GRAND RAPIDS, MI - SpartanNash is investing in a critical area of its business, hosting its first-ever IT Training Palooza last week. Bringing together over 300 associates from across the country, the three-day event dove into current technology trends and the innovations currently reshaping the grocery industry.

“Being People First includes providing our Associates with development opportunities that allow them to gain hands-on experience with new-to-world technology that sharpens their skills around customer-centric innovation,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Information Officer Masiar Tayebi. “This event not only shows our investment in our Associates, but in driving the future of grocery to create a better customer experience.”

According to a press release, the IT Training Palooza featured over 50 sessions covering topics from integrating artificial intelligence into daily coding and applying an agile delivery model to innovation, to best practices in change management and leadership, and the social and ethical impacts of AI. Participants also included top tech companies like Microsoft and Snowflake, which offered valuable insights to support Associate learning.

The event is part of the food solutions company’s continued investment in technology to elevate the customer, shopper, and Associate experience, demonstrating the retailer’s commitment to leveraging technology to drive innovation across the sector.

During the event, SpartanNash Associates logged more than 5,000 hours in an intensive and fun festival environment, making this the largest IT training event in SpartanNash history. 

As the press release added, the kickoff event included a check presentation to local organization Bravo LT, which is partnering with SpartanNash to develop the next generation of IT leaders within the West Michigan community.

How will SpartanNash continue to harness tech to advance its operations? ANUK will surely report.