The education agenda is set for the 2011 AWMA Show with sessions planned for the entire management team.  AWMA’s education committee is committed to providing the most relevant sessions that tackle the issues of greatest relevance and concern across the spectrum of management levels in both distributor and manufacturer companies. The continued focus on education combined with an excellent line up of industry leaders and innovators promises to deliver new ideas and practical take-aways for your team.

Wednesday, February 9
CONCURRENT “WAKE UP” SESSIONS
7:30 – 8:25 a.m.

SESSION #1:  For Top Management/Leadership of All Size Companies
Tobacco – Regulation & Opportunity
Tobacco is undergoing a sea change like no other in the history of the category. Increasing regulation of tobacco products—particularly cigarettes - is changing the way manufacturers, distributors, and retailers do business. At the same time, increasing regulation of cigarettes is boosting demand for other products in the tobacco category and creating new opportunities. Join a panel of industry experts to examine both the latest in regulatory/legislative issues surrounding tobacco—and opportunities in cigars, other tobacco products, and alternative nicotine delivery sectors.

SESSION #2:  Foodservice
Foodservice—What’s So Difficult?
Moderator: Larry Miller, President, Miller Management & Consulting Services, Inc.
Panelists: Retailers who are successful with Foodservice
Hear from a panel of retailers as they discuss successful distributor/retailer relationships that serve up foodservice success. In this candid discussion, distributors will gain an understanding of what is involved with building a foodservice program from commitment to equipment to training to the types of programs available.

Discussion will focus on three major ingredients of foodservice programs including: Menu (program components), Branding (branded vs. proprietary), and Commitment (training/support). The panel will explain through personal experiences the pros & cons of turnkey and proprietary programs and share their views on what they believe the perfect partnership between retailers and whole¬sale distributors and suppliers would or should look like.

CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS

10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

SESSION #1:  Especially Geared for Small Companies
Small is Beautiful—Profitability for Smaller Companies
Speaker: Al Bates, President, Profit Planning Group
This session will examine the unique profit challenges faced by the smaller distributors of convenience products. The emphasis will be on how being smaller can be turned from an economy of scale challenge to a service advantage.

Two topics will be given the strongest attention: The first is to identify the cost advantages of smaller firms—simply put, smaller size does not have to mean higher costs across the board; the second is to discuss the unique market opportunities open to smaller firms. With proper attention to detail, smaller firms cannot only generate the same profits as larger firms, they can generate higher profits as a percent of sales. Doing this requires a precise plan, which this session will provide.

SESSION #2:  For Top Management, Purchasing, Marketing Positions in both Distributor and Manufacturer Companies
InfoMetrics—Making Data Driven Decisions That Boost Profits
Panel of distributors and manufacturers
By now you’ve probably seen an overview of the new AWMA InfoMetrics data portal. But what you may not have seen is the ways in which distributors and manufacturers are using the data to increase profits. The AWMA InfoMetrics program isn’t about “data for data’s sake.” It’s about adding dollars to your bottom line—whether you are a distributor or a manufacturer. At this strategically focused session, you will hear directly from distributors and manufacturers who are using AWMA InfoMetrics data to improve profitability. You’ll walk out of the session with information that you can take home to boost your own company’s profitability.

Thursday, February 10
CONCURRENT “WAKE UP” SESSIONS
 8:15 – 9:30  a.m.

SESSION #1:   Foodservice
The Role Distributors Must Play in Delivering C-store Foodservice Success
Speaker: Timothy Powell, Director, Research & Consulting Technomic, Inc.
In this session, attendees will learn what role they can play in menu development as their c-store foodservice customers continue to aggressively broaden their foodservice offerings on a daily basis. Specific takeaways include:
• Understanding the current state of c-store foodservice in a recessionary environment
• Determining the factors influencing today’s menu trends
• Insights into the day part menu items that show the most opportunity
• Spotlighting c-store concepts already addressing the current and future trends
• Providing implications that will help distributors prepare and strategize for the future

SESSION #2:  For Top Management/Leadership of All Size Companies  
Convenience Industry Forecast—In Partnership with Convenience Store News
Speaker: Maureen Maguire, President, ThinkResearch
Each year, this study provides valuable information about the future of the convenience retailing industry from macro economic trends to their impact on core convenience categories. Using multiple sources of data as well as input from a panel of industry experts, this session will present the key highlights of this extensive research including dollar and unit projections for key c-store categories and sub-categories— tobacco, salty snacks, foodservice, candy, beer, packaged beverages and energy drinks. You will gain insights into the future and how to use the data for planning and forecasting.

Make your travel plans today to attend the all new AWMA Show!  In addition to these breakout sessions, The Show also features 3 Super Sessions, more than 200 companies exhibiting in the EXPO and a NEW Foodservice Pavilion.

For the full educational line up, a complete list of all events and activities, to register and secure hotel accommodations, be sure to visit www.AWMASHOW.com.

Book your hotel rooms today to get the special $129 room rate at https://www.totalrewards.com/hotel-reservations/main/?groupCode=SPAWM1&p...

SUPER SAVER REGISTRATION EXPIRES ON DECEMBER 15, 2010 – SAVE 50% ON FULL SHOW REGISTRATION!