By: Rhett Asher, Vice President, Asset Protection, Data Security & Crisis Management, Food Marketing Institute 

When we talk about improving efficiencies for food retailers, the first thing that jumps into my head is technology. At FMI Connect this year, we’re aiming to showcase how technology is woven through our lives, our business operations and how it helps us do the business of tomorrow better. Here is a top 10 list of the technology topics you won’t want to miss at FMI Connect:

10: Risk Mitigation – Cybersecurity is no longer just about preventing attacks, but more about mitigation, containment and response. In the session A New Perspective on Cybersecurity Risk Management, Vince Crisler with Fortalice Solutions LLC presents a new way of planning and organizing your resources to tackle cyber threats.

9: Big Data - Tim Reay with Salmon dispels myths about big data and illustrates how food retailers can increase efficiencies in store through smarter data use in the session Big Data: What's the Big Deal?

8: Interconnected - In today’s world, we don’t give a second thought to the multitude of interconnected digital devices that capture data about our lives and life styles. In the session The Internet of Things, Kaley Parkinson of Rehrig Pacific Company talks about the ability to shop anywhere, at any time.

7: Social Engineering – In this Tech Byte session see just how easy it is to fall victim to a social engineering attack and tips to stay secure.

6: Digitally Engaged Consumer – The session Retail Relevance with a Digitally Engaged Consumer takes a broad view of the brave new digital world, starting with a definition of digital and honing in on what it encompasses.

5: Engagement – Better yourself professionally by learning what it takes to deliver engaging and inspiring presentations in Tech Bytes: Stop Putting Your Audience to Sleep: New Methods of Engaging & Empowering Your Presentations & Delivery.  

4: Wearable Technologies – Here is your chance to see Google Glass, FitBit and the new Apple watch up close and personal in Tech Bytes: Wearable Technologies.

3: Online Retailers – In Tech Bytes: Starved of Success? Food for Thought for Online Hungry Retailers, hear how to present your customers with a compelling, relevant online grocery service while still generating a positive return.

2: Questions Answered – Visit the Tech Bar in the Technology Pavilion after each session to have your speaker questions answered. Tech Bar experts are also on hand to give you solutions to your technology conundrums.

1: Augmented Realities – Get ready to question reality just like these folks did at a bus stop! In the session Emerging Technologies to Drive Operational Performance and Associate Behavior, Michael Holland from Frameworks and Ric Agostini from Alchemy Systems Company are sure to have you sharing this new technology topic at your office watercooler.

See all the technology education offerings at FMI Connect and check out what the FMI Connect Technology Community will be up to at the show.