Loss prevention professionals, solution providers, and law enforcement came to the Retail Industry Leaders Association’s (RILA) 2025 AP Conference in Washington, D.C. last week, April 27-30, to connect and learn about the biggest issues in the industry.
A must-attend every year, RILA’s AP Conference is an opportunity for retailers to come together and explore, share, and learn—ultimately advancing the LP profession and collaboration with key stakeholders, such as DAs and law enforcement.
The programming began on Sunday, with workshops and meetings for different Boards throughout the day, before all attendees were invited to a welcome reception at the Cherry Blossom Ballroom of the Gaylord Hotel where the conference was held.
Day 2
The first full day of the conference started early with a networking breakfast, followed by RILA’s Khris Hamlin taking the main stage to welcome attendees and provide a quick update about what RILA has been up to. The main stage general sessions then started, first with a conversation about retail leadership in asset protection featuring Tractor Supply Company VP of LP Eddie Foley, Five Below VP of AP Gregg Smith, and Best Buy Senior Director of Asset Protection, Operations, and Safety Jennifer White.
Next, RILA President and CEO Brian Dodge led a conversation with US Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for the Office of Partnership and Engagement Scott G. Erickson. Erickson shared insights on how the collaboration between retailers and law enforcement agencies align with broader mandates to address global and transnational crime. He also touched on some of the innovative strategies being employed to enhance safety and security in the retail sector.
After a brief business break, attendees were then invited to choose from a variety of breakout sessions, covering topics such as e-commerce fraud, AI, the supply chain, customer privacy, safety, and virtual guarding.
After noon, lunch was served and the expo experience officially opened. Here, retailers were able to mix and mingle with solution provider partners, who had their newest technologies on display.
Once the expo experience closed, general sessions continued on the main stage. Khris Hamlin led one session on total retail loss featuring Walmart Senior Director, End2End, Asset Protection, Store Operations, Ashley Klorer, and Walmart Director of Supply Chain and Asset Protection Vicki Smith.
Closing out the general sessions for the day, Resilient Partners CEO and Founder Joshua Baca, Target Senior Director of Cyber Fraud and Abuse Erin Becker, The Home Depot Senior Manager of Gift Card Operations Traci Munson, and Blackhawk Network Senior VP of Global Operations and Transformation Cara Renfroe discussed one of the hottest topics in the industry right now: gift card fraud. Together, they reviewed the latest trends in gift card fraud, effective prevention strategies, and how collaboration is key when combatting these crimes.
The expo experience then re-opened for the afternoon reception where attendees could mingle and enjoy drinks and snacks.
Day 3
The third day of the conference started with Khris Hamlin taking the stage and greeting attendees again. He also took the time to congratulate industry leaders Denise Wynn and Byron Coleman on their accomplished careers as they enter retirement.
For the first general session of the day, CAP Index Senior Advisor Walter Palmer led a conversation with lululemon VP of North America Retail-East Brittany Kidd and Global VP of AP: Retail, Omni Risk, Supply Chain Tristen Shields. They discussed how lululemon’s asset protection and store teams work together to combat ORC, sharing the innovative strategies and tactics they used to achieve strong results.
Next, Axon Founder and CEO Rick Smith presented on how rapidly AI is advancing before introducing REI Co-op Divisional VP of AP and Risk Management Brian Friedman, Dallas Police Department Former Chief Renee Hall, IKEA North America US Safety and Security Manager Vic Jacinto, and Axon Senior VP and General Manager, Enterprise Mike Shore for a panel discussion on how AI can help combat retail crime.
Attendees then dispersed into breakout sessions again covering a wide variety of topics—everything from LPR, to inventory counting, to crisis management during extreme weather events—before the expo experience opened back up for the afternoon.
Back on the main stage after the expo closed, RILA Senior Executive VP and RILA Communities Foundation Executive Director Lisa LaBruno led a conversation about RILA’s Vibrant Communities Initiative featuring Johnson County, Kansas Assistant DA Marissa Bell, Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney Office Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Ben Cox, and Platte County, Missouri Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd. While the value of partnerships and communication remain driving factors in the fight against retail crime, additional emphasis on awareness at every level—to include law enforcement, prosecuting attorneys, and the community at-large—remains an essential element to the ongoing success of these initiatives.
Closing out the sessions for the day, Reality-Based Leadership President and Founder Cy Wakeman spoke to attendees about how to be better leaders by managing egos, eliminating drama, and redirecting energy towards positive outcomes. The day ended with another expo experience reception—attendees’ last opportunity to walk the show floor.
Throughout the conference, the Loss Prevention Benevolent Fund held a raffle to raise money for families of LP professionals who have passed. By the end of the expo experience, an amazing $8,420 had been raised. RILA graciously offered to match the donations, bringing the total amount raised to $16,840!
Closing Out
The final day of the conference was short and sweet, with two breakout sessions running after the morning’s networking breakfast.
One session, featuring Under Armour Director of Global Retail and Digital Fraud Kristine Gentilella, Axon Director of Enterprise Varoon Kumar, and Hy-Vee Senior VP and Chief Enterprise Security Officer Jamie Sipes, examined key strategies for establishing an executive protection department, identifying various protection needs, and integrating modern security technology.
In the second session, Conn Maciel Carey LLP Partner Rachel Conn and Best Buy Senior Manager of Safety Compliance Brad Langer discussed what retailers can expect and how to prepare for upcoming changes to regulatory compliance under the Trump administration.
Reflecting on the week, Khris Hamlin said: “The RILA Retail Asset Protection Conference brought together retailers from across the globe, uniting leaders to network, benchmark, collaborate, and spark the next big idea. From powerful presentations to authentic conversations, it was truly the most dynamic and impactful room in retail. Attendees didn’t just come to talk . . . they came to find real solutions to move the industry forward. I’m proud and excited to be part of a community where RILA creates the space for innovation, connection, and progress.”
We hope to see you all at next year’s event, which will be in Phoenix April 19-22!