DAY 1 - MONDAY, MAY 31

7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Lobby

Conference Registration

7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Exhibit Hall

Continental Breakfast  – Exhibit Hall Open

Sponsored by:

8:30 a.m. – 8:40 a.m.
Main Session Hall

Opening Ceremonies

8:40 a.m. – 9:25 a.m.
Main Session Hall

Super Session # 1

Shifting Consumer Behaviour and What it Means to Retail
John Wright, Senior Vice-President and Managing Director, Ipsos Reid

The changes that we currently see in our economy, society and environment are significant and will create new challenges and opportunities for the retail sector. In this conference kickoff, John Wright, Senior Vice-President of Ipsos-Reid, sifts through current consumer research to illuminate the shape of consumer behaviours. Delegates will:

• Learn how behavioural shifts between generations affect how consumers purchase and how retailers deliver products, present brands, and think about price, choice, and customer service.
• Discuss how ethnicity, age, and gender influence how Canadians shop.
• Discover who has money to spend, who is spending money, and who motivates, influences, and directs the way consumers spend their money.
  
  

9:25 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.
Main Session Hall

Super Session #2

2015: Next Generation Retailing
Daniel O’Connor, President & CEO, RetailNet Group

In a recent global retailing forecast, RetailNet Group examines the current economic state of the retail industry.  From a broad perspective of the market as a whole, Daniel O'Connor will provide insight on societal drivers and where opportunities lie for growth, the impact technology has had on retail, and important influencers that will shape the market.

Sponsored by:  

10:20 a.m. — 10:50 a.m.
Exhibit Hall

Refreshment Break — Exhibit Hall Open

10:50 a.m. — 11:40 a.m.
Breakout Sessions

Concurrent Session #1
Room A

State of Retail: The Canadian Report 2010
Terrance Oakey, Vice-President, Federal Government Relations, Retail Council of Canada (moderator)
Philippe Richer, Deputy Director -Service Industries and Consumer Product Branch, Industry Canada
Thomas Bedford, Lead Research Analyst - Retail & CRM, Industry Canada
Elizabeth Evans, Executive Director, Ryerson University

Industry Canada partnered with Retail Council of Canada to produce the first State of Retail the Canadian Report 2010. The report demonstrates the importance of the retail sector to the Canadian economy, communicates to policy makers just how much retailers contribute to business innovation and sustainability initiatives, and  opportunities that will spur productivity and growth among retailers and the retail supply industry. A panel of retailers and policy experts discuss the report's findings.

• Hear about the latest performance indicators and trends in the retail sector related to domestic and international competitiveness.
• Learn best practices that characterize the best of retail innovation.
• Panel discussion on policy opportunities

10:50 a.m. — 11:40 a.m.

Concurrent Session #2
Room B

Top Five Tips to Engaging Multigenerational Retail Employees
Adwoa K. Buahene, Co-Founder/Managing Partner, n-gen People Performance Inc.
Giselle Kovary, M.A., Co-Founder/Managing Partner, n-gen People Performance Inc.

The complexity of a multigenerational workforce is a fundamental reality in the retail sector, where it is common to have Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Gen Xers and Gen Ys working together and managing each other. Being able to engage all four generations is an art and a science, as we know that high levels of employee engagement results in productive, high performance teams and organizations. Engaged employees will lead to engaged customers who spend money and give you repeat business.  This presentation discusses five tips to engaging a multigenerational workforce in the retail sector. Come learn how to respond to the needs, values and expectations of your multigenerational workforce in order to drive performance and productivity. At the end of this session, you will be able to:

• Discuss the link between engaged employees and engaged customers.
• Describe key expectations of Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Gen Xers and Gen Ys of working in retail.
• Apply five tips to creating greater engagement by responding to generational values and motivations.

