<p>By: Rebecca Daniels, Director, Education, FMI<br /></p><p><img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/feia-2024-conference.tmb-large-350-.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=fa6981db_1" style="float:right;margin:10px;" class="-align-right" alt="FEIA 2024 conference" sf-size="679568" />In 1999, Richard Sigmon attended his first <a href="https://www.fmi.org/financial-executive-and-internal-audit-conference">Financial Executive and Internal Auditing</a> (FEIA) conference. He didn’t know it at the time, but it would kick off a 25-year tradition of professional growth, deep friendships and navigating the complexities of the grocery business with people who truly understand the challenges.<br /></p><p>“I’ve only missed two,” Sigmon shared. “Right after 9/11 and during the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s it.”<br /></p><p>That’s because, for Sigmon, corporate internal audit director at Alex Lee, Inc., the FEIA conference was more than just a gathering. It was the one place where finance and internal audit professionals in the food industry could get tailored insights—and swap stories with peers who’ve walked in the same shoes.<br /></p><p>“This conference is different. You can go to others, but they don’t really talk about the grocery industry. This one does,” he said. “The networking is incredible. I’ve made great friends. We help each other solve problems.”<br /></p><p>As Sigmon prepares for this upcoming FEIA conference, he’s looking forward to energizing open forums, where current issues like AI, cybersecurity, inventory shrink and supply chain volatility are discussed in real-time, with brutal honesty and helpful solutions.<br /></p><p>Michael Lockard, treasurer, SVP and chief financial officer at Weis Markets, says for him, FEIA offers content the C-suite of FMI member companies especially care about—real-world practical applications for financial executive and internal audit professionals centered on the food industry. Lockard values the in-person opportunities FEIA provides, saying, “Sometimes, remote conferences and webinars just don’t cut it. You lose those invaluable hallway conversations and organic information sharing opportunities to go deeper on a relevant topic and build your peer network,” he emphasized. “That’s where the magic happens.” <br /></p><p>This year’s FEIA conference promises top-tier education, great speakers and the opportunity to explore Seattle, Washington. But more than anything, it’s a chance to build relationships that last—and gain insights that matter for your day-to-day. Whether you’re new to the industry or a veteran like Sigmon, this conference is your space. Come for the CPE credits. Stay for the community.<br /></p><p><a href="https://www.fmi.org/financial-executive-and-internal-audit-conference/registration" class="button">Register Today</a></p>
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