Conference Schedule
SUNDAY, JUNE 25 • CENTRAL TIME
1:00PM – 5:00PM
Check-In & Swag Swap/Marketing Inspiration Station Drop-Off
Swag Swap: Bring a store-branded t-shirt, hat, bag, mug, or any other swag of your choice, and go home with a new item for your wardrobe, thanks to your INFRA Peers!
Marketing Inspiration Station: Proud of a recent store rebranding? Want to share your marketing and promotional materials with your peers? Bring along your store flyers, brochures, event calendars, stickers, creative ways you’ve used your logo, etc., and let’s create a wall of inspiration!
You can drop off your swag and marketing inspiration during check-in!
2:00PM – 5:00PM
Retailer Refresh: Finding Partnership and Support in your INFRA Peers
INFRA Board of Directors
Join INFRA’s Board of Directors for coffee, snacks, and a refresher on all things INFRA! After briefly reviewing the history of our association, we will take a look at where INFRA is headed and reveal our brand-new five-year vision. Learn how you, as a member, can share your voice, shape INFRA’s future, and get involved! Finally, we will close out the session, and start the beginning of a great conference, with breakout groups where you and your peers can dive deeper into specialty topics. We look forward to seeing you – let’s get this party started!
We are holding a raffle during this session to give away seven spots for an exclusive Retail Walking Tour with Keynote Paco Underhill!
6:00PM – 10:00PM
Opening Reception & Dinner at City House
Join us for the first night of the 2023 INFRA Annual Conference as we welcome everyone back to Minnesota for another unforgettable gathering. Enjoy a night of good food, games, live music from The Paul Renz Trio, and great company, all on the shoreline of the beautiful Mississippi River!
MONDAY, JUNE 26 • CENTRAL TIME
8:00AM – 10:00AM
Swag Swap & Marketing Inspiration Station Drop-Off
Did you bring store swag or marketing inspiration to share with your INFRA Retailer Peers? Please be sure to drop it off at checkin!
8:00AM – 10:00AM
Check-In & Breakfast
8:30AM – 10:00AM
Keynote Session – Maximizing Partnerships & Finding Success in the Natural Foods Industry
Cynthia Tice (Lily’s Sweets; BeyondBrands)
Spend the morning with Cynthia Tice, a woman whose creativity, entrepreneurial mindset, and personal desire for good food led to a professional life in the natural foods industry. After opening a natural foods grocery store in Philadelphia, which she owned and operated for 20 years, Cynthia expanded her expertise by consulting for retailers, advising brands as they stepped into natural and organic channels, and founded Lily’s Sweets! Join us for this conversation about passion, leadership, and innovation as we explore the evolving landscape of the natural products industry.
10:15AM – 11:45AM – SESSION 1
“Strategery” for Success: Pricing, Promotions, & Merchandising
Andy Huth (INFRA), Chris Sorensen (INFRA), Jesse Roque (INFRA)
Join members from INFRA’s Promotions and Merchandising teams for an exhilarating examination of how to achieve success at retail by leveraging INFRA programs in an intentional and strategic way. We will cover the new Everyday program and how EDLPs can drive loyalty and sales. No retail strategy is complete without a High/Low program, and we will discuss how the execution of INFRA Deals complements the Everyday program. Impactful High/Low programs require effective pricing and merchandising, and we will dig into those topics in depth. Learn with us and bring your own learnings to share with your fellow members.
The Value of Modern Storytelling
Maggie Pendleton (Haberman), Lindsay Schwartz (Haberman)
Haberman, a mission-driven marketing communications agency, has a 25-plus year history of modern storytelling for pioneering organizations in food and wellness. Client partner collaborations include INFRA, Feeding America, Organic Valley, egglife, and Traditional Medicinals, to name a few. During this session, we will focus on how modern storytelling can help elevate your brand and business in the hearts and minds of consumers to drive growth.