Sponsored by:

Concurrent Session #3
Room C

Building Strong Customer Loyalty
Joe Jackman, CEO & Principal Consultant, Joe Jackman Brand Inc. (moderator)
Kimberly Clark, Vice President, Marketing, The Second Cup Ltd.
Jerry J. Rynda, General Manager, Sporting Life
Craig Southwick, President, Clear Cell Canada
Maurizio Vial, Assistant General Manager, Brooks Brothers Canada

A successful vision and strategy in retail is important, but not enough.  Retailers that focus on a consistent shopping experience across the retail organization build a stronger customer loyalty base.  A retailer's successful execution of in-store operations is more important to creating customer loyalty than providing discounts and promotions. In this session, delegates discover new ways to:

• Clarify and implement the strategies to realize growth objectives.
• Execute in-store operations and initiatives as a way to garner loyalty.
• Improve processes that result in increased sales and reduced operating expenses.

11:45 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
Main Session Hall

Super Session #3

Google’s Big Bets in a new Retail Landscape
Chris O’Neill, Director, Retail, Google Canada

The digital world is on the verge of an explosive phase of growth and transformation like never seen before.  As more data, applications, media, consumers and businesses come online, retailers need to think differently.  Google’s Director of Retail, Chris O’Neill will help to answer:

• Where is this growth and transformation occurring?
• What “Big Bets” is Google making?
• How are innovative retailers keeping pace?

Sponsored by:

12:00 p.m. — 1:45 p.m.
Room A

RCC's Annual General Meeting (Board & Invited Guests)

12:30 p.m. — 1:45 p.m.
Exhibit Hall

Networking Lunch — Exhibit Hall Open

1:45 p.m. – 2:35 p.m.
Breakout Sessions

Concurrent Session #4
Room B

Destination + Impulse:  How to influence and guide shopper behavior
Patrick Rodmell, President & CEO, Watt International

As competition grows and markets shrink, retailers face enormous pressure to turn brands into destinations.” Success depends on turning consumers into shoppers, and maximizing research and marketing spend through integration. As part of his “Destination + Impulse” series, Patrick Rodmell, President and CEO of Watt International, takes you through proven examples of retailers who are getting it right and a comprehensive look at:

• The role consumer and shopper insights play in driving destination and impulse  behaviour
• The growth opportunities available to retailers looking to tap into new markets
• How integration will be a key to your success
  

1:45 p.m. – 2:35 p.m.

Concurrent Session #5
Room C

The Mobile Phenomenon: How to Get Mobile to Work for Retail
Lloyd A. Perlmutter, President, Veritas Investments Inc. (moderator)
Jonathan Dunn, Manager, Mobile Marketing Solutions, Digital Cement
Brady Murphy, Managing Partner, Vortex Mobile
Darrell MacMullin, General Manager, PayPal Canada

Retail’s newest sales channel, mobile, promises to change the dynamics of shopping.  Mobile devices enhance anytime, anywhere shopping, bringing consumer control to a whole new level. This session, geared towards helping retailers develop a mobile marketing strategy, answers top-of-mind questions about this new medium.  Learn what customers want when it comes to mobile applications, shopping and communications, and how retailers can integrate this form of messaging into a store-wide plan to garner more sales.

Sponsored by:

2:40 p.m. — 3:25 p.m.
Main Session Hall

Super Session # 4

Branding, Innovation, and Engagement at Mark’s Work Wearhouse
Paul Wilson, President, Mark’s Work Wearhouse Ltd.

Mark’s Work Wearhouse expanded its customer base by developing new products and innovating the retail strategy—by creating “Clothes That Work,” expanding industrial wear to include men’s and women’s casual wear, and by growing into new retail channels like vending solutions. In a speech that reminds us why we should be proud to work in retail, Paul Wilson, President of Mark’s Work Warehouse, answers these important questions:

• How does brand consistency and brand innovation attract customers, earn customer loyalty, and spur retailers to think more creatively?
• How can “super branding” compliment growth strategies, leveraging things such as pop-up stores, and cross-channel promotion to make retailers a visible part of the customer’s life?
• How can retailers empower and engage employees by drawing them into the development of the brand and store experience?

