Consumer Goods Sales & Marketing Summit

Last month, more than 185 high-level consumer goods executives convened in New York City for the second annual Consumer Goods Sales & Marketing Summit - a unique event created to address the growing convergence of sales, marketing and technology within leading consumer goods organizations.

"The demand for this second annual event is indicative of how important these sales and marketing issues are for the industry," says Steve Rosenstock, publisher, CGT.  "Consumer goods executives had the opportunity to hear from their peers and share ideas with one another, providing tangible business ideas and relationships that they are able to take back with them."

Summit attendees heard from industry thought-leaders from companies such as Cadbury Schweppes, Welch's, PepsiCo, The Gillette Company, Hallmark, Coca-Cola, Del Monte Foods, Coty and Jarden Home Brands, among others, on topics surrounding trade promotion management, POS data, business analytics and category management.

[A] At the Rainbow Room, Mike Muir from Nestle USA looks on as a magician wows attendees with mind-boggling tricks. [B] Hallmark's Dave Caldwell, IT Business Development Manager, leads an energetic and interactive discussion around Sales Force Automation. [C] A panel of industry execs discuss how manufacturers and retailers are using consumer insights to unearth latent needs and create compelling new customer experiences. [D] Speakers and panelists address a packed house within the main general session room at The Roosevelt Hotel in New York City [E] Gillette executives Mark Dawson, director of IT (pictured), and Bill Masterson, director, Business Development, demonstrate how sales, marketing and supply chain roles can be coordinated to ensure the success of a trade promotion program. [F] L'Oreal's Director of IT, Scott Patella, talks shop with colleagues during a networking lunch. [G] PepsiCo's Vice President Insights, David Newman, shared views on data analytics and the customer. PepsiCo has carved out a unique niche as an advanced data analytics partner. [H] Forrester Research Analyst Christine Overby networks with event sponsors. [I] Attendees unwind at New York City's renowned Rainbow Room after a content-filled first day.