Agenda
Retail Brands Presenting
November 2, 2023
Networking Breakfast
Bayshore Grand Foyer
Come early to enjoy the food, connect with old friends and colleagues and make new connections. Be sure to explore the diverse group of exhibitors offering state-of-the-art solutions.
Networking Breakfast
November 2, 2023
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM PST
Bayshore Grand Foyer
Come early to enjoy the food, connect with old friends and colleagues and make new connections. Be sure to explore the diverse group of exhibitors offering state-of-the-art solutions.
Welcoming Remarks

Michael E. LeBlanc
Senior Retail Advisor
Retail Council of Canada
Bayshore Grand Ballroom
Michael LeBlanc Senior Retail Advisor at Retail Council of Canada welcomes attendees to Retail West Conference 2023 and shares an update on how we are supporting members. Retail West will be hosted by Michael LeBlanc, host and producer of North America’s leading retail podcast, The Voice of Retail Podcast.
Welcoming Remarks
November 2, 2023
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM PST
Bayshore Grand Ballroom
Michael LeBlanc Senior Retail Advisor at Retail Council of Canada welcomes attendees to Retail West Conference 2023 and shares an update on how we are supporting members. Retail West will be hosted by Michael LeBlanc, host and producer of North America’s leading retail podcast, The Voice of Retail Podcast.
Speaking:

Michael E. LeBlanc
Senior Retail Advisor
Retail Council of Canada
Designing the Future of Retail
Bayshore Grand Ballroom
Kit & Ace is shaking things up with an exciting vision for one of Canada’s most iconic and talked about retail brands. Under the experienced retail leadership of David Lui (ESPRIT, The North West Company, SportCheck and KORITE) as the CEO, and the creative genius Joe Mimran, known for Club Monaco, Joe Fresh among many other, they’re gearing up for a game-changing move. David Lui talks about how Kit & Ace can win in a crowded apparel market, and advice on the strategies that matter for retailers of all sizes today, tomorrow and beyond.

David Lui
CEO
Kit and Ace, Unity Brands Inc.

Michael E. LeBlanc
Senior Retail Advisor
Retail Council of Canada
Designing the Future of Retail
November 2, 2023
8:45 AM - 9:15 AM PST
Bayshore Grand Ballroom
Kit & Ace is shaking things up with an exciting vision for one of Canada’s most iconic and talked about retail brands. Under the experienced retail leadership of David Lui (ESPRIT, The North West Company, SportCheck and KORITE) as the CEO, and the creative genius Joe Mimran, known for Club Monaco, Joe Fresh among many other, they’re gearing up for a game-changing move. David Lui talks about how Kit & Ace can win in a crowded apparel market, and advice on the strategies that matter for retailers of all sizes today, tomorrow and beyond.
Speaking:

David Lui
CEO
Kit and Ace, Unity Brands Inc.

Michael E. LeBlanc
Senior Retail Advisor
Retail Council of Canada
Trails to Triumph: Embracing MEC’s Triple P Journey

Adam Ketcheson
Chief Commercial Officer
MEC
Bayshore Grand Ballroom
Discover how MEC’s unwavering commitment to People, Purpose, and Planet has shaped their journey from cooperative to private company, leading to remarkable success and a lasting impact on the outdoor community. With captivating stories and invaluable insights, Adam Ketcheson, Chief Commercial Officer, shares how MEC navigated the rugged terrain of transformation, while embracing the Western Canadian spirit of the mountains and showing resilience and triumph. Get ready to be inspired, motivated, and equipped with the tools to carve your own path to success while leaving a positive impact on the world we adventure in.
Trails to Triumph: Embracing MEC’s Triple P Journey
November 2, 2023
9:15 AM - 9:45 AM PST
Bayshore Grand Ballroom
Discover how MEC’s unwavering commitment to People, Purpose, and Planet has shaped their journey from cooperative to private company, leading to remarkable success and a lasting impact on the outdoor community. With captivating stories and invaluable insights, Adam Ketcheson, Chief Commercial Officer, shares how MEC navigated the rugged terrain of transformation, while embracing the Western Canadian spirit of the mountains and showing resilience and triumph. Get ready to be inspired, motivated, and equipped with the tools to carve your own path to success while leaving a positive impact on the world we adventure in.
Speaking:

Adam Ketcheson
Chief Commercial Officer
MEC
Staying Competitive with Insights that Inform and Drive Action

Stella Chung
Account Executive
MicroStrategy
Fast Five Sponsor Highlight
Bayshore Grand Ballroom
With increasing consumer expectations and new digital channels, competitive retailers thrive on having high quality, reliable data for reporting and predictive model accuracy. In this session see how retailers are leveraging the MicroStrategy analytics solution to access real-time data and cross-functional adoption of critical dashboards that are essential to measuring KPIs.