3:25 p.m. —3:50 p.m.
Exhibit Hall

Refreshment Break — Exhibit Hall Open

3:55 p.m. — 4:40 p.m.
Main Session Hall

Super Session # 5

Social Commerce and Emerging Trends
Mitch Joel, President, Twist Image, and author of Six Pixels of Separation - A business bestseller

How consumers buy continues to evolve. While most retailers still struggle to understand how traditional media, digital marketing, e-commerce and social media will work together in tandem for best results, there are many and surprising digital opportunities unfolding around shopping and buying.  Consumers have never been so powerful, and they’ve never been so connected.

Mitch Joel unravels the fascinating world of new media, social media and social commerce. Learn how these new online touch points are creating conversations where the results are staggering and loyalty continues to be off the charts. From haul videos and Groupon to buying in the palm of your hand, Mitch will lead a very lively journey through the new shopper.

4:40 p.m. — 5:25 p.m.
Main Session Hall

Super Session # 6

John Furlong - The Vision That Changed a Nation
John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer, Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

A leader has to have a vision and has to grow the vision into action. A true leader is courageous and intuitive and understands how to motivate people. As CEO, John Furlong led the organization and delivery of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Helping to forge a stronger Canada was one of Furlong’s most resolute goals and he envisioned the Winter Games as a national triumph.  As a leader, Furlong knew how to spread his vision and his message and how to inspire people to understand the plan and to look beyond the present. An unwavering believer in teamwork and of infusing leadership into the culture of an organization, Furlong shares his experience leading the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games. Delegates:

• Hear how leadership within an organization inspires people to understand the plan and to look beyond the present.
• Learn how vision, value, and integrity build partnerships and motivate people to do their part and reach a positive achievement.
• Feel the enthusiasm for progressive organizational leadership that made the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games such a success.

Sponsored by: 

5:25 p.m. — 5:30 p.m.
Main Session Hall

Closing Remarks

5:30 p.m. — 6:30 p.m.
Exhibit Hall

Excellence in Retailing Awards Reception – Exhibit Hall Open

6:30 p.m. — 9:30 p.m.
Main Session Hall

Excellence in Retailing Awards Dinner

Sponsored by:

DAY 2 - TUESDAY, JUNE 1

Conference Registration

7:00 a.m. — 8:00 a.m.
Exhibit Hall

Registration – Exhibit Hall Open

7:00 a.m. — 8:15 a.m.
Room A

Scholarship Breakfast

8:00 a.m. – 9:05 a.m.
Main Session Hall

Retail as a Career Breakfast
David Russell, President, Sporting Life
Diane J. Brisebois, President & Chief Executive Officer, Retail Council of Canada

Sponsored by:

9:05 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.
Main Session Hall

Super Session #7

Leading Change with Innovation and Forward Thinking
Allan L. Leighton, President and Deputy Chairman, Loblaw Companies Ltd.

Loblaw Companies Ltd. is a leading distributor of food and general merchandise products, focusing their business philosophy on innovation and growth.   Hear what it takes to be a leader of change and how Allan Leighton drives one of Canada's top companies forward.

Sponsored by:

9:50 a.m. — 10:35 a.m.
Main Session Hall

Super Session #8

E-Commerce: Prioritizing for Profitability Panel
Lauren Freedman, President, the e-tailing group inc. (moderator)
Erik Penno, Director, E-commerce and New Business Development, The Shopping Channel

Retailers have moved beyond website redesigns, simple upgrades, and the basics of ecommerce selling into the next phase of ecommerce development: personalizing the store for individual customers and segmenting consumers into groups with distinct wants, needs, and tastes. In this session, Lauren Freedman, President of the e-tailing group, shares findings from the 9th Annual Merchant Survey that describe what retailers intend to do with ecommerce to drive profitability and performance in 2010. Delegates learn how three merchants evolved their ecommerce efforts and prioritized for bottom-line performance. Panelists answer pressing questions, including:

• How do retailers rank 50 merchandising tactics (from keyword searches to social media) relative to the ability for these tactics to deliver a return on investment?
• What can retailers learn from best-in-class ecommerce retailers who, during times of resource challenges, place margin and profitability ahead of other concerns?
• How should retailers manage investments into mobile technology