DEI Upstanders: Building Leadership Tools and Taking Action
Anne Phibbs (Strategic Diversity Initiatives)
With a foundational understanding of implicit bias, historical and institutionalized inequities, and how our own social identities impact our positionality in diverse environments, it is time to apply the practical tools that will shift our allyship into action. Upstanders use Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and communication skills to interact, interpret, and navigate uncomfortable and potentially distressing situations where microaggressions and bullying take place. In this skill-building workshop, we practice applying the frameworks and best practices to proactively recognize bias, assess situations for safety risks, and interrupt marginalization in its tracks.
Using Industry Trends to Maximize Merchandising Potential in Produce
Matt Olson (INFRA)
This session will go over the latest trends in produce and look at where the industry is headed. We will cover trends in organic and conventional, specific products and categories, and regional considerations. The session will also cover strategies to effectively merchandise with an eye towards trends in the industry, while maintaining profitability in the produce department.
11:45AM – 1:00PM
Lunch
1:00PM – 5:30PM (ALL AFTERNOON)
Attracting & Retaining Star Performers by Lifting Up & Letting Go
Dana Pratt (DCP Training & Talent Development)
The workforce of today and the world around it are rapidly evolving. It’s never been more important for leaders to know how to lift up and develop their staff. Founder-owners can often be reluctant to share the load by delegating and developing their team members, sometimes believing that no one can do things as well or as fast. However, failure to develop staff results in low engagement and high turnover.
In this session, we’ll explore how to develop staff and delegate management responsibilities, inspire internal and external stakeholders to vision buy-in, and what employees and potential employees seek in an employer. There will be group discussion, peer coaching, and interactive learning activities!
1:00PM – 2:30PM – SESSION 2
Using Independent Retailer Trends to Remain a Driving Force for Better Food Jim Olson (SPINS), Matt Ryan (INFRA), Andrew Henkel (SPINS) Buyers and store operators, does it ever feel like you are constantly inundated with data, presentations, advertisements, and personal appeals from a variety of sources, all with their own angle or agenda? It’s tough to know what to trust and what is relevant to your store. In this session, take a step beyond the noise and find out what really impacts your store and its future.
This panel discussion (with a Q&A) will put independent retailers in the center of our analysis by carving out INFRA from the rest of the natural channel. How are we different? What trends do we drive? How can we best capture sales from wider trends? Andrew Henkel, SPINS Executive VP of Retail, Jim Olson, SPINS Retail Insights Manager, and Matt Ryan, INFRA Retail Strategist, will present the most recent trends, how INFRA fits into them, and what can drive action at the shelf level.
Using Open Book Management to Create Staff Buy-In Part I: The Why & How Dana Tomlin (Columinate)
We all know that times are hard right now in regard to staffing and turnover. It is even more important that we, as business owners, pivot to create an environment that staff want to stay and be a part of. Open Book Management (OBM) helps with this. OBM is a game changer during hard times and makes the good times even more fun. Join us for one or both sections of this two-part, deepdive session!
During this time together, Dana will take you past an introduction to Open Book Management and begin the conversation on why and how Open Book Management can positively affect your work environment. You will walk away with a tangible framework for how to start Open Book Management. We will go over the info you need to get started, what topics are good to discuss with staff, and how to prepare your leadership team to be ready to meet your staff in an open discussion environment.
Moving From Burnout to Balance: How Effective Operations and Staff Engagement Support the Practice of Wellbeing
Mark Mulcahy (Columinate; Organic Options), James Morrell (Columinate)
How do we create organizations that are operationally effective and also cultivate wellbeing in their daily practices? In this session we will begin to identify the presence of factors in the workplace that can cause burnout in ourselves and our teams. Through selfassessment and group activities, this interactive workshop will explore tools for addressing workplace burnout and developing an active culture of wellbeing in our organizations. We will invite participants to envision solutions and leave the session with next steps for themselves and their teams.
