Progressive Grocer’s First-Ever Online Symposium & Expo Is A Virtual Success

Chicago, IL (July 2, 2007) – Progressive Grocer, one of the leading publications for the retail food industry, recently launched a successful virtual trade show and conference in collaboration with IBM. The first-ever virtual symposium for Progressive Grocer, “IBM – Transforming the Store Through Innovation,” brought together top executives from IBM, industry experts such as Phil Lempert, the “SupermarketGuru” and NBC’s TODAY Show food editor; Robert Garf, Vice President, Retail Strategies at AMR Research; and select IBM business partners. Powered by InXpo, the leader in the production and management of online communities and events, the new virtual show offered attendees an innovative and convenient way to hear from industry experts, network and build relationships, and buy and sell products – all while sitting comfortably in their homes or offices. Progressive Grocer is published by Nielsen Business Media.

“Nielsen Business Media recognizes the importance of driving the digital arena and has made a commitment to guaranteeing Progressive Grocer’s leadership within this segment,” said Olivia Wilson, Publisher of Progressive Grocer. “Our goal is to offer information that helps retailers keep pace with a rapidly changing marketplace and stay competitive. By collaborating with IBM on content and utilizing InXpo’s technology, we were able to create a dynamic virtual event with a power-packed agenda that provided another mechanism for us to reach our customers anytime, anywhere, and help them stay ahead of the curve.”

“The “IBM – Transforming the Store Through Innovation” show was an excellent example of how our technology can help publishers, organizations, associations and businesses across all verticals build awareness, generate leads and strengthen customer loyalty though interaction, networking, education and information-sharing,” said Malcolm Lotzof, CEO of InXpo.

“Smart retailers are embracing the latest technology to meet the needs of the next generation consumer,” said Eric Biener, Director of Webinars and Digital Events for Nielsen Business Media. “Virtual trade shows reduce the costs for attendees and exhibitors and yet, still provide all the benefits typically associated with a physical trade show. We’re thrilled with the outcome of this first event for Progressive Grocer and will continue to explore ways we can extend the reach of Nielsen’s world-class brands through virtual experiences.”

Attendees of “IBM – Transforming the Store through Innovation” were able to listen to industry experts share their insights on how innovation is changing today’s progressive retailer for the better. They experienced “live” presentations on retail topics such as:

* The New Checkout Experience
* Loss Prevention
* The Shopper Driven Experience
* Store Employee Productivity
* Store Infrastructure, Communications & Support
-more-

Progressive Grocer Online Show Page 2


Attendees were able to visit virtual exhibits to find out how IBM business partners are addressing these challenges with innovation solutions. In addition, retailers easily navigated the event to watch webcasts, see product demonstrations, place orders, sign up for literature, or communicate with booth representatives and other show participants – the same as if they were on a trade show floor.

A true innovative online tool that can be used throughout the year, the “IBM – Transforming the Store through Innovation” symposium is currently available at http://presentations.inxpo.com/Shows/Nielsen/ProgressiveGrocer/04-07/Registration/WelcomePageShowDay.htm. Interested participants can visit any time to explore booth content and see On Demand Education Sessions, and can invite colleagues to join at their convenience. Registration for the event is free – any invited participant with a computer and an Internet connection can attend.

For more information on Nielsen Business Media’s web seminars, symposiums and virtual trade show opportunities, please contact Eric Biener at eric.biener@nielsen.com.


About Progressive Grocer
Progressive Grocer has been the voice of the food retail industry for over 80 years. Serving the largest audience in the market, Progressive Grocer's readers are top management at headquarters and top decision makers at store level. From chain supermarkets, to independent supermarkets, super centers, wholesalers and food brokers, readers rely on Progressive Grocer for its authoritative, comprehensive, relevant and research-based editorial and news. By anticipating, reporting and interpreting important data and trends, Progressive Grocer fulfills its mission: accelerating insight and opportunity for leading grocery retailers and accelerating brand and sales success for leading manufacturers.

About Nielsen Business Media
Nielsen Business Media, a division of The Nielsen Company, is a leading market-focused provider of integrated information and sales and marketing solutions, helping businesses go to market more effectively and efficiently.

Serving seven major market groups, and 30 industries, spanning the entertainment, media and marketing, retail, travel and performance, design, and life sciences industries, Nielsen Business Media provides business-to-business products and services in print, online and in person.

With 42 publications, over 135 trade shows and conferences, and 185 digital products and services, Nielsen Business Media offers insight, analysis and face-to-face contacts to help professionals better understand their markets, serve their customers and grow their businesses.

About InXpo
InXpo is the leader in production and management of online communities and events, including trade shows, selling events, educational seminars, networking conferences and conventions. InXpo is headquartered in Bannockburn, Ill., and has been producing online trade shows for more than six years. InXpo’s online events improve the way organizations use events to do business by making it more affordable and convenient to participate. InXpo’s online solution includes all the technology and services that are required to deliver a successful online event. To learn more about InXpo, please visit www.inxpo.com.