10:35 a.m. — 11:10 a.m.
Exhibit Hall

Refreshment Break — Exhibit Hall Open

11:00 a.m. — 12:25 p.m.
Room A

Technology Roundtable Luncheon
John Lee, President & Principal, JDL Associates (moderator)
Gino Gualtieri, Chief Information Officer, Sears Canada Ltd.
Sumit Oberai, Chief Information Officer, Indigo Books and Music
Jeff Williams, Vice-President, Information Systems, Staples Canada Inc.
Paul M. Bellack, Partner and National Practice Leader, Technology Strategy. IBM Canada Ltd.
Colin Haig, Solution Principal, SAP Retail North America
Vic Miles, Retail Technology Strategist, Microsoft Worldwide

(limited seating, pre-registration required)

The role of a company CIO comes with a variety of challenges, from the technical aspects of ensuring a company’s infrastructure and applications are operating at optimum capacity, to creating a culture that allows employees to thrive and succeed while contributing to the company’s bottom-line results. With so many emerging technologies and trends available for use in the retail industry, it is important for CIOs to keep a forward-looking perspective.  Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from retail CIOs as they share experiences, identify solutions, and address the latest IT developments impacting the retail sector.

Sponsored by:

11:10 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.
Breakout Sessions

Concurrent Session #6
Room B

Online shopping is convenient, yet still pales in comparison to the social experience of the traditional, in-store shopping experience. With the invention of social media, retailers gained a valuable tool for managing customer relationships online, but few understand how to use social media to drive meaningful sales.  Roots Canada Ltd is learning the power of social media. With access to shoppers via social media, Roots is making strides to drive more customers to its site, as well as its brick-and-motor stores.  This session will help delegates learn how to:

• Recognize the power of adapting and adopting social media.
• Build online destinations through social media capabilities to recruit new customers and expand market reach.
• Engage online communities to build customer loyalty and drive sales.

11:10 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.

Concurrent Session #7
Room C

Serving a Diverse Canada – Ethnic Retailing
Sebastian Distefano, Partner, KPMG LLP (moderator)
Pam Jolliffe, President and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada
Michael McMullen, Executive Vice President, Northern Canada Retail Division, The North West Company
Dale Sturges, National Director, Aboriginal & Multicultural Business Markets, Royal Bank of Canada

The trend of segmenting regional and ethnic product selections is becoming more and more popular. And what retailers have discovered is that ethnic retailing doesn’t have to be a niche concept that excludes other shopper groups—ethnic retailing can be an inclusive concept that grows sales among all demographics. In a session intended to develop the possibilities of ethnic retailing, speakers and delegates:

• Examine the ethnic makeup of Canada now and in the near future
• Identify best practices for reaching the broad market through ethnic niches
• Discuss how retailers currently think about ethnic retailing and how retailers should think about ethnic retailing.

12:00 p.m. — 12:20 p.m.
Exhibit Hall

Refreshment Break — Exhibit Hall Open

12:20 p.m. — 1:20 p.m.
Main Session Hall

Optimizing Your Growth Strategy - Leadership Panel
Amanda Lang, Senior Business Correspondent, CBC News (moderator)
Anna Martini, President, Groupe Dynamite Inc.
Steve Matyas, President, Staples Canada Inc.
Bob Sartor, Chief Executive Officer, The Forzani Group Ltd.
Louise Wendling, Senior Vice-President & Country Manager, Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd.

Optimizing today's growth opportunities requires a more thought out approach than it typically used to.  Gone are the days where rolling out more stores translates directly into increased profitability.  Today, retailers need to rethink their growth strategy and focus on creating ways of building consumer value proposition, and of optimizing, expanding, and defining the business. In this session, leading organizations will share growth opportunities to help delegates:

• Develop a meaningful and profitable growth program that plays to the retailer’s strengths.
• Explore unmet consumer and market needs that competitors currently ignore.
• Identify internal or business model barriers that inhibit growth.

1:20 p.m. — 1:30 p.m.
Main Session Hall

Closing Remarks