Over the past week the Staples Global Loss Prevention Team hosted their annual Loss Prevention Conference at the Boston Quincy Marriott in Quincy, Massachusetts. At the event Staples brings in their loss prevention team from markets across the country for professional development programs and learning seminars; but also invite their solution providers to attend as well to provide demonstrations and enjoy a day of appreciation with the Staples team.
Wednesday offered presentations and learning sessions, bring together the loss prevention team for information sharing, team building, and internal networking; providing an interactive environment that encouraged participation and open dialogue to optimize the learning experience. Engaging the team in these types of opportunities allows for more than cognitive learning, and adds greater perspective as the team learns from one another as well.
The Supplier Hall Expo was then held on Thursday October 1st. The Supplier Hall was approached as casual by design, with no elaborate booths or other large displays. The intent was to facilitate a casual, informative, and fast paced experience that allowed solution providers to interact with the loss prevention team in a way that was both informative and inviting. This was followed by a Supplier Appreciation Day event in which the loss prevention team and solution providers were offered a choice between three different activities: a golf event at a local country club, F1 kart racing at a high performance kart racing venue in the area, or the ever-popular Boston DUCK Tour featuring WWII-style amphibious landing vehicles and a cruise highlighting many of the places that make Boston one of the birthplaces of freedom and a city of firsts. This was followed by dinner and evening entertainment events with the entire team.
Throughout the loss pre
vention conference the Staples team participated in a fund-raising event for the Loss Prevention Foundation’s Memorial Fund. The Staples loss prevention team has traditionally been a strong supporter of the Memorial Fund, which was established as a way to honor LP professionals who were lost during the course of their professional duties. This is a way for the entire LP community to support the families and grieving loved ones during a time of great need, and 100 percent of the proceeds raised during these events are provided to the families of those that served our profession. More than two thousand dollars was raised during the event. In a special and noteworthy gesture, the winner of a 50-50 drawing donated his winnings back to the fund. While we respect his privacy, we salute his decision and selfless generosity. Character stands tall, and so do those that serve others.
These types of events provide a window into some of the great loss prevention teams that we have in our profession and some of the exceptional men and women that lead the way. Professional development integrated with team-building and appreciation events provide valuable insights for all of those involved. It is a great way to build lasting relationships as we move forward with the challenges that we will face as the retail industry continues to grow and evolve. Congratulations to the Staples team and the solution providers that participated to make this event so successful.