FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2025
The NGA Show Introduces Fresh Pitches: A Dynamic New Networking Experience for Independent Grocers
Fresh Pitches will launch at the 2026 event, February 1-3 in Las Vegas
October 7, 2025 - The NGA Show is excited to announce the launch of Fresh Pitches, a bold new one-to-one networking opportunity debuting at the 2026 event, February 1-3 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Designed to foster high-impact connections between sponsors and independent grocery retailers, Fresh Pitches reimagines the traditional one-to-one meeting model with a fast-paced, curated speed networking experience.
Fresh Pitches centers around short, high-impact conversations that are designed to open the door to future business opportunities. Retailers and suppliers will rotate through a series of timed sessions, creating an efficient way to discuss new products, services, and partnerships. The goal: to spark meaningful conversations, eliminate the pressure of rigid pre-scheduled meetings, and create a more natural, engaging environment for business development.
“Networking has always been a cornerstone of The NGA Show, and Fresh Pitches introduces a dynamic new way to strengthen collaboration between independent grocers and their supplier partners,” said Greg Ferrara, President and CEO of NGA. “Attendees are looking for more flexibility, more energy, and more opportunities to make meaningful connections - and this program delivers just that.”
There will be 2 Fresh Pitches sessions during The NGA Show 2026 exhibit hall hours on Monday, February 2 and Tuesday, February 3, in the newly designed Connections Hub on the show floor. Pre-vetted retailers will be stationed at assigned tables while sponsors rotate through a series of (5) five-minute meetings. This speed networking round will be followed by a social networking hour to allow space for continued conversations.
Ahead of the event, sponsors will be able to identify their target meetings using The NGA Show’s proprietary software, which provides visibility into retailer demographics, allowing for more tailored and strategic introductions. Several companies have already committed to sponsor the 2026 program including ShoptoCook, Salient Management, The Rose Solution, ECR Software Corporation, Givex USA Corporation, Amodex, Gourmet Foods International, and Sofidel America.
“Fresh Pitches represents the future of connection at The NGA Show,” said Jamie Reesby, VP of Grocery at Clarion Events. “It’s fast, it’s flexible, and it’s designed to help our community of independent grocers and their partners discover what’s new, what’s next, and what’s possible.”
For information on retailer participation, visit https://www.thengashow.com/networking-opportunities/fresh-pitches
For sponsorship information, contact:
-
Technology, Operational & Corporate Service Companies: Mary Yates
-
Center Store, Fresh, Health & Wellness, Seasonal Merchandise, Store Design companies: Angela Gonzalez
###
About The NGA Show
The NGA Show brings together independent supermarket operators, wholesalers, food manufacturers, and service providers to explore new ideas and insights to help grow their businesses. With insightful educational sessions, hundreds of exhibitors, and numerous networking events, The NGA Show is the must-attend event for the independent grocery industry. For more information, visit www.thengashow.com.
About NGA
NGA is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale community grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. An independent retailer is a privately owned or controlled food retail company operating a variety of formats. The independent grocery sector is accountable for about 1.2 percent of the nation’s overall economy and is responsible for generating more than $250 billion in sales, 1.1 million jobs, $39 billion in wages and $36 billion in taxes. NGA members include retail and wholesale grocers located in every congressional district across the country, as well as state grocers’ associations, manufacturers and service suppliers. For more information about NGA, visit www.nationalgrocers.org.