The 16th annual IRI Growth Summit runs through March 13.

DENVER —IRI‘s 2019 Growth Summit kicked off Monday at the new Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center in Denver, Colo. with a record attendance of approximately 1,600 participants expected during the three-day event.

The Chicago-based market research firm’s 16th annual IRI Growth Summit, runs from March 11 to 13 features visionaries and leaders from the world’s top consumer packaged goods manufacturers, retailers and media agencies.

The theme of this year’s conference is “Powering the Path Forward.”

“As competition in the marketplace continues to grow, it is more important than ever for companies to power the path forward in order to meet the needs of today’s increasingly discerning consumer,” said John McIndoe, chief marketing officer at IRI. “The 2019 summit is a must-attend for those wanting insights that propel their brands and businesses to remain ahead of the curve. The more we know about our customers, the more we know about ourselves.”

The IRI Growth Summit is specifically designed to help CPG manufacturers, retailers and media industry leaders understand the ever-changing world of big data and how to better harness it for growth. Attendees learn how to tackle their biggest big data challenges, including manufacturer/retailer/media collaboration and consumer personalization, while hearing success stories from peers and advice from some of the most successful marketers in the world.

The Summit offers social events, including Tuesday evening’s “Destination: Adventure” dinner featuring a set by three-time Grammy Award winner Darius Rucker.

The conference features a number of distinguished and top level leaders from various industries speaking during the event including:

• Charlie Chappell – head of integrated media and communications, The Hershey Co.
• Pamela Forbus – senior vice president, insights, data and analytics, Disney Studios
• Rohan Oza – founder, CAVU Venture Partners and Guest Shark, The Shark Tank
• Jenny Fleiss – cofounder and chief executive officer, Jetblack
• Mike Walsh – chief executive officer, Tomorrow
• Erik Weihenmayer – founder, No Barriers
• Shelley Zalis – chief executive officer, The Female Quotient
• Andrew Appel – president and CEO, IRI

These thought leaders will explore critical topics such as leveraging comprehensive data assets for consumer-centric marketing; discovering the latest opportunities in e-commerce; developing 21st century media planning, activation and campaign measurement strategies; employing essential new approaches to retailer/manufacturer collaboration; and using predictive analytics and artificial intelligence to stay ahead, IRI stated.

The three-day conference also includes training sessions, hands-on demonstrations and networking opportunities. “Each attendee will leave with the insights they need to transform their marketing strategy and power growth within their business,” McIndoe added.