<p>By: Doug Baker, Vice President, Industry Relations</p><img sf-custom-thumbnail="true" src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/supply-chain-collage.jpg?sfvrsn=1ad459aa_1" style="float:right;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:15px;margin-top:15px;" sf-size="100" class="-align-right" width="400" alt="People networking at a conference." sf-constrain-proportions="true" /><p>If we’ve crossed paths at the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference or FMI Asset Protection & Grocery Resilience Conference, you’ve probably heard me talk about Trading Partner Meetings. I’m a believer. Why? Because I’ve seen firsthand how one well-matched conversation can unlock a new solution or even kick-start a business relationship that lasts well beyond the event.</p><p>So, this year, we’re piloting that same powerful format at the <a href="https://www.fmi.org/forms/RedirectForm/?dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fmi.org%2Fsupply-chain-forum&utm_campaign=scf25&utm_source=HS_scf25_blogsupplychainexchange&utm_medium=blog">Supply Chain Forum, September 15-17, 2025, in St. Louis</a>, with the launch of the <a href="https://www.fmi.org/forms/RedirectForm/?dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fmi.org%2Fsupply-chain-forum%2Fsupply-chain-exchange&utm_campaign=scf25&utm_source=HS_scf25_blogsupplychainexchange&utm_medium=blog">Supply Chain Exchange</a> — and I couldn’t be more excited.</p><p>This is the first time we’re bringing this model to the supply chain space.
Think of it as curated one-on-one conversations between trading partners of goods and services, focused specifically on shared supply chain challenges and opportunities.
The goal? Cut through the noise and get the right people in the room to talk shop and solve problems.</p><p>We’re not just tossing you into a networking room and hoping for the best. This is curated, intentional, and designed for real outcomes. Retailers, suppliers and service providers will be matched based on actual business needs — from transportation and technology to workforce and logistics challenges.</p><p>We know it works because we’ve seen it thrive at other events. Retailers walk out of these meetings with new partners and solutions without the endless scrolling and effort it takes to find on their own. And suppliers? They get time with decision-makers who can immediately act on or influence opportunities. No booths. No elevator pitch. Just focused conversations to solve real problems and explore new possibilities.</p><p>Parker Gabriel, Asset Protection Assistant Director at Festival Foods, described the Trading Partner Meetings at the 2025 Asset Protection & Grocery Resilience Conference as a "rare and valuable opportunity to build real partnerships that drive innovation and resilience. These conversations go beyond networking — they create momentum for the solutions our businesses and guests rely on."</p><p>From a supplier’s perspective, Daniel Sluss of SharpVue shared: </p><blockquote class="unquoted">"Having experience as both a retailer and a vendor, I truly understand the tremendous value that FMI B2B meetings bring. […] It is an excellent opportunity to discover new products and gain deeper insight into how a solution can align with and enhance your business model. […] B2B meetings create a powerful connection point that benefits everyone involved."</blockquote><p>That’s the kind of momentum we’re building with the Supply Chain Exchange.</p><p>If you’re thinking about attending the Supply Chain Forum, this is the year to make it happen. Not only will you gain insights from industry leaders and dive into solutions for today’s biggest challenges, you’ll also have the chance to participate in our new <a href="https://www.fmi.org/forms/RedirectForm/?dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fmi.org%2Fsupply-chain-forum%2Fsupply-chain-exchange&utm_campaign=scf25&utm_source=HS_scf25_blogsupplychainexchange&utm_medium=blog">Supply Chain Exchange</a>. Whether you’re a retailer seeking fresh ideas or a supplier ready to make meaningful connections, this is where real conversations lead to real progress.</p><p>Hope to see you there!</p><p><a href="https://www.fmi.org/forms/RedirectForm/?dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fmi.org%2Fsupply-chain-forum&utm_campaign=scf25&utm_source=HS_scf25_blogsupplychainexchange&utm_medium=blog" class="button">Register for the Supply Chain Forum</a></p>
[#item_full_content]
