How to Compete In A Changing Marketplace: Details on IGA Sessions at The NGA Show

Jan 12, 2022

Like any other year, 2022 will require independent retailers to grapple with a host of business issues, including staying competitive in their changing marketplace, introducing new technologies that serve shoppers better, and hiring and developing an outstanding team. Add to that the ongoing challenges that come from retailing in the third year of the pandemic, and there's never been a bigger need for the insights, camaraderie, and fun that comes from a co-located event bringing together hundreds of the country's independent grocers and the wholesalers and vendors who serve them. 

Enter The NGA Show, an in-person event taking place in Las Vegas February 27–March 1, 2022 with an integrated format that makes it easier and more convenient for members of the Independent Grocers Alliance and NGA to get the most out of their time. 

"Recognizing how busy our retailers and store teams are, for 2022 the IGA event will be fully integrated into NGA's event," says IGA CEO John Ross. "Consider it one-stop-shopping for all the networking, insights, and resources an independent needs to compete and win." 

During the three-day event, IGA, NGA, and other industry experts will present tactics and ideas designed to help all independents stay competitive in their changing marketplace, better serve shoppers, and increase sales. That means this event is tailor made for independent grocery retailers, whether you're an IGA-branded retailer, a unbranded member of the Independent Grocers Alliance, or an unaffiliated independent who wants to learn more about the strategies, tactics, tools, and resources that will help you better compete. 

Keep reading for details on where you can find Independent Grocers Alliance sessions and the schedule at a glance for the event, taking place at Caesar's Forum Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

General Sessions

On Monday, February 28, find the Independent Grocers Alliance at the two general sessions in the late morning and early afternoon. IGA CEO John Ross will discuss the state of the industry during NGA's opening session, focusing on current trends in digital, fresh foods, recruiting and labor issues, and more. Immediately following is an Independent Grocers Alliance-sponsored session open to all attendees addressing strategies any independent retailer can use for fighting inflation: 

Don’t Be A Victim To Inflation: Simple Strategies To Maintain Price Authority, Increase Sales, And Drive Shopper Loyalty

Inflation is coming fast, but as an independent, how do you maintain your value proposition during an inflationary period? Discover tactics that will help you keep your margin and stay competitive against the chains on core CPG and private label items, how you can use the margin you have to further increase profit, and how to increase shopper loyalty with marketing initiatives that show shoppers you’re on their side as prices rise.

Education Sessions

On Monday and Tuesday, attendees will participate in a variety of workshops on topics including: 

  • eCommerce
  • People Development
  • Fresh Foods
  • Omnichannel Marketing
  • Merchandising
  • Operations
  • Technology

Independent Grocers Alliance-sponsored sessions designed to deliver strategies that work for any independent—not just IGA retailers—will take place during NGA's regularly scheduled workshop sessions. See below for the session descriptions and find the full schedule at a glance in the next section.

Save Money & Increase Sales With The Right Media Mix

Print. Digital. Social. Direct mail. With so many different ways to market to shoppers, how do you know what media mix is right for your store? See how independent retailers are using media analysis and digital tools to move from expensive, low-productivity advertising to lower-cost, data-driven media solutions that engage shoppers, drive traffic, and increase sales.

Improving Your Business Through Marketplace Analysis

How well do you really know your marketplace? Neighborhoods—in even small communities—are changing fast. And if the perception of your marketplace is based only on the customers coming through your door, you’re missing out on a host of sales opportunities. Learn how affordable and effective marketplace and shopper analysis can provide the meaningful feedback and data you need to help you revitalize your competitive strategy, bring in new shoppers, and better serve the ones you have.

Optimizing Sales In Center Store Categories

Feel like it’s impossible for an independent retailer to win against the chains in key center store categories like pet, cereal, and baby? Hear from a panel of the world’s top CPG brands how independent retailers can use data-driven shopper education and merchandising to move key categories in their store from a fill-in afterthought to the primary destination for all a shopper’s needs.

How The Greening Of Grocery Can Increase Sales And Save You Money

Did you know consumers are willing to pay an average of 4 percent more at a food retailer that implements initiatives to support their community and the environment? Or that the average independent retailer could save $15,000 to $60,000 dollars a year with no-cost or low cost energy saving measures? Hear how the Ratio Institute’s free self-assessment, employee education, nationally recognized certification program, and shopper-facing marketing materials are helping retailers adopt and promote sustainable practices that drive shopper loyalty and save money.

Ransomware: The Biggest Threat To Your Business May Be One You Aren’t Even Thinking About

Did you know the average ransomware attack costs businesses an average of 15 days downtime? Small, local grocers with busy management, slim margins, and vulnerable technology systems are particularly susceptible to a ransomware attack that can shut down POS systems and cost thousands—or even hundreds of thousands of dollars—to resume business. Hear directly from independent retailers who have been impacted, and learn how you can protect your business.

IGA Opening After Party

On Sunday, February 27, IGA will host a an Opening After Party for all Independent Grocers Alliance members immediately following NGA's opening reception. Gather with IGA's close-knit family of retailers, wholesalers, and Red Oval partners in a casual, fun celebration—with a dinner served via food stations and open table seating. 

"Our members have had a tough couple of years, and we want to honor that with a blowout party with great food, drinks, entertainment—and of course—company," says Ross. All members of the Independent Grocers Alliance attending The NGA Show will be invited, so mark your calendars and make plans to attend. 

Visit IGArally.com for the most up-to-date session listings and information.

Schedule At A Glance

Independent Grocers Alliance participation denoted with an asterisk (*).

Sunday, February 27, 2022
Time Event
1:00-4:00 p.m. Retail Tomorrow
4:15–6:00 p.m. Opening Keynote Session
6:30–7:30 p.m. NGA Opening Reception
7:30 p.m.–? IGA Opening After Party* (food served)

 

Monday, February 28, 2022

Time Event
7:00–8:30 a.m. Super Breakfast Session
8:45–10:30 a.m. Education Session Workshops*
10:40–11:25 a.m. NGA General Session*
11:35 a.m.–12:15 p.m. IGA General Session*
12:15–5:15 p.m. Expo Floor Open
5:30–7:00 p.m. Best Bagger Championship & After Party

 

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Time Event
7:00–8:45 a.m. Super Breakfast Session: Creative Choice Awards Presentation
9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Expo Floor Open
1:15–3:00 p.m. Education Session Workshops*
3:15–4:15 p.m. NGA General Session
5:00–7:00 p.m. Closing Celebration

 

Registration

With so much to learn—and the opportunity to safely gather, network, and celebrate with fellow independent retailers, the co-located IGA/NGA Show is a must-attend event—at one great price. IGA retailers, use the code "IGA" when registering for $100 off NGA's prevailing registration rate, and register for the event today to secure your attendance.

Registration gives you admission to everything the event has to offer, including: 

  • Dedicated Independent Grocers Alliance educational sessions
  • IGA Opening After Party 
  • All NGA events, including educational sessions & show floor access with more than 300+ companies!

register now

Hotel

Take advantage of exclusive hotel savings by booking your room through NGA's official housing vendor for the 2022 NGA Show, Connections Housing.Harrah's Hotel is connected to the new Caesar's Forum Convention Center, making it easy to go from your room to the show floor, sessions, and special events.

PLEASE NOTE: Outreach from non-affiliated hotel groups has been very aggressive and any offerings they provide will most likely result in a scam. Per NGA's contract, Connections Housing has negotiated the lowest rates for hotels in Las Vegas. If you have been contacted by a non-affiliated hotel company, please let us know and we will contact them immediately. You should also block their email address and unsubscribe.

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