2:45PM – 3:45PM – SESSION 3
Innovations and Answers to FAQs in Gut Health
Catherine Foley (Bio-K+), Hillary Nitschke (Jarrow Formulas), Jamie McKeown (WishGarden Herbs), Dr. Audrey Ross (Country Life)
In this session you’ll meet and learn from four of our brand partners with specialized knowledge in the Gut Health category. These educators will discuss ingredient trends, common digestive concerns, and answer frequently asked customer questions while providing DSHEA-compliant information on gut and digestive health.
After the presentations there will be a facilitated Q & A and peer discussion. Bring your questions, curiosity, and expertise to learn and share with your INFRA Peers!
Using Open Book Management to Create Staff Buy-In Part II: The Deep Dive
Dana Tomlin (Columinate)
In this second session, we will have additional time for questions and hear from your INFRA Retailer Peers on their experiences with Open Book in order to discuss challenges and successes. During this session, we will take the key points from Session 1 and discuss these more in depth. This session will be set by the people in the room and guided by Dana to facilitate a robust conversation that delves into the details of Open Book.
Transform Your Business with Benchmarking via CoMetrics
Paul Guidice (CoMetrics)
Comparison is well known as the “thief of joy,” but we are here to show you how it can also be the key to your success. CoMetrics can provide you a suite of business intelligence tools that help us take data from your peers across the industry and transform numbers and trends into actionable solutions. Discover the power of benchmarking and set your business up for success.
4:00PM – 5:00PM – SESSION 4
Cultivating Community: Leveraging Events & Education for Growth
Meagan Van Beest (INFRA) & Member Panel
With increasing competition for customer attention and a shift in how we socialize, how do independent natural foods stores successfully engage our communities? In this peer sharing session, we will explore the ways that community engagement has transformed in the past few years and share ideas for success.
We’ll kick off the session with examples of successful community outreach by INFRA members. Then, we’ll review INFRA resources, along with the elements of effective, affordable events including creating strategic community partnerships, working with brokers or vendors for event support, and developing a robust event schedule on a budget. Finally, we’ll end with a discussion session for you to ask questions, share your experiences, and plan your next community event.
You’ll walk away with fresh inspiration to take back to your store to help you become a hotspot of community activities!
Why Leaders Fail and the 7 Critical Skills for Dynamic Success
Mary Kelly (Productive Leaders)
Great leadership, if you are doing it right, is hard. Being a great leader is more than just showing up, going through the motions, sitting in the big chair, and getting paid. Great leaders are always thinking about how they can become even better for their organizations, their people, and themselves. We gathered data and then categorized it into seven critical areas which define successful leaders.
In this highly engaging and deeply effective program, leaders will gain insights to:
• Understand why your top talent is not performing up to their best potential
• Learn specific actions that lead to both short-term and long-term success
• Control and manage how you are perceived by your team, your peers, and your leadership
• Identify small actions that sabotage the loyalty and productivity of the people around you
All participants in the June event will receive both the Leader’s Blind Spot Assessment and the 7 Prescriptions for Success Leadership Assessment.
The Food Service Session: Better Tomorrow Than Today
Michael Paynic (INFRA)
The food service department continues to be a destination for many shoppers. With the current food retail climate, let’s realign to meet the changing needs of the shopper. In this session we will discuss navigating the margin landscape and price perception with the products we offer, maximizing our labor force for better customer experience and setting the stage to be the best destination in our community. Join Michael Paynic, INFRA’s Fresh Retail Consultant for an in-depth discussion on the most unique department in grocery retail.
5:30PM – 6:30PM
Reception
6:00PM – 10:00PM
Member Dinner & Brix Awards Ceremony
INFRA is made up of passionate, hardworking retailers and innovative, driven vendor partners – and you deserve to be recognized! Let’s reflect upon the last 12 months and honor the good work that has been done in our INFRA community and industry.
TUESDAY, JUNE 27 • CENTRAL TIME
7:00AM – 8:00AM
Morning Vinyasa Flow
Angela Bozo (INFRA)
Energize your morning with a 60-minute vinyasa; appropriate for all skill levels. Take some time for yourself and prepare your mind and body for a day of walking the show floor!