Staying Competitive with Insights that Inform and Drive Action
November 2, 2023
9:45 AM - 9:50 AM PST
Fast Five Sponsor Highlight
Bayshore Grand Ballroom
With increasing consumer expectations and new digital channels, competitive retailers thrive on having high quality, reliable data for reporting and predictive model accuracy. In this session see how retailers are leveraging the MicroStrategy analytics solution to access real-time data and cross-functional adoption of critical dashboards that are essential to measuring KPIs.
Sponsored by:

Speaking:

Stella Chung
Account Executive
MicroStrategy
Creating an Inclusive Culture: The Power of DE&I in Organizational Purpose
Bayshore Grand Ballroom
Frank Monteleone, Senior Vice President & Chief People Officer at Rexall Pharmacy Group will discuss the journey that Rexall took to incorporate DEI principles into the company’s DNA, and why this purpose-driven culture is changing retail employment.

Frank Monteleone
Senior Vice President & Chief People Officer
Rexall Pharmacy Group

Jackie Ross
Principal and Founder
JRoss Retail Recruiters

Creating an Inclusive Culture: The Power of DE&I in Organizational Purpose
November 2, 2023
9:50 AM - 10:25 AM PST
Bayshore Grand Ballroom
Frank Monteleone, Senior Vice President & Chief People Officer at Rexall Pharmacy Group will discuss the journey that Rexall took to incorporate DEI principles into the company’s DNA, and why this purpose-driven culture is changing retail employment.
Sponsored by:

Speaking:

Frank Monteleone
Senior Vice President & Chief People Officer
Rexall Pharmacy Group

Jackie Ross
Principal and Founder
JRoss Retail Recruiters
How to Maximize Your Share of Multicultural Growth
Bayshore Grand Ballroom
Join Stephen Van Xavier, Manager of Consumer Insights and Analytics for London Drugs and Kevin Lacey, Senior Vice-President of Consulting Services at Environics Analytics, as they discuss how retailers in Western Canada can leverage multicultural insights—grounded in geography—to inform local activation that will maximize trips, volume and market share.

Stephen Van Xavier
Manager of Consumer Insights and Analytics
London Drugs

Kevin Lacey
SVP, Consulting Services
Environics Analytics

How to Maximize Your Share of Multicultural Growth
November 2, 2023
10:25 AM - 10:55 AM PST
Bayshore Grand Ballroom
Join Stephen Van Xavier, Manager of Consumer Insights and Analytics for London Drugs and Kevin Lacey, Senior Vice-President of Consulting Services at Environics Analytics, as they discuss how retailers in Western Canada can leverage multicultural insights—grounded in geography—to inform local activation that will maximize trips, volume and market share.
Sponsored by:

Speaking:

Stephen Van Xavier
Manager of Consumer Insights and Analytics
London Drugs

Kevin Lacey
SVP, Consulting Services
Environics Analytics
Networking Break
Bayshore Grand Foyer
Enjoy networking and refreshments in the exhibit hall with fellow attendees and connect with exhibitors to learn more about how they are supporting the industry.

Networking Break
November 2, 2023
10:55 AM - 11:30 AM PST
Bayshore Grand Foyer
Enjoy networking and refreshments in the exhibit hall with fellow attendees and connect with exhibitors to learn more about how they are supporting the industry.
Sponsored by:

Behind the AI Curtain: Amplifying Impact, Anchoring Integrity

Behind the AI Curtain: Amplifying Impact, Anchoring Integrity
November 2, 2023
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM PST
Salon A
AI is revolutionizing marketing, ushering in enhanced personalization and streamlined processes. Yet, its power comes with concerns, leading some brands to set boundaries or even sidestep its use. In this session, discover how to masterfully tap into AI’s strengths while safeguarding your brand’s essence. Learn to wield AI for marketing triumph, always keeping your brand’s integrity front and center.
Sponsored by:

Speaking:

