IFPA's The Retail Conference: Shaping tomorrow's business, today

Hundreds throughout the full retail supply chain convened for tailored networking and essential consumer insights, April 30-May 1 in Dallas at IFPA’s The Retail Conference. In just its fourth year, the produce conference continues to attract key industry retailers, suppliers and solutions providers to connect, do business and learn. 

The event’s limited registration continues to create meaningful, personal networking opportunities that foster genuine partnerships. This was especially evident during this year’s Buyer Connect 1:1 Roundtables, the Welcome Reception and the Connect, Collaborate, Grow interactive session where attendees navigated real-world challenges in a fun, team-based exercise.

Kevin Coupe, renowned author of Retail Rules! and owner of Morningnewsbeat.com, served as emcee for the conference. As a leading retail expert, Kevin guided attendees throughout a dynamic schedule of sessions and speakers, providing an engaging and insightful experience for all.

Kicking off the slate of education was the State of Retail in Produce session. Joe Watson, IFPA’s vice president of retail, foodservice and wholesale, and Coupe shared key opportunities and challenges retailers are currently facing, and learned how these factors are influencing the future of retail and produce. Topics included trends shaping the market, including evolving consumer purchasing habits and shifting supplier dynamics.  

Up next, Rebecah Adcock, IFPA’s vice president, U.S. Government Relations, moderated a panel discussion on how the new administration’s key policy shifts are impacting the produce industry and panelists’ businesses and what to expect in the months ahead.

 Panelists included these industry leaders:

• Daniel Bell, senior director of produce, Grocery Outlet
• Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO, Texas International Produce Association
• Stefanie Katzman, CEO, Katzman

Rounding out the education was Jonna Parker, vice president/team lead, Circana - Fresh Foods Group. Parker analyzed the current U.S. retail and consumer landscape, highlighting growth opportunities across fresh produce categories, and exploring emerging trends in shopper preferences. Attendees left with actionable insights into how to sustain momentum in a post-2024 market and identify strategies for continued success in the produce department.

“The Retail Conference remains one of the most impactful events on my calendar each year,” said Mike Roberts, vice president of produce operations at Harps Food Stores. “It offers a unique chance to connect face-to-face with key suppliers, vendors, and fellow retailers in a way that sparks meaningful conversations. I came away inspired—with fresh insights, stronger relationships, and a renewed focus on driving our business ahead.”

“What continues to impress me year after year is the spirit of collaboration that fills this event,” said Watson. “Retailers and suppliers aren’t just networking—they’re rolling up their sleeves to tackle shared challenges together. This year really put that spirit of flexibility and camaraderie to the test when our golf day was blown off the schedule by bad weather. The Retail Conference brings together a community of leaders that create the kind of environment where real conversations happen, and innovative solutions are born.”