Conference Agenda

Day One
Innovation, Resilience, and Sustainability in FMCG

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Registration & Networking Breakfast 
Attendees sign in, pick up conference materials, and network over breakfast.
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM | Welcome Remarks 
Overview of the event, its goals, and an introduction to the day's sessions.
9:15 AM – 10:15 AM | Keynote Address: Economic Growth and the Future of FMCG in South Africa 
An exploration of the current state of the FMCG market in South Africa, how economic growth, inflation, and supply chain disruptions are affecting the sector, and what opportunities exist for growth despite challenges.
10:15 AM – 10:45 AM | Coffee Break & Networking
10:45 AM – 12:15 PM | Panel Discussion 1: Building Resilient FMCG Supply Chains Amid Load-Shedding Challenges 
This session will explore the key challenges FMCG companies face in the face of South Africa’s load-shedding issues and other logistical challenges. Experts will share strategies to build more resilient, demand-driven supply chains using advanced analytics, Vendor-Managed Inventory (VMI), and data optimization techniques.
12:15 PM – 1:15 PM | Lunch Break & Networking
1:15 PM – 2:45 PM | Panel Discussion 2: How Big Brands Are Tackling the Township Economy 
An in-depth look into how large FMCG brands are adapting their strategies to address the needs and demands of South Africa’s township economy, with a focus on affordability, distribution, and product customization for local markets.
2:45 PM – 3:15 PM | Exhibition & Product Demonstrations 
Exhibitors display the latest FMCG solutions, including food processing technologies, sustainable packaging, and eCommerce tools designed to enhance both in-store and online retail experiences.
3:15 PM – 4:15 PM | Mini Workshop: Sustainable Innovation in FMCG 
Interactive workshop on how brands can integrate sustainability into their product development, packaging, and marketing strategies. Participants will learn about the latest trends in sustainable packaging, green technologies, and how sustainability can drive consumer loyalty.
4:15 PM – 5:15 PM | Networking Reception (Open to Sponsorship) 
Informal networking session where attendees can unwind, meet industry peers, and discuss the day's insights over drinks and appetizers.

Day Two
The Future of FMCG Retail: Omnichannel, AI, and Digital Innovations

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM | Networking Breakfast 
Continued networking opportunities for attendees to meet and exchange ideas before the sessions begin.
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Keynote Address: Food Tech Revolution – Driving Sustainability through R&D & Innovation 
Exploring how food tech is transforming the FMCG sector, focusing on sustainable practices and innovations in food production, packaging, and waste reduction.
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Coffee Break & Networking
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Panel Discussion 3: Creating a Unified Omnichannel Strategy: Integrating In-Store, D2C, and eCommerce 
An exploration of the evolving landscape of omnichannel retailing, with strategies for successfully blending in-store, direct-to-consumer (D2C) channels, and eCommerce platforms to enhance customer experience and drive sustainable growth.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch Break & Networking
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Panel Discussion 4: AI-Driven Innovation – How Brands Are Creating Personalized Customer Journeys 
Discussing the role of artificial intelligence in personalizing consumer experiences, from recommendation systems to dynamic pricing, and how AI is enabling FMCG brands to better connect with their customers.
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Exhibition & Product Demonstrations 
Interactive product demonstrations featuring the latest in FMCG tech: AI solutions, retail media platforms, and packaging innovations.
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Mini Workshop: Optimising the Digital Shelf to Boost In-Store and Online Sales 
Practical session focusing on how brands can enhance their online presence and improve their digital shelf impact, leading to better online engagement and, ultimately, higher sales.
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Closing Remarks & Networking 
Final thoughts on the event, key takeaways, and opportunities for continued collaboration. Final networking session for attendees to build connections.

Other Key Topics and Sessions

Economic Growth and the South African FMCG Sector 
The impact of the local economic environment on FMCG sales and operations in South Africa.
Brand Resilience and Consumer Engagement 
Building resilience through digital strategies and consumer community engagement.
The Role of Influencers & User-Generated Content (UGC) in FMCG 
How partnerships with influencers and leveraging UGC can enhance brand visibility and sales.
Sustainability: Moving Beyond Compliance 
Integrating sustainability into FMCG strategies for long-term success.
On-Demand Grocery Shopping Apps & the Online Food Delivery Market 
How technology is reshaping the food delivery and online grocery shopping industries.
Boosting In-Store Sales through Digital Shelf Impact 
Strategies to improve online and offline sales by optimizing digital product listings and customer engagement.