Adam Luck
Managing Director
DAC

Viktoriia Isler
Group Account Director
DAC Vancouver

David Waterfall
VP of Marketing
Mr. Lube Canada
Collaboration and Community: The Keys to Sustainable Growth
Collaboration and Community: The Keys to Sustainable Growth
November 2, 2023
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM PST
Salon B
This session explores how cultivating the right relationships and building a strong network can be the cornerstone of your business’s growth. Patrice Mousseau, CEO and Founder Satya Organic Skin Care and Joy Mauro, CEO, Turnabout share inspiring success stories of how they harnessed the support of their community to facilitate growth and what the signals were that change was needed to enable continued growth. Uncover the profound impact of collaboration, trust, and collective wisdom on your business’ growth strategy no matter the size and scale.
Speaking:

Patrice Mousseau
CEO and Founder
Satya Organic Skin Care

Joy Mauro
CEO and Founder
Turnabout

Sharon Hayles
Owner and President
Diane's Lingerie
Networking Lunch
Bayshore Grand Foyer
Connect with your fellow attendees and chat with speakers over lunch in the exhibit hall or attend the lunch and learn session in the ballroom.

Networking Lunch
November 2, 2023
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM PST
Bayshore Grand Foyer
Connect with your fellow attendees and chat with speakers over lunch in the exhibit hall or attend the lunch and learn session in the ballroom.
Sponsored by:

Navigating New Horizons: Retail Marketing’s Bright Future
Navigating New Horizons: Retail Marketing’s Bright Future
November 2, 2023
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM PST
Salon A
Every retailer must consider the influences of new horizons like AI, retail media, ESG, and integrated omnichannel experiences. But what’s critical to retail marketing success are the over-arching principals you use to take maximum advantage of these game-changing events. Prepare to reshape your strategic framework to managing your brand and developing successful marketing campaigns!
Speaking:

Patrick Rodmell
President
Rodmell & Company
How Circular Economy Measures are Meeting Consumer Demands

How Circular Economy Measures are Meeting Consumer Demands
November 2, 2023
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM PST
Salon B
In an era of increasing environmental awareness and sustainability imperatives, retailers are at the forefront of change. This session will bring together innovative retail and industry leaders to share insights on how circularity can enhance profitability, reduce waste, and meet the evolving demands of conscious consumers.
Sponsored by:

Speaking:

Jay Lehal
Director - Service Centers, Reverse Supply Chain and Lean
Best Buy Canada

David Ian Gray
Principal and Retail Strategist
DIG360 Consulting Ltd.

Joseph Chung
VP, Account Management
Call2Recycle Canada

Katrina Shum
Head of Regeneration & Sustainability
LUSH Handmade Cosmetics
Networking Break
Bayshore Grand Foyer
Enjoy networking and refreshments in the exhibit hall with fellow attendees and connect with exhibitors to learn more about how they are supporting the industry.

Networking Break
November 2, 2023
2:15 PM - 2:45 PM PST
Bayshore Grand Foyer
Enjoy networking and refreshments in the exhibit hall with fellow attendees and connect with exhibitors to learn more about how they are supporting the industry.
Sponsored by:

What’s Keeping Executives Up At Night? Global Retail Executive Study Key Takeaways

Lisa Hutcheson
Managing Partner
J.C. Williams Group
Bayshore Grand Ballroom
At a time of increasing uncertainty and change across the retail industry, the Ebeltoft Group conducted a global leadership study on behalf of the World Retail Congress. Join Lisa Hutcheson, Managing Partner, at J.C. Williams Group, the exclusive Canadian partner of the Ebeltoft Group, to explore the findings and insights. The Global Retail Executive Study serves as a compass for navigating this dynamic industry. It provides valuable insights, trends and analysis based on the perspectives of retail executives from around the world.
What’s Keeping Executives Up At Night? Global Retail Executive Study Key Takeaways
November 2, 2023
2:45 PM - 3:00 PM PST
Bayshore Grand Ballroom
At a time of increasing uncertainty and change across the retail industry, the Ebeltoft Group conducted a global leadership study on behalf of the World Retail Congress. Join Lisa Hutcheson, Managing Partner, at J.C. Williams Group, the exclusive Canadian partner of the Ebeltoft Group, to explore the findings and insights. The Global Retail Executive Study serves as a compass for navigating this dynamic industry. It provides valuable insights, trends and analysis based on the perspectives of retail executives from around the world.
Speaking:

Lisa Hutcheson
Managing Partner
J.C. Williams Group
Surfing Retail’s Economic Waves: Insights for Resilience & Growth

Steve Mossop
EVP
Leger Vancouver
Bayshore Grand Ballroom
In a sea of economic pressures and shifting market dynamics, insightful retailers are discovering pathways to growth and resilience. This session unveils practical strategies and insights that empower retailers to navigate disruptions, optimize efficiency, and uncover hidden growth potentials. Join us to enlighten your strategic response and transform challenges into stepping stones for sustained success.

