5 Reasons to Join Us at the GFSI Conference in Nice

It is a real pleasure for me to lead the development of such purpose-driven conference and I’m continually inspired by its capacity to convene the global industry in such a collaborative and friendly forum. We are working hard to craft the delegate experience that will allow you to learn, network, share your stories and do business. Here’s my list of 5 reasons to join us along with other food industry leaders and innovators on the French Riviera:

Learn from Leaders

The GFSI stage welcomes distinguished speakers from industry, academia, government and grassroots organisations to inspire and inform. Speakers are handpicked to share the most relevant case studies, latest science, techniques and technology. But beyond that, their talks set challenges for the industry, spur continuous improvement and set new goals for collaboration for the benefit of consumers everywhere, one nudge at a time.

Hear from Dirk Van de Put, CEO of Mondelez, who will share the CEO perspective on existing and emerging food safety challenges, what is really at stake and the need for a holistic approach to survive in today’s “do more with less” competitive business environment. Emmanuel Faber, CEO of Danone will zoom in on how the food industry can leverage innovation as an engine for growth while maintaining its traditions and identity. On the topic of horizon scanning and risk anticipation, he will endeavor to answer a tricky question – “how to know sooner what we don’t know?”

Science is back on the programme in a bigger way for the 2019 edition, as the industry looks to scientists and academics for new solutions to emerging challenges. Take a crash course from Professor Chris Elliott on how to successfully manage illicit threats to the food chain. Relish in the inimitable excellence of French cuisine from Alain Ducasse, the first chef in the world to simultaneously own three restaurants with three Michelin stars. These speakers and others will engage with delegates at interactive plenaries, breakouts and special sessions to ensure that all sectors of the food industry join the conversation to drive continuous improvement.

Strengthen Your Network

2018’s edition of the GFSI Conference in Japan broke the record for the number of attendees, with the highest attendance rate in the history of CGF events. With 86% of 2018’s the delegates from Japan planning to join us again next year in Nice and an array of newcomers eager to be part of the event, 2019 is shaping up to be even bigger.

By bringing together international participants from diverse food safety backgrounds, the GFSI Conference is the perfect setting for delegates to strengthen their networks. Take advantage of the unique opportunities during the dedicated networking sessions to engage and share with peers and exercise your role in keeping food safe. In addition to the 45-minute breaks that punctuate the plenaries, complete with coffee and small bites, delegates have the chance to mingle at meals and at the off-site reception and dinner, the most hotly-anticipated food safety social event of the season.

Get the Latest Insights

Since its creation in 2000, GFSI has been dedicated to finding collaborative solutions to collective concerns and improve consumer trust. In the wake of an ever-evolving food industry, GFSI remains a leader in ensuring that pressing food safety issues are kept at the forefront of global discussions and key decision-making processes.

At the Nice conference, delegates can expect to hear about the future of food safety and what challenges this future carries. The hot topics on the docket range from scientific developments — including new movements in microbiology and allergen management — to customer-facing innovations, such as new forms of food retail. Breakout sessions offer the opportunity to zoom in on the critical details of these specific issues, while the plenaries will introduce the audience to a wide-angle view of the changing food safety landscape.

Back by popular demand, the GFSI Awards, made possible by greenfence, will continue to showcase food safety success stories, while the Tech Talks return to the heart of the exhibition area for speakers to share innovative insights with delegates in a casual environment. A staple of the GFSI Conference, the Special Sessions will kick off each conference day with a deep dive into the industry’s hot topics.

Stay Informed and Stay Prepared

The industry is changing faster than ever before, with new players and new consumer demands,

new opportunities and new challenges. Commercial models are evolving and volatility is the new norm. How can the industry stay one step ahead? How can we invest today for the safe food supply of tomorrow?

What role does technology and innovation play in transforming food safety, meeting emerging challenges and modernising global value chains? Tackling risk has always been high on the agenda at the GFSI Conference and in today’s volatile climate, the industry must be more resilient than ever. The programme we are designing should satisfy both technological savants and curious newbies.

Location, Location, Location

Where better than France, one of the world’s capitals of cuisine and the birthplace of the Global Food Safety Initiative, to host the 2019 edition of this global food-focused event? Delegates will convene in the southern city of Nice, a longtime paragon of relaxed elegance that has developed into a hub for industry, advanced technology and science with Acropolis Convention Centre as its main stage. At the Acropolis, steps away from Nice’s historic port and charming Old Town, delegates from across the globe and every corner of the food industry will get the opportunity to engage in key food-safety topics amidst the charm of the Cote d’Azur.

Do not miss out on this opportunity to join us at our unique global event dedicated to driving safe food for consumers, everywhere! Find out more about the GFSI Conference or reach out to us; we’d love to hear from you!

This post was written and contributed by the GFSI Conference Director:

Marjolein Raes
Director, Pillar Events
The Consumer Goods Forum