Nearly 90 industry leaders will speak as over 2,500 retailers, loss prevention executives, cybersecurity experts and law enforcement officers assemble in Dallas June 11-13 at the annual NRF PROTECT conference. This year’s program is presented jointly by the National Retail Federation and the Food Marketing Institute.
“Once again, we are putting together the largest retail loss prevention and asset protection event in North America,” said NRF Vice President for Loss Prevention Bob Moraca. “This year, we will present highly skilled speakers who will challenge attendees to expand their thinking, invest differently and re-imagine the future of the industry. The show will help LP leaders anticipate change, find opportunities for professional success and learn the latest on how to protect their colleagues and brands from both traditional threats and those that remain to be seen.”
The speaker lineup begins June 12 with a look at the retail industry’s response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey and other natural disasters titled “Retail to the Rescue.” Attendees will hear from The Home Depot Vice President of the Gulf Region B.J. Powers, Gallery Furniture owner Jim “Mack” McIngvale and The Kroger Co. Vice President of Operations, Houston Division Mike Krell on how to prepare for an impending crisis and manage both the human element and operational stability in severe situations.
JCPenney Company Chairman and CEO Marvin Ellison will share his perspective on the evolving retail climate and the actions, insights and objectives that leaders face in a session on “Leading in Uncertain Times.”
In addition to main stage speakers, eight concurrent speaker sessions will feature Caleb Popow, Abercrombie & Fitch’s southeast regional manager for asset protection; Barnes & Noble Vice President of Loss Prevention Rosamaria Sostilio; The Container Store Vice President of Loss Prevention, Payroll, Benefits and Legal Joan Manson; Supervalu Director of Loss Prevention Kelly Brandes and Senior Vice President of Legal Andre Lamere; and Office Depot Director of Loss Prevention Technology Don Burkett and Director of Corporate Investigations George Soto.
FMI will present two sessions focused on risk and safety. The first, “Making ‘Cents’ of Hazardous Waste,” will highlight best practices for reducing costs related to waste and remaining proactive in handling hazardous waste, featuring speakers from United Supermarkets, The Kroger Co. and the Albertsons Company. The second, “OSHA Enforcement: What is the Current State of Play?” will offer advice on navigating OSHA regulations with tips on how to best prepare for the agency’s inspections from experts at Giant Food and law firm Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart.
To close out the day, former White House CIO Theresa Payton will present “Cyber Risk: Following Digital Breadcrumbs” on the complexities of cybersecurity and mitigating the risks of attacks.
On June 13, “Antidote for Complacency: Change your Thinking” will feature Neiman Marcus Senior Vice President and CIO Sarah Miller, who will discuss how to embrace technology and innovation, and navigate the dynamic landscape of retail. In addition, retail trends consultant James Mullan, who is US senior vice president at GDR Creative Intelligence, will discuss ways loss prevention teams can create and lead innovation in “Trends Update: Retail’s Secret Innovation Lab.”
There will be eight concurrent sessions featuring Nuix Chief Technology Officer Stephen Stewart and Senior Vice President Keith Lowry; JCPenney eDiscovery and Information Manager Rich Robinson; Gap Inc. Senior Director Richard Giaquinto and Director of Digital Loss Prevention Jerett Sauer; HS Brands International President and Chief Operating Officer Mike Mershimer; Forever21 Global Director of Loss Prevention Jose A. Gomez; Macy’s Director of Asset Protection Training and Communications Tara Nutley; Vistelar partner Bill Singleton, and experts from Ascena Retail Group and Carter’s Retail Inc.
FMI will present an interactive session with Wakefern Food Corp. to discuss ways businesses can maximize their response to crises, develop recognition skills and improve reaction times during the “The Crash Course on Containing Crises.”
Closing out the conference will be a two final sessions starting with “Ripple Effects: Innovate by Learning from Other Sectors” featuring American Airlines Center Vice President of Guest Experience Gina Chapa, Galleria Dallas Shopping Center Director of Security Earl Morgan and Marriott International Senior Director of Global Safety and Security Services Patrick Murphy. Best-selling author and Deloitte Independent Vice Chairman Jay Samit will conclude with a presentation titled “Disrupt You! Strategies for Billion Dollar Success in This Era of Endless Innovation” examining ways individuals can flourish in a changing retail landscape and turn innovations into business breakthroughs.
Complimentary registration is available to editorial staff members of the news media and accredited retail analysts. To register, contact Ana Serafin Smith at smitha [at] nrf.com. For more information, visit nrfprotect.nrf.com.