To say a business is data-driven these days is an understatement. Data doesn’t just drive a business, it often means everything to retailers, marketers and suppliers in every category, including the fast-moving consumer goods space. To help every link in the supply chain understand how data is driving decisions, IRI Worldwide’s Growth Summit 2019, entitled “Powering the Path Forward,” will provide insights into how data can move companies and their business partners forward.

 
“Last year’s theme was ‘One Step Ahead,’ and it was built around our customers needing to stay one step ahead as the industry undergoes transformation and change,” explained John McIndoe, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, IRI Worldwide. “Last year we painted the picture of where you need to be; this year, we are explaining how to get there and the roadmap executives must use to survey the landscape and understand the consumer.”
 

The IRI Growth Summit will be held March 11-13 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center, Denver, CO. Now in its eighth year, the Summit is expected to attract 1,500-1,600 executives representing 450 companies including retailers, consumer packaged goods companies and their suppliers. They’ll hear from more than 70 experts form CPG, retail and media from companies of all sizes and budgets.

 
“We’re bringing together the sharpest minds, partners and even friendly competitors to illuminate the best and brightest thinking,” asserted McIndoe. “Attendees will expand their mind professionally and personally. They’ll be getting insights from successful people that is aspirational as well as actionable. Each talk will have quantifiable action with dollars attached to them that attendees can apply to their day-to-day job.”

 
On Tuesday, March 12, speakers will include Andrew Appel, president and CEO, IRI; Ravi Parmeswar, head of global strategic insights and analytics, Johnson & Johnson; and Mike Walsh, CEO of Tomorrow, a global consultancy. On Wednesday, March 13, speakers will include Shelley Zalis, CEO, The Female Quotient; Charlie Chappel, head of media and comms planning, The Hershey Company; Rohan Oza, founder, Cavu Venture Partners; and Erik Weihenmayer, founder of No Barriers and the first blind person to summit Mt. Everest.

 
Between speaker presentations, attendees will have time to visit the innovation showcase, where they can speak with IRI product experts and partners who will demonstrate the newest ways to uncover actionable and relevant insights with solutions that are focused on improving business outcomes. In the showcase, attendees will get hands-on experience with data visualization, applications, predictive analytics, media and marketing effectiveness.
 

“The innovation showcase enables attendees to get demonstrations, ask questions and interact with tools, while they network and share ideas,” explained McIndoe.

 
According to McIndoe, the Summit will expand attendees’ minds personally and professionally as they build their toolkit with aspirational and actionable advice from experts in a variety of disciplines.

 
“People like blue sky thinking, but we make it applicable,” explained McIndoe.

 
The Summit includes more than 35 breakout sessions from partners and clients that delve into a multitude of issues including pricing and promotion.

 
“Last year, we made the case that industry must rethink the way we are utilizing insights and democratizing them, and using AI and machine-learning to enhance decision-making,” he recalled. “This year, we will expand on that as organizations increasingly need to move faster to make smarter and better decisions.”