Join us this September for three super-charged days featuring cutting-edge presenters, candid share group discussions, and other top-notch educational programming designed to propel your business forward.
Our focused educational program offers a variety of learning formats from energizing keynote presentations to expert-led discussion groups. Daily sessions that feature thought-leading, veterans and unexpected voices, will help you discover how to take advantage of emerging opportunities in technology, new product trends, and the latest approaches to retailing and marketing.
This year’s conference speaker line-up is still taking shape. Continue to check back with us for regular updates.
Bruce Kirkby
Acclaimed Explorer, Writer and Photographer
Bruce Kirkby lives life on the edge. An acclaimed explorer, travel writer and television host (with a degree in engineering physics), Kirkby’s travels have taken him from the world’s highest mountains to the wildest rivers and driest deserts. He draws on these experiences to provide real-world, practical lessons on resilience, risk management and change leadership, helping individuals and organizations confront fears, embrace change and find lasting success.
Bonin Bough
Marketing Guru, Investor & Author
Bonin Bough is one of the foremost-awarded marketing executives in the world, the host of CNBC’s Cleveland Hustles, and the author of Txt Me (646) 759-1837.
Jay Van Bavel
Associate Professor of Psychology and Neural Science, Stern School of Business in Management and Organizations, New York University
An Associate Professor of Psychology and Neural Science at New York University, with an affiliation at the Stern School of Business, Jay Van Bavel examines the psychology of topics such as implicit bias, group identity, team performance, decision-making, and public health. In his new book The Power of Us (co-written with Dominic J. Packer), he dives deeper into the science of identity. This page-turning exploration reveals how our sense of self—our feelings, beliefs, and behaviors—is derived from our social groups, challenging society’s dominant assumptions about power and influence. Understanding these topics and dynamics will give you the necessary tools to build smarter, more collaborative groups and teams.
Dr. Christopher Thornberg
Founder, Beacon Economics
The Morning Kickoff Tuesday, September 28, 2021 | 8:00am Christopher Thornberg founded Beacon Economics LLC in 2006. Under his leadership the firm has become one of the most respected research organizations in California serving public and private sector clients across the United States. In 2015, Dr. Thornberg also became Director of the UC Riverside School […]
USC Masters in Food Industry Leadership Cohort
Food insecurity caused by food deserts is a wicked problem that exists in every area of this country. There are a variety of reasons food deserts are created driven by internal and external sources, but the result is the same, potential consumers are left without adequate access to healthy food. Food companies give very generously to help to fight food insecurity, but the problem continues to grow.
Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN
President and CEO, Produce for Better Health Foundation
Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN, is the President and CEO of the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH). At PBH, she guides the Foundation’s efforts with hundreds of public and private partners to advance the overall effort of increasing fruit and vegetable consumption for happier, healthier lives. Under her leadership and through a two-year transformation, the organization launched the Have A Plant® Movement in 2019.
Eric Dunphy & Ben Wynkoop
Whiteboard Sessions Monday, September 27, 2021 | 7:00 am Eric Dunphy, Customer Success Director INMAR Intelligence Eric Dunphy has 20 years of marketing leadership experience and currently serves as Customer Success Director for Inmar Intelligence. For the last decade, Eric has worked with retailers and CPGs on transformational digital promotion strategies that drive shopper engagement. […]
Tracey Priest & Bruce Montgomery
Whiteboard Sessions Monday, September 27, 2021 | 7:00 am Tracey Priest Founder & President of Strategic Marketing Partners Tracey is a 30- year veteran of the consumer package goods industry rich with experience in both sales and marketing. In his early career, Tracey held several sales positions at blue chip companies such as Quaker Oats […]
Matt Hilbrink
Director, Asset Protection, Raley's
Matt Hilbrink began his retail career as a part time clerk/cashier with Longs Drug Stores in 1985. Over the course of the past 35 years, he progressed through various leadership positions spanning Retail Pharmacy Operations, Asset Protection, and Risk Management. He has worked for companies both in and outside of retail, including Longs Drugs Stores, CVS Health, E*TRADE Financial, and Raley’s. In his current role Matt supports the Enterprise Risk Functions within Raley’s: Risk Management (GL/WC), Business Continuity, Environmental Health and Safety, Food Safety-Quality Assurance (Retail/Manufacturing), Asset Protection, and Physical Security. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Davis and Master of Science from Sacramento State University.
Louie A. Brown, Jr.
Partner, Kahn, Soares & Conway, LLP
Louie A. Brown Jr. is a partner in the firm of Kahn, Soares & Conway, LLP. He manages the firm’s Government Relations Group representing clients before the California State Legislature and various state administrative agencies.
Tim James
Director of Local Government Relations, California Grocers Association
Tim James currently serves as CGA’s Director of Local Government Relations. In this role he oversees policy and political engagement across California’s 482 cities and 58 counties. Prior to joining CGA Tim worked as a business advocate for state and regional business associations and as staff for elected officials, including serving as Chief of Staff to a Sacramento County Supervisor. Tim studied political science at CSU Sacramento, is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigations Citizens Academy, and has lead the California League of Cities Partners Program.
Lynn Melillo, ARM
VP Asset Management, Bristol Farms and Lazy Acres Natural Markets
Enterprise Risk Protection Executive Summit Tuesday, September 28, 2021 | 9:00am Lynn has worked in Supermarket Retail Operations for over 30 years. She began her grocery career working for family owned independent market “Louis Foods” in Pasadena CA. She is the Vice President of Asset Management for Bristol Farms/Lazy Acres Natural Markets where she oversees […]
Victoria Nguyen & Ray Adams
Staff Attorney, ALTO USA / Chief Operating Officer, ALTO USA
Enterprise Risk Protection Executive Summit Tuesday, September 28, 2021 | 10:00am Victoria Nguyen Staff Attorney, ALTO USA Victoria Nguyen is a staff attorney at ALTO USA. Her region primarily focuses on the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. Victoria handles ALTO US’s Rite Aid, Walgreens, and Northgate Markets accounts. Her work includes acting as a victims’ rights […]