Surfing Retail’s Economic Waves: Insights for Resilience & Growth
November 2, 2023
3:00 PM - 3:25 PM PST
Bayshore Grand Ballroom
In a sea of economic pressures and shifting market dynamics, insightful retailers are discovering pathways to growth and resilience. This session unveils practical strategies and insights that empower retailers to navigate disruptions, optimize efficiency, and uncover hidden growth potentials. Join us to enlighten your strategic response and transform challenges into stepping stones for sustained success.
Sponsored by:

Speaking:

Steve Mossop
EVP
Leger Vancouver
Policy Update from Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy British Columbia

Avery Gottfried
Senior Policy Specialist
Environmental Protection Division
Fast Five Sponsor Highlight
Bayshore Grand Ballroom

Policy Update from Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy British Columbia
November 2, 2023
3:25 PM - 3:30 PM PST
Fast Five Sponsor Highlight
Bayshore Grand Ballroom
Sponsored by:

Speaking:

Avery Gottfried
Senior Policy Specialist
Environmental Protection Division
A Retailer’s Guide to Igniting AI

Marc Low
Ignition Vancouver Lead
KPMG
Bayshore Grand Ballroom
Generative AI is a gateway to unparalleled efficiencies, innovative customer interactions, and accelerated innovations. But the starting point can seem elusive. In this presentation, Marc Low, Ignition Vancouver Lead at KPMG demystifies the initial steps, explore the transformative opportunities, address potential pitfalls, and introduce practical strategies to keep you ahead in the competitive landscape.

A Retailer’s Guide to Igniting AI
November 2, 2023
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM PST
Bayshore Grand Ballroom
Generative AI is a gateway to unparalleled efficiencies, innovative customer interactions, and accelerated innovations. But the starting point can seem elusive. In this presentation, Marc Low, Ignition Vancouver Lead at KPMG demystifies the initial steps, explore the transformative opportunities, address potential pitfalls, and introduce practical strategies to keep you ahead in the competitive landscape.
Sponsored by:

Speaking:

Marc Low
Ignition Vancouver Lead
KPMG
Shaking up Modern Marketing: Disruptive Strategies Fueling Phenomenal Success
Bayshore Grand Ballroom
Step into a world where marketing conventions are challenged and reimagined! The retail environment is pulsating with new strategies, pushing boundaries to capture consumer attention and distinguish brands from the pack. It’s time to look beyond the ordinary with guidance from experts who are reshaping the retail marketing paradigm and winning.

Kriston Dean
VP Sales and Marketing
Purdys Chocolatier

Rachel Mielke
Founder & CEO
Hillberg & Berk

Polly Tracey
Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer
Best Buy Canada Ltd.

Penny McTaggart Cowan
VP Marketing & Member Experiences
Calgary Co-op

Shaking up Modern Marketing: Disruptive Strategies Fueling Phenomenal Success
November 2, 2023
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM PST
Bayshore Grand Ballroom
Step into a world where marketing conventions are challenged and reimagined! The retail environment is pulsating with new strategies, pushing boundaries to capture consumer attention and distinguish brands from the pack. It’s time to look beyond the ordinary with guidance from experts who are reshaping the retail marketing paradigm and winning.
Sponsored by:

Speaking:

Kriston Dean
VP Sales and Marketing
Purdys Chocolatier

Rachel Mielke
Founder & CEO
Hillberg & Berk

Polly Tracey
Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer
Best Buy Canada Ltd.

Penny McTaggart Cowan
VP Marketing & Member Experiences
Calgary Co-op
Networking Reception
Bayshore Grand Foyer
Stay for networking cocktail reception to debrief the day with your fellow attendees and speakers. Be sure to make some new connections and discover new business solutions provided by our exhibitors.
Networking Reception
November 2, 2023
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM PST
Bayshore Grand Foyer
Stay for networking cocktail reception to debrief the day with your fellow attendees and speakers. Be sure to make some new connections and discover new business solutions provided by our exhibitors.
Interested in speaking opportunities at Retail West?
Contact rccsponsorship@retailcouncil.org for more information.