The 2022 NRF Protect came to an official close Thursday afternoon after a final day was filled with informational sessions, keynote speakers, and a bustling Exposition Hall. The morning rang in with the presentation of the 2022 Ring of Excellence awards, awarded to those in the loss prevention industry who have been nominated by their colleagues based on their vigorous and innovative contributions to the industry. This year’s recipients are Alisa Dart, group vice president of asset protection for Albertsons Companies, and Van Carney, senior security and loss prevention consultant for Keiser Communications and Security LLC.
Following the award presentation, Top Gun pilot and CEO of Rubicon, Art delaCruz gave a keynote speech focused on strong leadership qualities, how to be a proficient leader in unprecedented times, and how he applies lessons he learned in the cockpit to the business world. Leaders have a mindset of success, they know what they can and can’t control, and they’re willing to be vulnerable, he said.
“Leadership is about being prepared. Leadership is about acting in the moment. Leadership is about taking that moment, and teaching people how to be better,” delaCruz said.
As the day continued, breakout sessions were hosted by professionals that focused on organized retail crime, cybersecurity, change in the industry, and more.
Anthony Gabino, director of asset protection with Kendra Scott, and Vic Jacinto, U.S. safety and security manager of IKEA intrigued the audience with ways to navigate success in a team throughout a post-pandemic world. Gabino and Jacinto suggested three things to focus on: talent, identifying new threats and how to manage them, and buying in to the industry. By being fully involved with your team members, innovative ideas, rapidly changing protocols and speaking the same language as your stakeholders — you have increased opportunities of staying with the changing times.
Brian Cairl, senior managing director, and Adina Holzman, associate managing director of K2 Integrity led discussions focusing on recent analyses of organized retail crime. Their presentation focused on both “the boost” and “the fence.” While “the boost” includes the boosters who steal from physical retail stores, “the fence” includes offenders who steal from the online market. K2 Integrity has been able to partner with other organizations in the recent past to continue the analyzation of past, present, and future trends in ORC.
“It is a fixable problem, — but everyone has to work together with law enforcement and each other, to fix the problem,” Cairl said.
Following the sessions, the Exposition Hall opened back up for attendees to continue exploring the 200 exhibitor booths present and networking with colleagues. In addition to the Exposition Hall, the NRF Fusion Center welcomed retailers, law enforcement agencies, mall security, and organized retail crime associations to share ideas and expand mindsets on issues within the industry.
The success of NRF Protect 2022 would not have been possible without the enthusiastic presenters, engaged audience, and generous sponsors. The 2023 NRF Protect will be held in Texas, with more information and details to come.
Click on the following links to see recaps from Day One and Day Two from NRF Protect.