FWD column: A day to remember
From cyber crime to sustainability, the annual FWD conference promises to inspire and inform, says Lyndsey Cambridge, Head of Engagement and Communication
It’s almost time for the sector’s flagship conference, FWD Live! The great and the good from across the membership will come together on Thursday 27 June at The Midland Hotel in Manchester for a day packed with content to inspire, inform and excite the wholesale channel.
This year we have made some fundamental changes to the programme. Members can look forward to hearing from experts in their chosen field rather than from their peers. This formula was tried and tested at February’s FWD Business Lunch and went down a storm.
What can members expect?
Unlike previous years, this year we are proud to have a keynote closing the conference.
The world’s most experienced hostage negotiator will be delivering a talk on how to win in a negotiation. Who better to pick up top tips from? We are not able to publish this speaker’s name until the day due to the nature of the work that she does. Operating in some of the most hostile environments in the world, this hostage negotiator has engaged with some of the world’s most notorious tyrants, been involved with the most high-profile kidnap cases globally and advises the Prime Minister and US President.
To say we are excited to have booked this keynote speaker is an understatement. Her talk is set to inspire the FWD membership to approach negotiation in a different way, whether that be negotiating internally, or with buyers and sellers. Get ready to be blown away!
FWD is keen to ensure that the conference addresses the main challenges and issues facing the sector, as well as a look ahead at the future. With that in mind, taking to the stage will be Jill Livesey, Managing Director, Lumina Intelligence, exploring opportunities in food to go.
AI experts Choco will take a look at how wholesalers across the globe are embracing AI, and how this is benefiting those businesses, while Amy Searle from Cirkle will draw on her expertise in influencer marketing to share how to partner with influencers, the tricks of the trade and the impact this can have for pulling off world-class promotions.
We also welcome back consultants from RSM to talk cyber crime. All businesses face the threat of a cyber attack, but how can you prevent it? And, if and when it does happen, how do you handle the fall out?
Sustainability
Our Sustainability Forum will also be at the conference, with FWD’s consultants 3Keel ensuring members are on track with their net zero journeys.
Diversity in Wholesale also takes to the biggest stage of the year in a move that demonstrates this area is no longer a ‘nice to have’ but an integral part of business, in order to attract, recruit and retain the very best talent. A sure-fire way to future proof your business.
Delegates will hear from a panel of wholesale leaders too, debating the current trading landscape with a focus on putting customers first.
And it wouldn’t be an FWD conference without hearing from some of our Gold Medal winners too. Which is timely as the conference marks the official launch of the glitziest night in wholesale.
We can’t wait to see you all there!
3Keel AI Choco cyber crime Diversity in Wholesale events FWD FWD conference Jill Livesey Lumina Intelligence Lyndsey Cambridge negotiation RSM sustainability
