Whether it’s staying ahead of the latest TikTok trend, spotlighting must-have products, or creating eye-catching flyers and in-store materials, your marketing staff help keep your store relevant, engaging, and running smoothly.
Staying ahead of the wave is no easy feat — marketing managers are always thinking on the fly, coming up with quick solutions and thinking of the best ways to represent your store’s brand.
At this year’s INFRA Annual Conference, taking place July 13–16 in St. Paul, MN, we’re featuring an array of education sessions to bolster your marketing skills. Throughout the week, you’ll hear from INFRA and industry experts on how to tell your store’s story, connect with your target audience, and leverage marketing tools and assets to strengthen your campaigns.
Explore a few of our favorites below!
Building Mighty Communities by Building Mighty Local Stores
Speaker: Jeanie Wells (Mighty Community Markets)
When: Tuesday, July 14 from 12:15am – 12:30pm
There has never been a more urgent need for independent and locally owned stores, and yet, they have never faced more challenges. Luckily, independent stores who leverage effective messaging and in-person experiences can thrive in this new era by putting their values and their communities first.
This session is designed to help independent grocery stores recognize:
· What our communities need from us,
· What we are in the best position to provide,
· How to create a community narrative around differentiation,
· And how to build thriving, locally focused businesses for the long-term health of our communities
Attendees will gain:
· A big picture view of their own competitive landscape,
· Practical and actionable ways to grow resilient businesses and communities.
· Peer discussion around their unique landscape
Practical Marketing Moves That Drive Growth in Independent Retail
Speakers: Kari Mueller & Sara Fulton-Koerbling (INFRA)
When: Tuesday, July 14 from 11:30am – 12:30pm
Strong marketing in independent natural food retail doesn’t require a large team or budget, it requires clarity, consistency, and alignment. In this session, we’ll share practical, revenue-focused strategies INFRA retailers can use to strengthen brand identity, sharpen in-store messaging, and create cohesive campaigns that build loyalty and drive sales. Through real-world examples and simple evaluation frameworks, you’ll identify opportunities to better connect signage, digital touchpoints, and promotions across your store. Attendees will leave with actionable next steps and access to the new INFRA Member Marketing Toolkit to support continued execution back home.
The Healthy Soil Revolution: How Film, Storytelling, and Consumer Engagement are Accelerating the Shift Toward Regeneration
Speakers: Monique Wellise (Natural Factors), Nathan Rice (Kiss the Ground), Johnny O'Hara, & David Hawkins (Mother Earth Foods)
When: Tuesday, July 14 from 1:45pm – 2:45pm
Join us for an inspiring look at how regenerative farming is reshaping the health of both people and our planet. Discover the mission behind Kiss the Ground’s influential film trilogy while learning how media and grassroots movements are driving regeneration into the mainstream. Kiss the Ground will share new consumer research and actionable ways that independent retailers can play a role in accelerating the regenerative farming movement. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the conversation!
We’re counting down the days until we welcome you to St. Paul! See the full conference agenda and register for the 2026 INFRA Annual conference here.
With any questions about this year’s conference, please reach out to Hannah Peper at hpeper@infretailers.com.