Frequently Asked Questions: Updated 8/31/21

Why is Progressive Grocer shifting to virtual events?  With the trajectory of the pandemic unclear and given the concerns shared with us by some registrants, we at Progressive Grocer have followed the requests of many of our attendees to pivot our 2021 Top Women In Grocery awards program along with our Retail Food Service Innovation, GenNext and Impact Awards to a virtual event. In 2020, our team created an exciting Top Women In Grocery virtual awards program and we are again ready to deliver another virtual celebration for our great winners. Watch this video for details.
What will the virtual version consist of?  In 2020, our team created an exciting Top Women In Grocery virtual awards program and we are again ready to deliver another virtual celebration for our great winners. We plan to use a digital platform partner that allows us to meet in a virtual atmosphere where we can see and speak to eachother much like at a live event. You will be able to view speakers and network with fellow attendees in real time in a unique and engaging atmosphere. As we get closer to the event date we will send login information and best practices for engaging in the virtual platform.

Will my ticket be automatically transferred to a virtual ticket, or will I receive a full refund?  All TWIG honorees that have already registered will have their registration transfered to a virtual registration. All TWIG Dinner Guests will receive a full refund. If you have registered for Retail Food Service Innovation, GenNext, TWIG's Leadership Development Program, the Mentoring Breakfast, your registration will be rolled over to our virtual event. We will be in communication about next steps for these events as some dates are adjusting.

Do I have to do anything to receive transfer to virtual/receive my refund?  You do not! Your registration will be automatically rolled over to our virtual event. Any refunds will be processed by September 17, 2021 and the refund released back to your original form of payment.
Note: All TWIG Guests will be refunded the cost of their dinner ticket.

I was looking forward to my gift bag. Will I still receive one?  Yes! Our TWIG Gift Bag will be shipped directly to each winner. Be on the lookout for an email requesting your home (or preferred) address to receive your gift bag.

Are the dates for TWIG staying the same?  Yes, the dates for TWIG will remain the same as they were anticipated to be for a live event, however if your registration included Retail Food Service Innovation, GenNext, TWIG's Leadership Development Program, and/or the Mentoring Breakfast some dates and times are shifting - you will receive an email in the coming weeks as we update those programs.

When will I receive my Top Women in Grocery Award?  Your award will be shipped to you at the beginning of November. We will be sending a form to fill out to ensure we have you home address before October 8, 2021.
Do I need to purchase my Top Women in Grocery Award?  No, we are pleased to provide each winner with a complimentary keepsake award from Progressive Grocer. If you are contacted by a third-party vendor to purchase an award, immediately decline. External vendors are not affiliated with Top Women in Grocery, and are not authorized to solicit honorees to purchase awards.
As a winner, do I need to purchase a ticket to the gala? What about my guest(s)?  All Top Women in Grocery honorees receive a complimentary ticket to the evening gala celebration (which you must claim on our website by registering). Top Women in Grocery honorees will be provided with a promo code on the formal event invitation to use during registration. Because we will be 100% virtual, we encourage you to invite your partners/family/friends to join you onscreen from your prefered location. You will need to add the Leadership Development Program to your ticket to attend the educational sessions virtually for an additional fee.
I'm a sponsor, who do I contact to discuss this shift in my sponsorship?  Please reach out to your PG sales rep to discuss the details of your sponsorship. Many sponsors we have spoken to have echoed our disappointment about being unable to meet in person, but have applauded the decision to keep our attendees and their families safe. We hope that you will see this virtual environment as an opportunity to find new and unique ways to celebrate the 2021 class of winners!
What should I wear for the evening gala reception, dinner and after-party?  As we are 100% virtual you can dress comfortably, but we encourage you to dress to impress since you will be onscreen and able to network with other honorees virtually.
Who should I contact if I did not receive my invitation or I have lost the winner promotion code?  Please contact our event team at [email protected].
What is the deadline to RSVP? 5:00 PM (Central) on November 2, 2021.
Who should I contact if my title, company or address has changed?  Please send changes via email to Progressive Grocer Managing Editor Bridget Goldschmidt at [email protected].
Can I still nominate someone for a Top Women in Grocery award? Nominations are closed for 2021.  Award nominations for 2022 will open in early January 2022.
If you have any additional questions, please contact our event team at [email protected].