The National Grocers Association (NGA) urged NGA Show 2021 attendees to follow all health and COVID-19 prevention protocols to safely enjoy all the activities at this important independent grocery industry event. The in-person event will be held September 19-21 at the Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
The in-person event will feature more than 400 exhibitors and vendors from the full spectrum of product categories serving grocery retail.
This year’s keynote speaker for the event, sponsored by The Kraft Heinz Company, is Jeff Henderson, chef, author, and Food Network television personality, popularly known as Chef Jeff. The Food Network star will share his story of redemption and success with NGA Show attendees.
“Chef Jeff’s life story, which took him from recluse to renowned executive chef and Food Network television personality, and his passion for helping at-risk youth transform their lives, is the right message at a time in our nation when many of our young people face barriers to success,” said NGA President and CEO Greg Ferrara. “As our industry comes together at NGA Show 2021 to celebrate the Supermarket Superheroes of the food industry, Chef Jeff’s powerful story will provide strong inspiration and perhaps a different perspective to help us be better in our everyday lives.”
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Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders through 48 educational sessions in a conference program that includes eight tracks focused on e-commerce, people development, fresh food, omnichannel marketing, merchandising, technology, operation, and nutrition incentives.
In addition, the NGA Show features several special events ranging from networking sessions to competitions and awards.
The Top Packers Championship, sponsored by PepsiCo Inc, features the best food packers from across the country competing for the champion title and a grand prize of $10,000.
The Creative Choice Awards, sponsored by The Kellogg Co. and Unilever, recognize the food industry’s best marketing and merchandising programs during the Super Breakfast session on Tuesday morning, Sept. 21. Winners earn the respect of the entire industry and receive national recognition at the NGA Show.
The Supermarket Superheroes Award, sponsored by Kellogg’s, and the Excellence in Agility Award, sponsored by Unilever, will also be presented. Winners of the Outstanding Marketer / Merchandiser title will receive complimentary registration to the 2022 NGA show.
The Women Grocers of America roundtable discussions scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 21, from 1:30 to 2:30 pm cultivate connections among women in the independent grocery industry and create personal and professional development opportunities.
Additionally, NGA Show organizers stressed the importance for attendees to comply with all sanitary safety measures to prevent COVID-19 contagions.
To attend the event, people will have to comply with the following updated health and safety guidelines:
- Masks are Required: In alignment with applicable guidance from the CDC, the Governor of Nevada, the Southern Nevada Health District guidance, the Clark County Commissioners, and the Nevada Gaming Control Board, masks will be required at the NGA Show, the Paris Hotel & Casino and Bally’s Hotel & Casino. In the event you arrive at the Show without your mask, one will be provided for you
- Proof of Vaccine or Negative COVID Test Required for Entry: This means that in order to gain access to The NGA Show and associated events, all participants will have to provide (a) proof of their COVID-19 “full vaccination” or (b) results showing a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours prior to such participant’s arrival to the Show.