Event Evolution

2006:
After nearly a decade since the last category management conference, IIR launched the Category Management, Development & Marketing Conference.  It united brands, retailers and industry enthusiasts as conversations and case studies circled around integrating shopper behavioral data into category management strategic retail plans. 

2007:
The year one of the original pioneers of category management, Robert Blattberg of Northwestern University, shared his perspective on how category management could be revitalized using information technology as the core catalyst.

2008:
The year two of the founding fathers of category management Brian Harris and Win Weber shared their diverse perspectives on the strategic and organizational changes needed to deliver shopper-focused retail environments using category management.

2009:
The year, The Category Management Conference was transformed into the Shopper Marketing Fusion Event to create an industry-led think that feature the real-world collaboration practices taking place in retailing.  It will focus on building shopper-centric stores in partnership with shopper-focused brands.  Plus, exciting keynote information unveiled by James Beck from WalMart who will share how their Smart Network is delivering an improved shopping experience AND driving higher sales.

2010:
Re-named for 2010, “The Category Leadership Conference” offers next generation category strategies to help BRANDS and RETAILERS revitalize the shelf, awaken sleepy categories, incorporate private labels and reinvigorate sales. Today’s shoppers have different needs by category, by channel, by store. This isn’t your category management event from the 80s, 90s, or even last year. This is the event to keep your shoppers coming back for more.