Former Google executive to serve as keynote speaker at PLMA trade show

NEW YORK — The Private Label Manufacturers Association announced that Douglas Merrill will serve as the keynote speaker for the organization's 2011 Private Label Trade Show in November.

Merrill, who served as EVP engineering and chief information officer for Google from 2003 to 2008, will offer attendees perspective on how shoppers and shopping behaviors are changing, and what the coming retail marketplace will look like. The keynote speech will be presented at the annual PLMA Salute to Excellence Breakfast on Nov. 14.

In related news, Harry Balzer, NPD's chief industry analyst, will be the featured speaker at a special PLMALive Breakfast to be held on Nov. 15, where he will discuss new and emerging trends for the U.S. food retailing industry. A webcast of the breakfast program and presentation also will be made available for viewing over PLMALive, PLMA said.

The PLMA's 2011 Private Label Trade Show will be held from Nov. 13 to 15 in Chicago at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare. For show information, click here.