Every October, the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) holds its annual convention. Leaders from across the frozen and refrigerated food industry come together to sample the latest products and attend informative presentations. Perhaps the biggest draw to the NFRA Convention, however, is the opportunity for attendees to network and conduct business with each other throughout the event.
This year, the NFRA Convention looks a little different than normal. In June, the NFRA made the decision to transform the four-day in-person event into a three-day virtual event. Now running October 19 to 21, the convention will be held entirely online. But don’t let that stop you from attending. There’s still much to do and see, and you’ll of course be able to “meet” with other industry executives, albeit in a virtual setting.
In fact, NFRA president and CEO Skip Shaw hopes that going virtual will make the 2020 NFRA Convention bigger and better than ever:
With more flexibility, lower registration fees and no travel expenses, we hope to maximize participation with a new virtual format while providing the same excellence in programming, the latest information on what is happening in our industry and new opportunities for conducting business and networking.
Still not convinced that you should attend this year’s NFRA Convention? Here are four valuable reasons you should.
1. Receive Vital Industry Updates
If you’re interested in learning more about how the events of 2020 have affected the frozen food industry, be sure to tune in to the keynote presentations at this year’s NFRA Convention.
On Monday, October 19, at 11:00 a.m., the news outlet Politico will take the virtual stage. Then on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m., Acosta Sales & Marketing will offer insights on the current state of the frozen food industry. There is also a third keynote scheduled for Wednesday, but the presenter has yet to be announced.
Are you registered for the convention but unable to watch the live presentations? Don’t worry. Recordings will be available for viewing at your convenience.
2. Explore the Virtual NFRA Convention Floor
Over 130 of the top companies in the refrigerated and frozen food industry will be represented at the 2020 NFRA Convention. Registered attendees can log in and wander around the Virtual Exhibit Hall 24 hours a day throughout the event. Feel free to interact with exhibitors and learn more about their products and services. The New Product Showcase—also open 24 hours—highlights the latest and greatest frozen and refrigerated products.
This year, an exciting mix of retailers and wholesalers, manufacturers, and sales agents will be on the virtual convention floor. You’ll also find industry associations, logistics providers, and suppliers, including yours truly, Excellence Industries.
3. A Better Way to Do Business
The biggest draw of the annual NFRA Convention is the fact that it’s a one-stop-shop for all of your business needs. With leaders from every segment of the frozen foods industry gathered in one place at the same time, conducting business has never been easier.
Dozens of meetings can be packed into the three-day event. According to the NFRA, the convention “saves attendees the money and time spent away from the office that multiple visits throughout the year would take.”
With the convention fully online this year, setting up your meeting schedule is easy. The NFRA has created a virtual scheduling platform where you can request business meetings with other industry pros. Speed Meeting sessions will also be conducted if you’re trying to squeeze in a quick chat. There’s even an app to help you keep track of your meeting schedule throughout the event.
4. Network Like Never Before
With so many top industry professionals in attendance, it may be hard to meet with everyone on your wish list. Don’t fret. While there are countless opportunities to network during the convention, registered attendees will also be able to connect afterward. Check out the Digital Program & Directory for complete contact details of every attendee. Then reach out and get the business ball rolling.
Don’t let the online setting deter you from attending the 2020 NFRA Convention. Live support will be available during all three days of the event to keep things running smoothly. Plus, 2020 is a special year for the NFRA, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
There’s no better time or (virtual) place to handle all of your industry business than at the 2020 NFRA Convention. Register today and take advantage of everything this virtual event has to offer.
We hope to see you in virtual attendance at the 2020 NFRA Convention! Feel free to get in touch with us to learn more about how we can help with all of your commercial refrigeration needs.
