Innovision 2023 kicked off in Ft Lauderdale, Florida on Tuesday with fantastic weather and attendance. The conference hadn’t taken place since the pandemic put it on pause three years ago and over 115 participants were eager to get back together to see old friends and network with new.
After a delicious breakfast under a bright blue sky, the morning session kicked off with some inspiring words from i3 International’s Vy Hoang, which put the event in perspective. “Realize what’s important to you and take time for what’s important to you.” In the spirit of those words, the agenda ahead focused on taking time for relationships and collaboration.
Emceed by Terry Sullivan and Kris Vece, Day One saw the attendees engaged in thought provoking roundtable discussions. The topics centered on what retailers need to be successful and where they see technology. Some shared themes uncovered were RFID expansion, AI use in video analytics, streamlining and automating to combat labor shortages, and leveraging current technology enterprise-wide.
A “speed dating” session where retailers could spend four minutes with each solution provider to then determine who they’d like to spend more time with was held in the main ballroom with a unique booth arrangement to provide more privacy. Later that afternoon the attendees chose solution providers they wanted to meet with one on one and, as a result, learn more about their solutions.
The goals of Innovision are simple: 1) Immerse yourself in the future of retail strategy 2) Engage and collaborate with decision makers and the best solution providers in the AP/LP industry 3) Discuss in cross-functional groups to develop new working solutions to everyday issues in the industry 4) Break the barrier between customers and suppliers and expand your network of peers.
Great loss prevention professionals know that they need to stay engaged with solution partners. Those that want to influence the development of new technology attend this conference as it allows them to have the facetime needed.
Day one closed with the signature “Craze” event. Attendees were treated to delicious Mexican food and a series of games including a hot sauce eating contest (that they may have regretted the next day). Dancing and games helped these LP professionals let their hair down a bit and network in a fun and relaxed setting. And taco fights happened—let’s just leave it at “Taco Jousting” and we’ll let your imagination do the rest. You can be sure everyone is looking forward to Day 2 and more fantastic content and connections.