8:00AM – 5:00PM
Swag Swap Swag Pick-Up
Did you bring in store swag to swap with your peers? It’s time to pick up your new digs and rock them! Please note, swag pick-up is only available if you donated some swag to swap.
Be sure to wear your new swag on Wednesday – see if you can get a photo with the person wearing yours!
8:00AM – 10:00AM
Breakfast
9:00AM – 10:00AM
Keynote Session – The Science of Shopping Comes to Independent Natural Food Stores
Paco Underhill (Envirosell)
Starting in late 2022, Paco Underhill has visited a number of INFRA stores. An expert on global consumer trends, renowned author on topics involving retail and food, and strategic advisor to Envirosell, Paco will come to St. Paul to share a practical take on how INFRA Retailers can become better merchants. You will leave this session with a list of ideas you can implement at your store tomorrow, improvements you can make in two weeks, and in two months. Shopping is a science; follow the recipe and benefit from the reaction that follows!
10:15AM – 4:30PM
Book Sale & Signing
Paco Underhill (Envirosell)
Like what you heard at the keynote? Want to learn more about the science of shopping? Pick up a discounted copy of two of Paco Underhill’s most popular books, “Why We Buy” ($15.50) or “How We Eat” ($21.50). No cash needed – just swing by the table outside the ballroom, pick up a book, charge it to your account, and get it signed by Paco himself!
10:15AM – 5:00PM
Tabletop Buying Event
This is the largest INFRA Tabletop Buying Event ever! With more than 300 vendors selected, that’s nearly double the size of last year’s event. There will be vendors who are longtime industry leaders, vendors who are new and just getting into their partnership with INFRA Retailers, and many in-between. Come take a walk on the show floor, learn about some of the industry’s hot products, make connections and reconnections with new faces and old friends, and get in on the Show Deals!
12:00PM – 1:30PM
Retail Walking Tour with Paco Underhill
Paco Underhill (Envirosell)
Join Paco Underhill for an exclusive, deep-dive tour of several local retailers. This will be a practical, hands-on learning experience for all involved. Grab your walking shoes and let’s see what St. Paul has to offer!
2:00PM – 3:30PM
Retail Walking Tour with Paco Underhill
Paco Underhill (Envirosell)
Join Paco Underhill for an exclusive, deep-dive tour of several local retailers. This will be a practical, hands-on learning experience for all involved. Grab your walking shoes and let’s see what St. Paul has to offer!
For a chance to participate in a Retail Walking Tour, enter the raffle during the “Retailer Refresh” session on Sunday, June 25 from 2pm-5pm.
6:00 PM – 10:00PM
Community Celebration with Industry Partners
It’s only fitting to close out INFRA’s 10th Annual Conference with a huge party to celebrate our amazing community of retailers, partners, staff, and friends. We will see you across the street at the Science Museum of Minnesota – say hi to the dinosaurs, explore two floors of open exhibits, groove to live music, eat, drink, and catch some fresh air on the spacious patio overlooking the scenic Mississippi River. Let’s have some fun!
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28 • CENTRAL TIME
7:00AM – 8:00AM
Mississippi River Walk
Meagan Van Beest (INFRA)
Don’t leave Saint Paul without taking the time to appreciate the city’s history and beauty! Join us for a summer morning walk along the Mississippi River, led by INFRA Member Business Advisor and history lover, Meagan Van Beest. Decompress after a busy conference week, enjoy the scenery, and learn a thing or two about Saint Paul’s fascinating past! Rain or shine. The walk will leave promptly at the top of the hour, so please arrive a few minutes early.
8:00AM – 9:30AM
Breakfast
9:00AM – 12:00PM
St. Paul Store Tours
We are back in town after 10 years away – let’s see what has changed! We will be visiting three local retailers: Kowalski’s Markets, Whole Foods Market, and Longfellow Market. Enjoy a brief tour from management at each location and have time for browsing/ shopping. Learn more about each store below and reserve your spot on the tour when you register for the conference!
