FMI’s Midwinter Executive Conference always offers a whirlwind of ideas, experiences, exchanges, and activities, and the 2018 version was no exception. At Midwinter, so much happens so fast, I find it challenging to take in the significance of what I just heard or saw before I am – of necessity -- scurrying off to the next adventure. As I look back on the time in Miami, here are just a few of my Midwinter meaningful moments.

We know families appreciate the benefits of eating together—71 percent of parents say that ideally, they would like to eat dinner with their children every single night. Unfortunately, families succeed only half the time. Why do families fail at having meals together, even though they want to?

Most food traceability systems are centralized or distributed. Blockchain allows for a decentralized system. It ensures appropriate visibility for each secure, authenticated and verifiable transaction. By getting everyone on the same page and using the same system, food retailers and suppliers alike will be able to provide a full snapshot of traceability in seconds, rather than days.

If there were two professions pulled together by unlikely fate, it’s auditors and hackers. This oft-unmentioned relationship always begins unknowingly, but the thrill of the challenge leads two polar opposite roles down a tumultuous path. A love that could only be described by three C’s: charm, confidence, and code skills.