FAIRFAX, Va. -- The American Wholesale Marketers Association (AWMA) has joined forces with CSP Information Group as an Association Partner for CSP's Foodservice at Retail Expo (FARE) 2008.
This new event, to be held August 11–13, 2008, at the Renaissance Hotel & Convention Center in Schaumburg, Ill., will provide focused foodservice education and a tradeshow featuring foodservice programs, products, technology solutions and services that support this high-growth category.
"The growth of foodservice in non-conventional retail formats is a huge opportunity for wholesale distributors. [image-nocss] Our exclusive partnership with CSP provides members of AWMA with access to focused education and the latest foodservice offerings," said Scott Ramminger, president and CEO of AWMA. "On behalf of our members, I can say that we are elated to endorse this event and provide education and new business opportunities for AWMA members in this important category."
The on-the-go foodservice industry is estimated at $161.5 billion and growing by nearly 7% each year. CSP's Foodservice at Retail Expo (FARE) is a multi-channel event targeted to retailers that offer convenient, fresh food to fit the lifestyle of today's consumer.
"We are excited that AWMA has embraced this new event as an Association Partner with us," said Paul Reuter, president and CEO of CSP Information Group. "After discussions with retailers, wholesalers, suppliers and manufacturers, it became clear that there is a need throughout the supply chain for a focused foodservice conference and exposition.
"We also learned that there are many common interests and concerns across retail channels relating to foodservice—food safety, ROI, consumer trends, demographic preferences, the future of foodservice, etc.," Reuter added. "And with the help of an advisory council that represents multiple retail channels, our goal is to bring the non-traditional foodservice industry together for focused education on common interests, networking opportunities and an exhibit hall full of the latest foodservice products. It's also refreshing that AWMA's leadership embraces partnerships and collaboration like this to benefit their members with innovation and new solutions. To me, this is a great example of the 'power of many'."
Foodservice at Retail Expo 2008 will offer nearly 10 hours of focused educational sessions in addition to a full-day session presented by AWMA on topics of specific interest to the wholesale distributor community.
Registration and housing information will be available in early March. For information, visit: www.cspnet.com/fare
Fairfax, Va.-based AWMA is the only international trade organization working on behalf of convenience distributors in the United States. Its distributor members represent more than $85 billion in U.S. convenience product sales. Associate members include manufacturers, brokers, retailers and others allied to the convenience product industry.
Oak Brook, Ill.-based CSP Information Group, publisher of CSP magazine and CSP Independent magazine, is a business-to-business communication company specializing in the convenience and retail petroleum industry. CSP Information Group's other business units include the CSP Daily News daily e-mail newsletter, CSPNetwork CyberConferences, CSPTV, CSP Leadership conferences and events, 24-7 Connect Virtual Expo and CSP Consulting. Visit www.cspnet.com for more information.
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