Space is limited, thus, registration is limited and first come, first served.
9:45AM – 12:00PM
Talk Data to Me: Make Informed Decisions and Stay on Top of Trends with SPINS
Jim Olson (SPINS), Simon Cutts (SPINS)
Numbers don’t lie. In this world of technology and innovation, we can review trends and make strategic business decisions based on data. SPINS offers INFRA Retailers a vast wealth of industry knowledge – but where do we start and how do we use this information to our advantage? Come review the state of the natural products industry, check in on emerging trends, and spend time one-on-one with SPINS professionals to make the numbers work for you!
9:45AM – 12:00PM
Using Catapult to Fuel Your Success
Susan Daniel (ECRS)
At ECRS we want to partner with you, our customers, to help you achieve a strong relationship with your customers. We want to help you understand how Catapult can assist you in saving money and making money in your stores. This session will include answers to the frequently asked questions, as well as time for peer sharing regarding creative solutions and suggestions from strong Catapult users in the INFRA community. You will leave feeling empowered and energized about Catapult’s solution in your stores!
12:00PM – 1:30PM Lunch 1:30PM
Conference End
12:00PM –
1:30PM Lunch
88 Acres
Abstinence Spirits
Alaffia
Alden’s Organic
Alexandre Family Farm
Aloha
Alter Eco
Amplify Snack Brands
Ancient Nutrition
Ardor Energy
Aura Bora
Bagito
Banza
Barleans
Barnana
Beacon
Beekeeper’s Naturals
Bellwether Farms
Benestar Brands
Better Being Co
Better Booch
Betty Buzz
Beyond Good
Big Mountain Foods
Bigelow Tea
Bio-K+ USA Inc
BioBag
Bluebonnet Nutrition
Blue Marble Brands
Bob’s Red Mill
Boiron
Bragg
Califia Farms
California Olive Ranch
Campbell’s
Campbell’s Snacks
CanDo
Carbone Fine Food
Carlson
Carlson AirFlo
Catalina Crunch
Charlotte’s Web
Chef Bobo Brand, Inc.
ChildLife Essentials
Chloe’s
Chosen Foods
Cintas
Clif Bar & Company
Cobram Estate
Cocojune
Cornbread Hemp
Country Life
Curalife
Curated Healthy Energy
Foods, Inc.
CV Sciences
Danone
Darey Brands, Inc.
Death Wish Coffee
DERMA E / Think
Desert Pepper
Dieffenbachs
Divina
Divine Chocolate
Dr. Bronner’s
Dream Pops
Dr Tung’s
East West Tea Company
Eastern Standard
Provisions Co.
Eat Meati
Eat the Change
Eco Lips
ECRS
Elmhurst 1925
Endangered Species
Chocolate
EO Products
Equal Exchange
Evolution Fresh
Evolved Chocolate
Fairtrade America
Feel Good Foods
Fentimans
FILLO’S
Flax4Life
Foodies Vegan
Forager Project
Four Sigmatic
Free2b Foods
Frontier Coop
Gaia Herbs
Garden of Life
General Mills
Glee Gum
Global Marketing Select
GoMacro
Good Culture
Good Karma
GoodBelly
GoodSAM Foods
Smoky Mountain Nutrition
Hail Merry Happy Egg
Harmless Harvest
Health & Wellbeing
Collective
Health-Ade
HealthForce SuperFoods
Hella Cocktail Co.
Herbatint
Hodo
Homesome
Hometown Food
Company
Honey Mama’s
HOP WTR
Hope Foods
Hoptea
Hoptonic Tea
Host Defense Mushrooms
HumanCo
Humble Brands
Inesscents
Inka Crops
It’s Skinny Pasta
J.M. Smucker Co.
