National Grocers Association’s NGA Show Heading to San Diego for First Time
February 12, 2019
The sun will shine bright in San Diego next week as the National Grocers Association convenes in the city for the first time ever for the 2019 NGA Show.
The 35th annual trade show and conference for the grocery industry brings together independent retailers and wholesalers, food retail industry executives, food/CPG manufacturers and service providers for learning and networking opportunities.
This year’s show, produced and managed by Clarion UX, will feature more than 400 exhibiting companies occupying a total of 57,000 square feet of space across San Diego Convention Center, Feb. 24-27.
Significant growth in the show over the last five years contributed to the move of The NGA Show from Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas (where it was held from 2011-18) to San Diego, according to show officials.
“This is an exciting time for The NGA Show and independent supermarket operators, who are innovating every day to find memorable ways to stand out and better serve their communities,” said Matt Ott, executive vice president had chief operating officer for NGA. “When we looked for a new location, we wanted it to match that sentiment.”
Other than the convention center, which debuted splashy LED lights on its Sails Pavilion (pictured) a year ago, San Diego’s tremendous entertainment opportunities were a major selling point for the NGA. Highlights of the city for visitors include the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, the USS Midway Museum, the revitalized Gaslamp Quarter and of course, its beautiful beaches.
An NGA Foundation event will be held at Petco Park, with all other activities taking place at the convention center.
"We are proud to be able to continue to attract new business to the San Diego region,” said San Diego Convention Center Corporation President & CEO Clifford “Rip” Rippetoe. “This happens because our city, as a destination, is working together.”
He added, “Our staff is known in the industry for our exceptional customer service, and we share a common goal with our tourism partners in creating an ideal meeting destination.”
While the city’s attractions will draw attendees out to explore, the event agenda will include many exciting draws of its own, including the opportunity to see thousands of new products; attend more than 60 educational sessions and hear from speakers like Dana Perino, former White House press secretary.
Seven pavilions on the trade show floor will focus on meat, produce, coffee, technology, seasonal merchandise, and ethnic and specialty foods.
Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
Add new comment