Summary: The Lemonaders Team can create a full trade show plan for a client as well advise which trade associations are ideal to discuss joining. There are different types of trade events to explore. The important trade event types to consider are trade association events (ex Fancy Food Show) and those events created by key customers, especially distributors (ex UNFI and Kehe).
Trade Shows (via Trade Associations)
WORKING WITH TRADE ASSOCIATIONS: Our founders have 30-years plus history with the main industry trade shows. They have offices based in Las Vegas, Southern California, Chicago and Orlando for the vast number of trade shows that are based in those markets. They either participate in or visit with over 45 plus trade shows annually (including other areas such as Orlando, Salt Lake City, Chicago, Baltimore). The core shows they cover include PMA and United Fresh (Produce), Expo West/East (Natural), NACS (Convenience), Sweets and Snacks (Snacks), NRA (Food Service), NAMA (Vending/Micro Markets), IDDBA (In-Store Deli, Bakery, Dairy), AFRDS (Fundraising), World Tea Expo (Tea Products), IFT and Supplyside (Ingredients), IAAPA (Family Fun Centers), Super Zoo (Pet Products) and PLMA (Private Label)…
ECRM Events
ECRM hosts a series of roundtable events where buyers are scheduled (by appointment) for 20-minute sessions with brands. These events are usually themed by a category or season and are held at resorts and hotels in different parts of the US. The brands usually have the choice of getting a small booth or a full room to set up their product showcase.
www.ecrm.marketgate.com
Distributor Trade Shows
Most regional and national distributors have their own events (trade shows) that need to be considered. Distributors themselves do persuade brands (especially new ones) to do their shows as part of their needs to be noticed by a distributor’s list of customers.
Distributors that have their own shows include UNFI, Kehe, Core-Mark, SA Abraham, HT Hackney, Eby Brown, DPI, Southwest Traders, McLane, Sysco, US Foods, Vistar, C and S, Unified Grocers (now owned by UNFI), Orgill Hardware, Capitol Distributing, MR Williams and many others.
Retailer Trade Shows
A number of retailers themselves will have trade events to introduce new brands to store managers for them to decide to bring in or at least to be aware of them. These shows generally are closed to only invited guests. Retailers such as 7-11, Wal-Mart, Ace Hardware and others have been known to host such events.
Trade Associations to Join
There is close to 500 state and national trade associations relating to the business to consider looking at to join. The Lemonaders Team is available to discuss the creation of a trade association roster to look over for future membership. The trade associations to look at include:
AFRDS (Fundraising), ABC Kids Expo, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Association of Meat Processors, American Culinary Federation (ACF), American Dairy Products Institute, American Frozen Food Institute AFFI, Asian American Retailers Association, National Association of Convenience Stores, Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP), California Grocers Association, Colorado Vending Council, Contract Packaging Association, Convenience Store Association of Michigan, Cookie and Snack Bakers Association, Craft & Hobby Association (CHA), Outdoor Retailer, The International Gift Exposition in the Smokies, Food Industry Suppliers Association, Idaho Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Assn, Independent Bakers Association Independent, College Bookstore Association, Supplyside Expo, World Tea Expo, Cosmoprof North America, IFT , Institute of Packaging Professionals, International Bottled Water Association, International Corporate Chefs Association, Supplyside Expo, World Tea Expo, Cosmoprof North America, IFT , Institute of Packaging Professionals, International Bottled Water Association, International Corporate Chefs Association, International Dairy Foods Association, International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association, International Food Service Executives Association (IFSEA), International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA), International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA), International Franchising Assn, Kosher Fest, Manufacturers’ Agents Association for the Foodservice Industry (MAFSI), Mid-America Automatic Merchandising Association (MO/KS), Mid-America Grocers Association, NAMA (Vending), NATA (National Athletic Trainers Association), Nation’s Best Sports, National Association of Chain Drug Stores, National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS), National Association of College Stores (NACS), National Association of Collegiate Concessionaires, National Association of Concessionaires (NAC), ARVC, National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors, National Coffee Association of USA, National Confectioners Assn (Sweets and Snacks Expo), National Confectionery Sales Association, National Council of Chain Restaurants (NCCR), National Frozen Foods Association, National Grocers Association, National Ice Cream Retailers Association, National Indian Gaming Expo, National Frozen Foods Association, National Pasta Association, National Restaurant Association, National Retail Federation, National Supermarket Association (Hispanic / Independents), National Yogurt Association, NATSO, Nightclub & Bar/Beverage Retailer, North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers, Global Pet Expo, PLANT BASED FOODS ASSOCIATION,, PMA Fresh Summit, PPAI, HOTEC NA Operations, International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa, Global Gaming Expo, Refrigerated Foods Association, Retail Bakers of America, Retail Confectioners International, School Nutrition Association (SNA), Specialty Coffee Association, The Convenience Distribution Association (CDA), Juice Products Association, The Association for Dressings and Sauces, The Latino Food Industry Association