From May 5-8, the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) presents its Marketechnics event, featuring the latest technology and innovations for retailers and wholesalers. Any business that is looking to improve sales margins, lower operating costs and enhance the customer experience will find potential solutions at the showcase, located in the Dallas Convention Center.

Companies from around the country will be on hand to demonstrate their products and services. Among the technologies that will be on display are bar-coding systems, electronic payment systems, software systems and wireless providers. Service providers, such as experts in loyalty marketing, forecasting and category management will be at the event as well.

Along with the exhibitors showing their latest offerings, an education program will help attendees get some new ideas on how to improve their operations. Sessions discussing social networking, new media connections, business sustainability and best practices will be a part of the program. “The Annual State of Food Retailing,” featuring Anne-Marie Roerink, FMI’s director of research, will be a featured presentation on May 8. Roerink will give an in-depth review of the state of food retailing and discuss some of the latest consumer trends.

Prior to Marketechnics, FMI will host Future Connect from May 4-6 at the Dallas Hyatt Regency. The program’s goal is to build the next generation of food retail leaders by featuring educational sessions on three tracks — operations, executive and senior executive. Future Connect’s goals are to improve individuals’ contribution to their companies, hone people-management skills and optimize the performance of one’s team, store and company. Speakers include Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist, and Pat Summit, University of Tennessee Ladies’ basketball coach, among others.

For more information about Marketechnics, visit www.fmi.org/events/tech/2009.