NACDS 2010 Marketplace Conferences Makes History

Manufacturers, suppliers, buyers, and retailers converged in San Diego, California, last weekend to evaluate and sell new products in 12 retail categories.

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) 2010 Marketplace Conference—held from June 5 to June 8 in San Diego, California—was a resounding success this year and, in fact, made history.

For the first time since the conference’s inception, the exhibit floor was completely sold out and latecomers were relegated to a waiting list. The sold-out floor represents over $500 billion in annual buying power, according to a NACDS press release.

NACDS reports that manufacturers and suppliers had nearly 8000 scheduled meetings during the 4-day conference. More than 450 manufacturing companies from 12 product categories worked with more than 200 retail companies, representing more than 700 buyers and 145,000 stores to bring new and innovative products to market.

“This year’s NACDS Marketplace Conference was an overall success and the atmosphere was full of energy,” said Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE, NACDS president and chief executive officer. “From the Meet the Market program to the education sessions and the exhibit floor, NACDS continues to provide attendees an effective and efficient meeting geared toward their needs.”

The NACDS Marketplace Conference is the largest meeting of drug, food, mass market, club, and value retailers in the United States. The manufacturers, suppliers, buyers, and retailers who attend the conference each year represent 90% of the industry.

The 2011 Marketplace Conference will be held June 25 to 28, 2011, in Boston, Massachusetts. More information about the 2011 Marketplace Conference is available here.

For other articles in this issue, see:

• NACDS "Product Showcase" Winners Announced
• NACDS Panelists Explore Shelf and Shopper Theory
• NACDS “Marketplace App” Leads the Way