By George Anderson

The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and the Organic Trade Association (OTA) have announced the All Things Organic Conference and Show will co-locate with the FMI Show in Chicago next year.

The National Association for the Specialty Food Trade’s (NASFT) Fancy Food Show and the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association’s (UFFVA) United Produce Expo & Conference will also bring their shows to the McCormick Center. Attendees to one show will be granted access to all with a single badge.

Katherine DiMatteo, executive director, Organic Trade Association said in a released statement, “Holding ‘All Things Organic’ in a more central location, while providing exhibitors access to tens of thousands of more buyers, is a win-win for the organic industry. Organic has come of age. Certification is in place. We’re realizing record growth and organic is becoming a part of everyday American life.”

Moderator’s Comment: What are your thoughts on FMI’s
co-location agreements?

FMI attendance (not counting those attending the Fancy
Food Show) was off significantly again this year with a drop in the area of
9,000 visitors.

Co-located shows have a definite value, helping reduce
costs and broaden access for attendees and exhibitors alike. Part of us can’t
help but wonder, however, if FMI doesn’t need to spend more time reinventing
its own show rather than partnering with others. [George
Anderson – Moderator]

• All Things Organic
  Co-Locates with FMI Show, Fancy Food Show and Produce Expo and Conference
  in 2004 – Organic Trade Association website
• All Things Organic Conference
  and Trade Show Will Co-Locate With FMI Show in 2004, Showcasing Key Industry
  Segment – Food Marketing Institute website