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BOSTON — The NACDS Total Store Expo is one of the most eagerly awaited events on the retail industry’s calendar — and this year’s show is set to reinforce that status.
Whether one is a retailer, supplier or industry enthusiast, the 2024 TSE (August 17-19) offers invaluable opportunities to connect, learn and grow. It is a big event, with a lot going on. For exhibitors, the show offers the opportunity to connect with buyers from more than 250 retail companies, representing over 160,000 retail outlets, who collectively buy $650 billion in products and services. Aside from the exhibit floor, suppliers can link up with retailers via TSE’s guaranteed-appointments program, Meet the Market, which offers more than 5,400 prescheduled meetings.
For retailers, the show floor offers the chance to preview the latest innovations in consumer packaged goods, store and pharmacy technology, pharmaceutical products, and more. For retailers and suppliers alike, TSE fosters strategic and tactical business meetings between existing and new trading partners. There is also a formal business program featuring market experts and renowned speakers that gives attendees valuable insights intothe big issues facing the industry — and nation — today.
And opportunities for suppliers and retailers to interact extend beyond the exhibit floor and structured meetings to include networking at breakfasts, exhibit hall lunches and evening receptions.
Here are summaries of the expo’s not be missed features:
NACDS Market Exchange
The exchange was developed to empower industry connections; enable new product, technology, and service discovery; and provide a full suite of planning tools. A secure platform which allows retailers to search, discover, and connect with innovative offerings, it is much more than “just a product directory.” It has been supercharged to enhance functionality and value to best serve the needs of merchants and makers operating within the industry.
Features of the NACDS Market Exchange include:
• Built-in collaboration capabilities for merchandising teams.
• A “New Products and Technologies Gallery” can be searched using a variety of filtering options including product category or most recently added.
• Invite and schedule meetings to plan your days at TSE.
• Review marketing materials, press releases, white papers, and other collateral.
• Highlight innovative new products to promote brand awareness with video and image uploads, helping retailers to make better informed decisions.
• A robust AI platform that updates in real time with recommendations that make sense for you.
• Connect and collect virtual business cards of new industry personnel or partners.
• Request product samples from companies in advance of the show.
Made in USA
With the consumer purchasing trend of “buying American” increasing in popularity, NACDS wants to help promote domestically manufactured products to retail attendees. Online recognition and promotion to attending retailers places these items front and center with merchandising teams looking for products qualified as “Made in USA” under Federal Trade Commission guidelines.
Meet the Market – Exhibitors
This special program is designed to introduce the latest innovative products, technologies and services to the retail and pharmacy audience before the show floor opens. Participating exhibitors present their company and products to buyers through a series of 10-minute appointments arranged by NACDS. Over 6,000 appointments were scheduled at the last Meet the Market event. Participation is free but limited to exhibiting companies.
Guide to Success
Developed by members of the Membership & Conferences, Education Resources, and Communications subcommittees of the NACDS Retail Advisory Board, this primer is for first-time attendees and seasoned participants who are interested in maximizing their opportunities. It includes detailed information about the meeting, and proven tactics others have found helpful. The sole focus of this document is to help one prepare for and gain greater value from participation in NACDS meetings. Preparation, conduct, and follow-up will determine your company’s unique return on investment (ROI). Content includes a day-by-day guide of what to expect at TSE.
Digital Tools – TOTSE & NACDS Events App
NACDS has always leveraged digital tools to enhance attendee experience at the expo. Get 24/7 customer support using TOTSE, the TSE AI Chatbot. TOTSE can answer questions about the show including the schedule, speaker bios, special programs, FAQs, and more. Text “TOTSE” to (866) 331-1422 or visit the show website at tse.nacds.org to start chatting. On your way to TSE, don’t forget to download the NACDS Events App. Navigate TSE like a pro, getting up-to-date information, viewing participating companies, and accessing the show floor plan to help navigate appointments. The NACDS Events app is available on iOS and Android in your app store.
Exhibitor Toolkit
Stand out to decision makers at the largest gathering of chains and suppliers in the drug store industry by starting your marketing campaign now. NACDS has developed these ideas and assets to help build brand awareness, accelerate sales, and develop customer relationships before, during and after TSE. Share your TSE branded graphics on social media with the #NACDSTSE and be added to the social media buzz section of the website.
Supplier Diversity
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is becoming more important to consumers, and their dollars are showing an increased spend on minority or women-owned businesses. According to Global Industry Analysts Inc. (GIA), DEI consumer spending will reach over $15 Billion by 2026. Companies indicating that they have a Supplier Diversity Program working to incorporate minority-owned and/or women-owned and operated businesses into their network receive recognition on the TSE website.
Mentor Program
Be paired up with an industry and NACDS veteran to assist you in your preparation for the expo. As attendees register, they have the option to request a mentor. NACDS will then assign an individual from the Retail Advisory Board from a noncompeting company to provide guidance, answer questions, and provide insightful feedback before, during, and after the event.
Educational Webinars – Exhibitors
NACDS hosts multiple pre-show educational webinars and calls to assist both retailers and exhibitors in their planning at different stages throughout the year. FAQ Friday calls occur every other Friday afternoon. They start with brief topics and an open forum to keep exhibitors up to date and assist with timely questions. They started May 3 and run through July 26th. Exhibitor Tools, Tips and Tricks will be reprised on June 27, with an on-demand recording now available to provide a thorough walk-through of all of the available tools on the TSE website. Show Logistics – From Set-up to Tear-down occurs on June 13th and July 10th, with an on-demand recording available in mid-June, to provide an overview of exhibition requirements, the service kit, and logistical planning. For exhibitors in Meet the Market, a special webinar in mid-July takes place with veterans of the programs from both the retail and exhibitor side to provide insight into successful planning and strategies.
Educational Webinars – Retailers
The Retailer Resources webinar takes place three times prior to the event to assist in navigating the TSE website and the NACDS Market Exchange. This demonstrates the variety of tools and assets available for their appointment planning needs. The second and third will be June 19th, and July 16th. The July 16th webinar also has a second part that is for the retailers participating in Meet the Market to walk them through viewing and requesting changes to their schedules.
To register go https://tse.nacds.org/
