Tuesday May 20th, 2025
| Time | Session | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 – 11:00 AM | NGA Board of Directors and Government Relations Committee Meeting (Invite Only) | Kingsman and Lincoln Park Room |
| 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Lunch | Burnham Ballroom Foyer |
| 12:00 – 12:30 PM |
Feeding the Nation: USDA Perspectives on SNAP A high-level discussion about food assistance programs and their impact on the independent grocery industry. Speaker: Jennifer Tiller, Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary and Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, USDA |
Burnham Ballroom |
| 12:30 – 1:30 PM |
Advocacy in Action: Preparing to be a Champion Step into the arena of advocacy prepared and empowered! Join the NGA team as they delve into the pressing policy matters directly affecting your businesses. In this session, we'll equip you with the tools and knowledge to effectively communicate your concerns to your Member of Congress. Speakers: Chris Jones, Chief Government Relations Officer & Counsel, NGA Stephanie Johnson, Group VP, Government Relations, NGA |
Burnham Ballroom |
| 1:30 – 1:45 PM | Networking Break | Burnham Foyer |
| 1:45 – 2:45 PM |
What to do Before, During, and After Hill Meetings Insights into how congressional offices work with constituents, and what to do at each stage to be an effective advocate. Speaker: Jen Daulby, CEO, Congressional Management Foundation |
Burnham Ballroom |
| 2:45 – 3:15 PM |
FMS Report Release Get a first look at the numbers shaping independent grocery in 2025. FMS will present the 2024 FMS/NGA Financial Study, then dive into Q1 2025 data and trends on sales, margins, labor costs, and shrink—plus best practices from top-performing retailers. Speaker: Robert Graybill, President, FMS Solutions |
Burnham Ballroom |
| 3:15 – 3:45 PM | Networking Break | Burnham Foyer |
| 3:45 – 4:30 PM |
America First Antitrust Enforcement: A Fireside Chat with FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson Federal antitrust enforcement has shifted dramatically since the beginning of the first Trump administration, with a renewed focus on domestic industry, supply chain resilience, and fair competition. In the wake of Chair Lina Khan’s high-profile and controversial tenure, FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson steps into leadership amid a pivotal moment for the agency. This fireside chat will explore the emerging “America First Antitrust” vision, which promises rigorous yet predictable enforcement while re-centering Main Street businesses and the American workforce in the application of antitrust law. We will discuss the revival of tools like the Robinson-Patman Act and outline the principles guiding the FTC’s future approach to market competition under a second Trump presidency.. Speaker: Andrew Ferguson, Chairman, Federal Trade Commission Chris Jones, Chief Government Relations Officer & Counsel, NGA |
Burnham Ballroom |
| 4:30 – 5:30 PM |
Keynote Address An engaging discussion on political strategy, leadership, and public affairs in today’s national landscape. Speaker: Kellyanne Conway, Former Senior Counselor to President Donald J. Trump |
Burnham Ballroom |
| 5:30 – 7:00 PM | Networking Reception | Tiber River Terrace |
| 7:00 – 9:00 PM |
PAC Donor Dinner (Invite Only) NGA Board of Directors and Government Relations Committee event. |
Offsite |
Wednesday May 21st, 2025
| Time | Session | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 – 8:15 AM | Breakfast Briefing | Burnham Ballroom |
| 8:15 – 8:45 AM | Transfer Service to the Hill Depart for the U.S. Capitol as a group. | Hotel Lobby |
| 8:45 – 9:00 AM | Group Photo at the Capitol | Capitol Steps |
| 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Congressional Visits Meet with Members of Congress and staff throughout the day to discuss the issues most critical to independent grocers. Lunch on your own during breaks between meetings. | Capitol Hill Offices |
| 5:00 – 6:30 PM | Congressional Reception on Capitol Hill | Rayburn Foyer |
