The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA), Harrisburg, Pa., presents its 2018 Convention, scheduled to take place Oct. 20-23 at the Marriott Marquis in San Diego, Calif.

This convention isn’t a typical industry meeting. While there are breakfast speakers, luncheons and a networking reception, the NFRA Convention consists of one-on-one business meetings with more than 1,200 retailers, manufacturers, sales agents, logistics providers and suppliers—all in one place. Whether introducing a new product or reviewing an established business plan, manufacturer participants can meet with customers in a personal and collaborative environment that is much different from the traditional exhibit hall experience.

The opening Taste of Excellence Reception is a new products showcase of over 100 product innovations from more than 50 companies.

The convention also hosts two speakers who present during the two breakfast sessions. For example, on Oct. 22, Brian Solis will share his vision, experience and passion to help the audience understand what’s driving change, what’s next and what to do about it. Solis is principal analyst and futurist at Altimeter and a digital anthropologist who studies disruptive technology and its impact on business and society. He is also a world-renowned keynote speaker and an award-winning author of seven best-selling books. In his presentations, reports and books, he sets out to humanize technology’s effect on industries, markets and people.

The breakfast on Oct. 23 will kick off with Todd Buchholz, former White House economic policy director, who will educate the audience on how to thrive in a challenging economy, while gearing up for future prosperity. Buchholz advised President Bush, is a frequent commentator on ABC News, PBS and CBS, hosted his own special on CNBC, is co-founder and managing director of Two Oceans Management, LLC and was a fellow at Cambridge University in 2009. He has also authored numerous books, is a contributing editor at Worth magazine, where he writes the “Global Markets” column, and has penned articles for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Forbes and Reader’s Digest.

The show will end with the NFRA Networking Reception, held Oct. 22, which honors refrigerated and frozen Golden Penguin Award winners for March National Frozen Food Month, June Dairy Month and the June/July Summer Favorites Ice Cream & Novelties promotion, honoring only the most successful in-store promotions. This reception will also announce the Top Marketer winners, and recognize the highest scoring entry in each of the Overall Marketing Campaign sub-categories.

In addition, the Distinguished Order of Zerocrats will induct the newest members into the Frozen Food Hall of Fame during the Zerocrat Dinner on Oct. 20, preceding the convention. The Frozen Food Hall of Fame honors individuals who have helped shape the industry with hard work and dedication. This year, NFRA will honor Roger Robbe, retired vice president of wholesale food procurement, SUPERVALU, Inc., and Gary Spinazze, retired vice president of vendor relations, Nash Finch Co.

Other show features include Table Top Exhibits, which gives companies the opportunity to showcase products and services to top decision-makers.

Go to https://nfraconvention.org/ for more information about the convention.