<p>By: Doug Baker, Vice President, Industry Relations</p><p><img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/scf-blog-image.tmb-large-350-.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=20acbd8_1" style="float:right;margin:10px;" alt="people in conference room" class="-align-right" sf-size="447062" />If we’ve crossed paths at FMItech or the Asset Protection & 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 lasting 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 or services and 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>And 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 implement or influence the opportunity or solution. No booths. No elevator pitch. Just focused time to solve real problems and explore new opportunities.</p><p>That’s the kind of momentum we’re building here.</p><p><strong>If you’re thinking about attending the Supply Chain Forum, this is the year to make it happen.</strong><strong> </strong>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><strong>. </strong>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>
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