Jackson’s
Jade Leaf Matcha and Great Lakes Wellness
Jarrow Formulas and Natrol
JonnyPops
Jovial Foods, Inc.
Juniper Ridge
Just Thrive
Kate’s Real Food
KeHE
Kevin’s Natural Foods
KeVita Izze Yachak
KIND Snacks
King Arthur Baking Company
Kirk’s Family of Natural Brands - Kirk’s, The Grandpa Soap Company, South of France
Klean Kanteen
Koia
Konscious Foods
La Tourangelle
LaCroix Sparkling Water
Lactalis US Yogurt
Lakanto
Lavazza / Kicking Horse
Coffee
Life Extension
Lifeway Foods
Lily of the Desert
Liquid Death
Little Secrets Chocolates
LOTUS FOODS
LOVE CORN
Lucky Foods
Lundberg Family Farms
MadeGood
Maka
Make it Italian
Materne, N.A.
Matr Boomie
MediNatura
MegaFood
Minor Figures
Miss Jones Baking Co.
Miyoko’s Creamery
MUSH
Natural Factors
Natural Value
Nature’s Way
Nelson Bach USA
Network Distribution
Nixie Sparkling Water
New Hope Network
No Cow
Noosa
Nordic Naturals
Nova Naturals, C2O & Steaz
NOW
Nuts for Cheese
NuttZo
OCHO Organic Candy
Om Mushrooms
Once Again Nut Butter
Once Upon a Farm
Oregon’s Wild Harvest
Organic India
Outstanding Foods
OWYN
Partake
Pascha
Peace Coffee
Peepers
Petit Pot
Pipcorn Heirloom Snacks
Planet Gourmet Inc
PlantFusion
Poppi
Powered By Real Food
From The Ground Up
Pranarom
Preferred Brands
International
Premier Organics
Pressed
PREVAIL Jerky
PRI
Primal Kitchen
Prince of Peace
PROBAR
Q Mixers
Quantum Health
Quinn Snacks
RADIUS
Rao’s Specialty Foods
Rainforest Distribution
REBBL
Rebel Green
Redd Remedies
Regal King Salmon
Remedy Organics
RidgeCrest Herbals
RIOT Energy
Rishi Tea & Botanicals
RJ’s and Darrell Lea
ROAR Organic
Rudi’s Bakery
Save Naturally
Seaweed Bath Co.
Second Nature Brands
SENPA
Seven Roots
ShiKai Products
Siete Family Foods
Simple Mills
Simply Gum
SkinnyDipped
Sky Organics
SmartSweets
SOMOS
SPINS
Sprout Living
Spudsy
Stahlbush Island Farms
Stash Tea
STASHER
Stonewall Kitchen Family of Brands
Suja Life
Superior Foods USA
Sweet Nothings
SweetLeaf
Swoon
Táche
TCHO Chocolate
Tender and True Pet
Nutrition
Terry Naturally
The Clorox Company
The Watkins Company
Theo Chocolate
Thousand Hills Lifetime
Grazed
Three Farmers Foods
Threshold Enterprises, Ltd.
Thunderbird Energetica & Wella
Tia Lupita® Foods
Traditional Medicinals
Treeline Cheese
True Grace
TruRoots Company
Undercover Snacks
UNREAL
Utz Quality Foods
Vega
VerMints Organic Breath
Mints
Vermont Smoke & Cure
Vista Hermosa
Vita Coco
Vital Farms
Wasa / Tolerant
Waterloo Sparkling Water
Weleda
Wild Planet Foods
Wiley’s Finest
WishGarden Herbs
World Centric
Wyld CBD
Xlear
Youtheory
YumEarth
Zack’s Mighty
Ziba Foods
290+ Exhibitors!
2023 Tabletop Exhibitors This list is subject to change without notice.
Integrity Sponsors • $10,000 Innovation Sponsors • $7,500 Collaboration Sponsors • $5,000 Inspiration Sponsors • $2,500 ® ®
