This year’s master of ceremonies, ex-Navy SEAL Rorke T. Denver kicked off Thursday’s activities by introducing keynote speaker Ray Kelly, former Commissioner of the New City police department. Kelly, the longest serving Commissioner of the NYPD discussed how communities can overcome our challenges and show the resilience to emerge when we unite and seek opportunities to help one another. By sharing some of his own personal experiences—including the response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks—he emphasized how the strongest communities focus on personal connections and knowledge sharing as the most important ways to understand our rapidly changing landscape; and how that perspective can be used as part of our leadership strategies.
The day was once again split between the expo hall where solutions providers demonstrated the latest technology and service innovations, and breakout sessions throughout the afternoon. The Expo hall showed steady traffic throughout the day, with practitioners meeting with solutions providers and spending additional attention with our law enforcement partners at the NRF Fusion Center networking with representatives of over twenty local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to discuss organized retail crime tactics, exchange viewpoints, and enhance their working relationships.
Morning sessions further offered an opportunity to focus on cybersecurity and data loss prevention issues, to include presentations and consulting opportunities with top industry cybersecurity experts. The day also featured the Women in LP Luncheon, which was met with a full room and a full agenda that included roundtable discussions covering professional development, career enhancement, mentoring and networking opportunities, and much more.
Following another productive round of afternoon breakout sessions and other productive panels and case study presentations, the week’s activities ended on a high note with the event’s finale and awards reception, which provided an opportunity to recognize the partnerships, accomplishments, and charitable spirit of the loss prevention community. Featuring an opportunity to meet with sports legends Mia Hamm, Elgin Baylor and Frank Robinson, the event underscored the tremendous drive and commitment of the hard working people that make up our industry and the partners that help make us successful. It was a fitting end to a busy and productive week, and one that sets the bar high for next year’s event in Philadelphia.