TikTok The pivotal influence of social media, fostering an inclusive workplace, and the key technological potential of AI tools within the industry will be key themes at this year's State of the Industry Conference, says Neill Barston is reporting.
Confectionery Production will once again be reporting live from this event. The event will bring together around 700 senior representatives from the region and further afield to engage in dialogue and exchange ideas on the biggest trends of 2024.
Among the key highlights of this year's event, to be held at the JW Marriott Miami in Turnberry, Aventura, Fla., will be a new keynote address by John Downs, president of the National Confectionery Association (see below). Photo of).
John Downs, CEO and president of the National Confectionery Association, draws inspiration from the Apollo moon landings at SOTIC. Photo: NCA
There will also be an update to the long-awaited Status of Care Report, which assesses the latest developments in the region and beyond, as well as a special Fireside Chat with noted political columnist George Will. This reflects several core themes impacting the US market, such as the US sugar program, and manufacturers are particularly concerned about continuing high import prices in the region. The event will also include a traditional awards ceremony honoring the industry's most deserving nominees.
The awards recognize Katie Alexander (Dollar Tree) and Susan Grassey (Harris Teeter) with the Confectionery Leadership Award for effective business collaboration, best practices in category management, and innovation in the distribution of confectionery products.
As previously reported by Confectionary Productions, 2024 Women of Influence include Sylvia Buxton of Perfetti Van Melle North America, Mary Beth Lane of Carlin, California, and Bazooka A special additional honor will be given to Tony Jacobs of Candy Brands. She won gold and silver candy dish awards.
One of the key digital focus sessions will feature a presentation from Conor Grennan exploring how ChatGPT can further enhance the daily operations of the confectionery industry.
This emerging technology has emerged rapidly over the past 18 months and is already having a noticeable impact, with initiatives such as bespoke AI chatbots being deployed to engage with consumers and hone product offerings. It is reported that it is affecting.
Importantly, because platforms such as ChatGPT can access large amounts of data in a short period of time, some of the main uses of this technology are focused on developing trend analysis. AI is also reportedly being deployed to speed up manufacturing operations by digitally monitoring production.
This has also been extended to inspection of safety protocols and algorithms have been created to maintain consistency in business operations, as well as other key initiatives such as tracking food supply chains and automating packaging product ranges. We also support business operations. It will provide plenty of fresh insights covering many of these areas.
Carly Schildhaus, director of communications for the National Confectionery Association, believed this year's event would be an especially noteworthy gathering of major companies in the industry.
She said: “We like to call the State of the Industry Conference the confectionery industry's family reunion, and for good reason. People from across the industry come together for three days for insights, updates, and networking. Of course, we also celebrate this industry. The category remains incredibly resilient and enthusiasm for chocolate and candy is only growing. And we look forward to shining a spotlight on the people who work hard every day to ensure consumers continue to have peace of mind. Enjoy their favorite treat. ”
