NOVI, Mich. — Chain Drug Marketing Association Inc. (CDMA) has released the dates for its annual trade expo.

The company says its 87th CDMA Annual Trade Expo will take place at the Hilton Atlanta from February 19 to February 22.

“Our annual event will bring together suppliers with regional drug chains, regional drug wholesalers, independent pharmacies, grocery stores and convenience stores,” CDMA vice president of sales Judy Aspinall says. “Buyers that attend will discuss business opportunities with exhibitors, meet and exchange ideas with other buyers, and learn about new CDMA programs that can help to increase profitability in the front end of their stores.”

Besides a show floor, the CDMA event will include a store brand forum and a products-only CDMA showroom area.

The store brand forum provides attendees with a one-on-one meeting format with buyers and store brand manufacturers, while the CDMA showroom and direct import area will feature a variety of seasonal and everyday merchandise.

In addition, the event will feature a “lunch and learn” session for buyers where Epicor Software Solutions’ pharmacy development manager Bruce Kneeland will discuss how pharmacy owners can use the front end to build sales and improve their image.
As with past CDMA expos, this year’s event will conclude with the annual chairman’s reception and dinner and award ceremony where CDMA will honor outstanding members and suppliers of the year.

Meanwhile, the company has announced a pair of new executive appointments.
John Devine, who has been involved with projects and programs at CDMA for the past 15 years, has been named vice president of finance and store brands. He will oversee the company’s store brand program and accounting functions.

In addition, Annmarie Zaremba has been named director of business development. In that role she will work with Aspinall and CDMA’s category managers to build membership and strengthen the company’s business relationships.