What is the NFRA Convention?
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Convention isn’t just your typical industry meeting. While there are breakfast speakers, luncheons and a networking reception, most of your time spent at the NFRA Convention will be in one-on-one business meetings with the companies of your choice. The real value of this Convention is that all the major companies in the industry – retailers, manufacturers, sales agents, logistics providers, suppliers – are all in one place. So it’s possible to hold dozens of meetings in just a few days.
Is this a trade show?
Not in the traditional sense. You don’t have to swap business cards on a noisy trade show floor hoping to get an appointment at some later date. This Convention lets you skip right to the one-on-one business meeting with the companies of your choice. The top companies from all segments of the industry are in one place at one time so attendees can conduct business more effectively and efficiently.
How do I register for Convention and what is included with my registration?
Registration can be done with a credit card online or by returning a form with check to the NFRA office. Your registration includes entry to Taste of Excellence, both Breakfast Sessions, the NFRA Annual Membership Luncheon, the Networking Reception, and the Golden Penguin Awards Luncheon. Café NFRA and the NFRA Business Center are also open to all Convention registrants.
What is the cost of Convention?
NFRA member companies can send representatives to Convention at a cost of $750 per person. Retailer members receive complimentary registration. If your company is not a member of NFRA yet, then Convention registration is $3,000 per person. You can contact Kate at Kate@nfraweb.org for more information about becoming a member of NFRA or click here.
What if I need to cancel my registration? Can someone else from my company take my place?
All cancellations are assessed a service charge of 25% of the current registration fee up until September 8, 2023. After September 8, no refunds will be given, including for no-shows. However, substitutions can be made at any time, with no fee. All cancellations and substitutions requests must be made in writing to Sarah at Sarah@nfraweb.org.
Can my spouse attend Convention?
Yes, and their registration is complimentary! We just need to know they are coming, so please include their name on your registration form. *Note: “Spouse/family” is defined as one accompanying a registered attendee, but not present for the purpose of representing the company/brand.
How do I get my badge and do I always have to have it with me?
Upon arrival at the hotel, please register at the NFRA registration desk. This is where you will receive your event badge and all other information related to the Convention. The badge must be worn for admittance to all Convention events, including meals and business appointments.
How do I make hotel reservations?
Registrants are responsible for their own hotel reservations. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with the link to book your hotel room. You can also make any necessary changes and cancellations through this same site.
How do the Customer Business Meetings work?
NFRA provides Retailer members with complimentary meeting rooms so they may hold appointments throughout the Convention. These meetings can take any direction the participants choose, from the review of an established account to the introduction of a new product or service. Click here for more information.
How do I set up appointments with the people I want to meet?
You can download the Convention mobile app, which is updated weekly, ensuring it is the most up-to-date list available! *Note: You must be a registered attendee to access the app. The attendee list provided on the app includes contact information for all current registrants. Starting in May, a PDF version of the attendee list will also be made available, updated monthly, to all registrants. Use this list to see who else is attending, and then contact them early to set up a meeting time during the Convention. If a company is all booked, ask to meet with them in Café NFRA for a more informal setting.
How do I get on the Attendee List?
Register early! The earlier you register, the more monthly lists your name will appear on. Other attendees use the Attendee List to contact the people with whom they wish to meet during the Convention.
Where do the Customer Business Meetings take place?
All meeting rooms are located in the host hotel. Closer to the time of the Convention, room names/numbers will be distributed to the companies that will occupy them. This information will also be posted at the NFRA registration desk and on the event mobile app.
How can I keep track of everything?
The NFRA Convention mobile app allows you to view the attendee list, keep track of the daily schedule, your business appointments and so much more. Just search NFRA Convention in your app store. *Note: You must be a registered attendee to access the app. Instructions will be included in your registration confirmation email.
What is the attire for Convention?
The suggested attire for the entire Convention is business casual.
How do I get the most out of my Convention experience?
Check out Tips for Navigating the Convention for new registrants!
What do I need to know to ship materials or product to the Marriott?
In order to properly ship your materials to the NFRA Convention, please follow the guidelines provided by the hotel. These will be made available closer to the time of Convention. If you are shipping product for Taste of Excellence, please refer to the instructions provided by The Marketing Arm. If you are shipping product for the Cafe NFRA, or a Manufacturer Meeting Room, please contact NFRA for the required shipping labels.
How can I advertise my brand to other Convention attendees?
Advertising is available on this Convention website and in both the Convention Preview Magazine, which is distributed prior to Convention, and in the Program & Directory, which is handed out on site. Please visit Advertising for detailed information.
How can I be a sponsor of the Convention?
Please visit Sponsorships to see a complete list of Convention sponsor opportunities and benefits and how to sign up!
Can I share my product at Convention?
There are great opportunities to showcase your products to the entire industry throughout the Convention, including Taste of Excellence and Café NFRA. Visit these pages to learn more and see who has already signed up.
What is the Taste of Excellence?
This grand opening reception takes place Sunday evening and is a unique event offering attendees the opportunity to sample the frozen and refrigerated food industry’s newest and finest products while networking with colleagues. See more details here.
What is Café NFRA?
Throughout the Convention, refreshments will be available in a central break location called Café NFRA. The Café will be set up with plenty of seating so attendees can hold informal meetings, network and sample products.
nfraconvention.org 