at the event, with sponsor table tops available for product sampling, access to new retail RD resources, and discussion on potential partnerships as a key focus of networking. The inclusion of business discussions at What’s In Store is an important validation for retailers on why their RDs should attend FNCE and this event.

The education focus of the evening was on tackling tension on in our food supply. Allison Webster from the International Food Information Council shared new research on the plant vs. animal protein debate and Shalene McNeill from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association encouraged attendees to highlight how plants and animals benefit each out in agriculture and human health. Marissa Pines, Marketing Director at Quaker and pictured here, shared how both high tech and high touch food experiences are essential to engaging consumers. Finally, Kristie Sigler from Fleishman Hillard discussed the concept that using psychographics in marketing and education may be more effective than targeting specific demographics.

Events like What’s In Store wouldn’t be possible without the support of our valued partners. Thank you to all our sponsors for their support of this event as well as the work of retail dietitians.