Conference Day Two - Wednesday, February 26

8:00 am Registration & Networking

9:00 am Chair’s Opening Remarks

  • Jay Kuhns Vice President, Strategic Planning, People Results

Cultivating a Culture of Excellence to Engage & Inspire Retail Teams

9:10 am Discover: Constructing a United Company Culture Throughout a Time of Increased Mergers & Acquisitions in Retail

  • Joe Tischbern Vice President - Talent Development & Engagement, Chedraui USA

Synopsis

  • How can we best support our people through organisational changes during mergers and acquisitions?
  • Facilitating effective communication between frontline workers and remote or corporate workers to disseminate key information
  • Hear how Chedraui USA has successfully expanded its geographical market while merging three different frontline and distribution workforces and company cultures

9:30 am Develop: What Best Practices Can HR Leaders Implement to Foster a Unified Company Culture During Mergers & Enhance Employee Retention?

  • Joe Tischbern Vice President - Talent Development & Engagement, Chedraui USA

Synopsis

Question & Answer Session Facilitated by the Chair 

  • What strategies can HR leaders employ to effectively communicate and support employees during periods of organizational change, such as mergers and acquisitions, to maintain morale and engagement?
  • How can organizations ensure that managers are equipped to address the unique needs and motivations of their diverse workforce?
  • What role does fostering a strong company culture play in retaining employees, and how can HR initiatives promote a sense of belonging across all levels of the organization?

9:40 am Action: How Can You Facilitate Effective Communication & Support to Navigate Organizational Changes & Strengthen Employee Engagement?

Synopsis

Output Focused Action Session Facilitated by the Chair

  • What tools and methods can be utilized to facilitate transparent communication between frontline workers and corporate teams, particularly during times of significant change?
  • How can organizations implement training programs that empower managers to effectively address the diverse needs of their workforce?
  • In what ways can mentorship programs or collaboration initiatives be structured to enhance relationships among employees and improve retention rates?

10:00 am Networking Break – Retail Organization By Sector Networking

Synopsis

Connect with retailers from the same industry to share relevant insights and strategies, helping you address common challenges and drive success in your sector

Exploring the Future of Retail with Insights & Innovations for 2025

10:40 am Panel Discussion: Reimagining the Retail Workforce in 2025

  • Bob Selle Vice President & Head of People & Risk, Ocean State Job Lot
  • Karen Carter Executive Director - Huamn Resource Business Partner, CVS Health

Synopsis

  • How do we balance technological advancements and human-centered roles in retail?
  • What skills and training will be essential for the retail workforce of the future?
  • How can the retail sector better support work-life balance and mental well-being in 2025?

11:20 am Discover: Improving Inter-Generational Relationships to Encourage Retention & Create a Culture of Excellence

Synopsis

  • How do we motivate and excite our Millennial & Gen Z workforce to increase retention?
  • Equipping managers with the tools needed to minimize skill shortages and better understand the unique needs of each generation
  • Hear how Del Grande Dealer Group is ensuring their managers can develop younger associates for heavily customer facing roles

11:40 am Develop: What Strategies Can You Implement to Cultivate Stronger Employee Relationships & Improve Retention in Customer-Facing Roles?

Synopsis

Question & Answer Session Facilitated by the Chair

  • How can retailers effectively engage younger employees and inspire long-term commitment to the organization?
  • What tools and strategies can managers use to address skills gaps and better support the diverse needs of their teams?
  • How can targeted development programs be created to help younger associates progress into leadership positions, strengthening the workforce and company culture?

11:50 am Action: How Can You Strengthen Employee Engagement & Build a Culture of Excellence Across Your Workforce?

Synopsis

Output Focused Action Session Facilitated by the Chair

  • What methods can be used to ensure managers are effectively supporting and developing younger employees for long-term success in customer-facing roles?
  • How can training programs be designed to equip managers with the skills to address diverse employee needs while minimizing skill gaps?
  • In what ways can companies integrate employee feedback to refine programs and enhance overall engagement and retention?

12:10 pm Lunch

1:30 pm Speed Learning

Synopsis

In this quick-fire session, each table will be hosted by an HR leader who will share the secrets of their most high-impact leap; you then get the opportunity to question the host before moving on to your next table

Effectively Articulating and Leveraging Transferable Skills to Facilitate a Smooth Transition into Retail for Military Personnel

  • Tonia Morgan Global Director of Talent Acquisition Navy Exchange Service, Navy Exchange Service Command.

Building Employee Engagement and Ethical Alignment Through Real-Time Feedback

  • Sondra Rackard Vice President Human Resources, American Wholesale Book Company
  • Vida Boyd Vice President - Human Resources, Books-A-Million, Inc.

2:30 pm Chair’s Closing Remarks & End of Conference

  • Jay Kuhns Vice President, Strategic Planning, People Results