Although yesterday was the third and final day of the NRF PROTECT Conference and Expo, the busy pace didn’t slow one bit. Thursday’s schedule boasted a packed program, starting with breakfast meetings at 7:30 a.m. and running full steam until the Grand Finale and reception at 5 p.m.
Shelley Row, author, engineer, and self-avowed “recovering over-thinker,” shared practical advice in the Thursday morning keynote session, “Go with Your Gut: Effective Decision Making in an Over-Thinking World.” Row emphasized the importance of understanding and honoring your own feeling of intuition, even in a business environment. (Check out “Helping LP Move at the Speed of Business” for more on Row’s approach to decision making and problem solving.)
The Mentor Experience career coaching program continued with a new set of expert coaches, who offered valuable leadership tips and career advice to attendees on a one-on-one basis. Many attendees also took advantage of their final opportunity to explore the Expo Hall, NRF Clubhouse, or NRF Fusion Center during the day.
Thursday speaker sessions and breakout presentations covered a number of highly relevant industry topics, such as business risk management, omni-channel fraud prevention solutions, IP video migration, active shooter response procedures, LP in the restaurant environment, brand protection, facial recognition, and much more.
The final keynote session was led by Ron Jaworski, NFL ESPN analyst and former quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles. During the session, Jaworski talked about key leadership strategies and tactics that translate from the gridiron to the business world.
Late yesterday afternoon, Jaworski was joined at the NRF PROTECT Grand Finale and reception by Melissa Mitchell, CFI, director of asset protection and retail supply chain management, Lifeway Christian Stores, as well as a host of other notable guests, including:
• Carli Anne Lloyd, American soccer player,
• Pete Rose, Major League baseball player, and
• James Kenney, Mayor of Philadelphia
The NRF PROTECT Award Winners were recognized during the Keynote sessions on Thursday and again during the closing event for the Law Enforcement Retail Partnership Award, the Loss Prevention Case of the Year, the Ring of Excellence, and LP Volunteers in Action Recognition Award. Thanks to all for a great show – see you next year at NRF PROTECT 2017 at the Gaylord National Harbor in MD.