About FMI the Energy & Store Development Conference (E+SD), presentation styles and proposal process

The FMI is a nonprofit trade association conducting programs in research, education, industry relations and public affairs on behalf of food retailers and wholesalers around the world.

The E+SD Conference provides trends, innovations, and tactical solutions to help retailers design, build and maintain stores that are more energy-efficient, effective and meet changing consumer needs and desires. (opens new window)



Target Audience:
The E+SD Conference draws hundreds of attendees, including supermarket retail and wholesale executives and suppliers/service providers with responsibility for:

• Store planning and design
• Construction
• Engineering
• Maintenance
• Refrigeration
• Sustainability
• Utility cost control
• Energy management
• Equipment purchasing

The retail/wholesale audience is the primary target/focus of the education program.


Education Program:
The E+SD Conference offers a variety of general sessions, as well as concurrent workshops. Most sessions are an hour in length.

General sessions typically cover:

• Industry/consumer/market trends
• Store format and design trends
• The connection of store design/layout to energy and refrigeration systems
• Technology trends, including AI
• Omnichannel challenges and opportunities
• Regulatory/compliance issues
• Sustainability/resource conservation

Breakout sessions typically cover:

• Store design, formats and merchandising
• Construction
• Sustainability
• Equipment
• Lighting
• HVAC
• Refrigeration/Refrigerants
• Energy management
• Facilities management
• Utilities cost control

Presentations:
Education sessions may be presented in a number of formats. Research has shown that adults learn best in settings where they are able to participate actively, relate the new information or techniques to their experiences, and practice new skills. Prospective presenters are encouraged to suggest session formats that incorporate these components. Our audience has a strong preference for presentations that include case studies and feature both practitioner and service provider perspectives. Content should avoid commercialism and/or product bias.

Proposal Review, Selection and Notification Process:
Proposals must be submitted by March 31, 2023 using this online Abstract Management System.

Proposals must include:

• Full contact details including phone number and email address
• Presenter bio(s)
• Contact information for all confirmed presenters
• 3-4 learning objectives
• Selected topic and presentation method
• Summary and full description of content

Proposals will be reviewed by the members of the Energy + Store Development Committee and FMI staff.
A combination of sessions identified through the presentation proposal system and sessions developed by the ESD Committee will be used to build the E+SD Conference education program.

Submitters will be notified ONLY if they are accepted to speak on the program.


For more information, please contact
Rebecca Daniels at 202-220-0670 | rdaniels@fmi.org