Main Session Hall

Join RCC President Diane J. Brisebois and Michael E. LeBlanc, Senior Retail Advisor, as they set the stage for an incredible day. Embark on an exciting journey that promises to inspire and inform, connect with leading experts and expand your network as you explore new opportunities and strategies for advancing your retail operations in Western Canada. 

Main Session Hall

Best Buy Canada’s Jennifer Barr will be joined by Bell’s Ivano Pirro to discuss the opening of 167 Best Buy Express stores in 5 months – believed to be a North American record.

They will discuss the impact of embracing a bold, growth mindset and how seizing unconventional opportunities – with agility and rapid adaptation – not only has the potential to deliver an enhanced customer experience and business results, but also ignite and energize teams. They will share the story of Best Buy Express’ journey from negotiations to the successful integration of two distinct cultures and what that’s meant for training, communication, decision-making, and operational execution. Leave feeling inspired to embrace unusual opportunities to define your path to growth.

Main Session Hall

Get ahead of the curve and prepare for the marketing trends that will define retail in 2025 and beyond. In this session, Google Canada will explore how combining physical storefronts with e-commerce creates a winning strategy, maximizing market presence and customer engagement. Learn how to capitalize on your first-party data to drive deeper connections and personalized experiences. We’ll also examine how global events will impact online shopping behavior and what this means for your marketing strategy. 

Fast Five Sponsor Highlight

Discover how Intelligent Pricing and Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs) are transforming the retail industry.  In this session Smart Label Solutions will explore how AI-driven Intelligent Pricing allows for dynamic, data-informed adjustments to pricing strategies, maximizing revenue and enhancing customer satisfaction. Join us to learn how integrating these technologies can give your retail operations a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced market. 

Main Session Hall

Western Canadian SMBs face unique challenges. Leger 360 consolidates new survey findings and research insights to identify the most powerful tactics for small to medium-sized retailers. Discover the role of all channels, from in-store to digital marketplaces, and their impact on retailer revenue. Explore the latest shopping trends, and media habits unique to Western Canada. Get ready for game-changing strategies to give your business the edge.

Main Session Hall

Retailers today face numerous challenges in delivering exceptional customer experiences, optimizing supply chains, and driving profitability. Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers untapped potential to address these issues and more. This keynote will consider how leading retailers are harnessing AI to revolutionize their businesses. We’ll discuss real-world use cases spanning personalized recommendations, predictive inventory management, and automated customer service, and intelligent fraud detection. These examples will explore the power of AI to augment human expertise, reduce costs, and create seamless omnichannel experiences. 

This session dives into the strategies, skills, and innovations necessary for cultivating the next generation of retail leaders. As the retail landscape shifts at an unprecedented pace, this session will explore how to foster adaptive leadership, embrace digital transformation, and drive team resilience in the face of change. Attendees will gain insights into creating future-ready workplaces that not only attract top talent but also equip them with the tools and vision to lead successfully in a dynamic and competitive environment.

Learn how AI is enabling retailers to drive productivity throughout their business and deliver meaningful customer experiences. This session will explore the importance of taking a holistic approach to embracing AI, including process, people, data, technology, automation, machine learning and generative AI, to enhance product discovery, increase conversion rates, build stronger customer loyalty, and increase employee engagement. Discover best practices and innovative approaches to integrating AI into all strategic aspects of a retail organization.

Lunch and Learn

Discover practical ideas to drive value messaging while enhancing customer engagement as well as exploration and education in-store. Look at how you can build positive brand equity with a look at examples from leading retailers including grocery and convenience and leave with innovative ideas to take back to the team.

Learn how brands can respond to shifting consumer demands, from increased discounting expectations to evolving online and in-store experiences. Discover innovative approaches to enhance both digital and physical shopping journeys, boost average basket size, and retain customers in a highly competitive market. Join us as we explore creative solutions for adapting to current trends and setting a strong foundation for the future.

How can the retail sector innovate to meet the demands of a generation seeking more than just products? 

David Katz, Founder and CEO of Plastic Bank, invites retail leaders to reimagine their businesses as powerful agents of growth in the purpose economy. With the next generation of customers expecting businesses to create social and environmental impact, retailers need to offer more than just sustainable product lines to their shoppers. 

In this session, David will illustrate how integrating circular strategies wins shopper trust, boosts profitability, and fortifies brand identity. He will unpack how cultivating a prosperity mindset allows retailers to stay relevant and thrive in the changing landscape. 

Your business has the opportunity to lead the shift from linear to circular value, create meaningful shopper experiences, and share prosperity with the people and the planet. Are you ready to shape the future of retail? 

Main Session Hall

Collaboration is a major key to responding to and minimizing impact of retail crime. Join Sgt. Craig Reynolds from the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) for a comprehensive case review reflecting the work of the retail task force, outlining the opportunities for retailers to work with the VPD, sharing practical advice on how to collaborate with law enforcement to improve security, reduce crime, and protect your retail business.

Main Session Hall

An engaging session featuring one on one interviews with retail leaders to discuss their unique strategies for fostering growth and innovation while staying deeply connected with their local customer base. Gain valuable insights into how these trailblazers are shaping the future of retail through creative approaches and customer-centric practices.