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Saturday
Jan 25, 2025
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Sunday
Jan 26, 2025
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Monday
Jan 27, 2025
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Tuesday
Jan 28, 2025
- 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM
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Keewaydin Island Half-Day Excursion
Enjoy the scenic adventure and breathtaking sights of Naples Bay and the Gulf of Mexico as they sail to the pristine Keewaydin Island aboard a luxurious catamaran.
- 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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Friends and Family Dinner
Start the week off right with a laid-back outdoor dinner surrounded by good company. It’s a casual evening to catch up, enjoy some great food, and ease into the days ahead.
- 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
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RLC Board Meeting
- 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
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RLC & PPSC Meeting & Lunch
- 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
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RILA Executive Committee Meeting
- 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
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RILA Board of Directors Meeting
- 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
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Welcome Reception & NFL Championship Games
Kick off the Retail CEO Forum at this casual opening reception, where you can meet and reunite with fellow Forum participants. Dress casually for a relaxed evening of fun and networking. Guests will gather around TVs & lounges to watch the Conference Championships and mingle with guests.
- 8:15 AM – 9:00 AM
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Breakfast
- 9:00 AM – 9:20 AM
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Welcome to the RILA CEO Forum
- Speakers
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Chief Executive Officer, Best Buy Co., Inc.
Chairwoman, RILA
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President
RILA
- 9:20 AM – 10:00 AM
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Harnessing the Power of AI in Retail
This session is the next iteration of the Forum’s AI conversation from 2024 moving from “what is possible and how to begin” to “what is happening and how to accelerate it.” This session aims to merge practical insights from CEOs leading AI initiatives within their businesses with the proven foresight of Accenture in a conversation suited for retail CEOs.
- Speakers
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Chief Executive Officer, Best Buy Co., Inc.
Chairwoman, RILA
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Chair and Chief Executive Officer
Accenture
- 10:00 AM – 10:20 AM
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Executive Connection
Enjoy some lite fare and refreshments while you connect with other executives.
- 10:20 AM – 11:00 AM
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The Example We Set – Reflections on Leadership
AutoZone Executive Chairman Bill Rhodes and YSC Consulting CEO Eric Pliner come together to offer profound insights on leadership. This session will explore the responsibilities leaders bear in shaping organizational culture, driving performance, and leaving a positive legacy.
- Moderator
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Former CEO, YSC Consulting
Accenture Luminary Network
- Speaker
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Executive Chairman
AutoZone
- 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM
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Executive Connection
Enjoy some lite fare and refreshments while you connect with other executives.
- 11:20 AM – 12:00 PM
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Boardroom Insights: How Boards are Navigating Today’s Biggest Challenges
This conversation features seasoned board members discussing the most pressing issues facing corporate boards today. The session will provide an insider's view of how boards are approaching control, compensation, capital investment, strategy setting, and effectively using board member strengths.
- Moderator
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Partner
TRB Partners
- Speakers
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Board Director, Costco
Retired Chief Executive Officer and Board Member, Hudson’s Bay Company
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Board Member, Torrid
Board Member, Claire's
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Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer, Foot Locker
Board Member, Levi Strauss & Co.
- 12:00 PM – 1:20 PM
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Executive Luncheon & Glass Blowing At the Ritz
Join RILA for a glassblowing workshop. This immersive, hands-on experience teaches participants how to shape molten glass into beautiful, handcrafted objects. Guided by skilled artisans, attendees explore blowing, sculpting, and molding techniques while working with specialized tools and high-temperature furnaces.
- 1:20 PM – 2:00 PM
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Washington, DC 2025: What to Expect
This session will explore the potential impacts on the retail sector of the 2024 election. Two renowned political experts will discuss the new Administration makeup, analyze potential policy shifts, and how the 2024 election outcome will affect retail businesses.
- Moderator
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Senior Executive Vice President, Public Affairs
RILA
- Speaker
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Partner
Mehlman Consulting
- 2:00 PM – 2:20 PM
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Executive Connection
Enjoy some lite fare and refreshments while you connect with other executives.
- 2:20 PM – 3:00 PM
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Retail Insights from Abroad
This session will feature insights into international retail trends and strategies. The conversation will explore how different markets are evolving, the impact of cultural differences on retail operations, and emerging global opportunities for growth.
- Moderator
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CEO
Coresight Research
- Speakers
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Chief Operating Officer
IKEA North America Services, LLC
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President
New Balance Athletics Inc.
- 3:00 PM – 3:20 PM
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Executive Connection
Enjoy some lite fare and refreshments while you connect with other executives.
- 3:20 PM – 4:00 PM
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Creating Exceptional Customer Experience
This dynamic panel will delve into the art and science of crafting outstanding customer experiences. The session will explore how industry leaders are reimagining customer interactions, leveraging technology, and fostering emotional connections to drive loyalty and growth.
- Moderator
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Managing Director
Penta Group
- Speakers
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CEO
Gap Inc.
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President
Disney Consumer Products
- 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
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Extended Break
- 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
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Building a Deep Connection with Your Audience
Creativity is central to retail and brand building. This session will explore the creative process through conversation and live song with Legendary Rockstar and Singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge whose art has evolved and impacted audiences from concert venues to Broadway and film.
- Moderator
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President and Chief Executive Officer
L.L.Bean
- Speaker
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Grammy Award Winning Singer & Songwriter
- 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
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Coastal Glow: An Evening Under the Stars
Join RILA for a beachfront dinner event featuring gourmet cuisine, live music, and a cozy bonfire under the starlit sky, set against the serene backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico.
- 8:15 AM – 9:00 AM
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Breakfast
- 9:00 AM – 10:05 AM
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View from Wall Street
This session offers a unique perspective on the retail industry through the lens of Wall Street, featuring insights from financial analysts, investors, and retail executives. The panel will discuss current market trends, investor expectations, and how retail companies can effectively communicate their value proposition to the financial community.
- Moderator
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President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
Kontoor Brands
- Speakers
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Retail Analyst
JPMorgan
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Portfolio Manager, Consumer Companies
Walleye Capital
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Senior Equity Analyst
Columbia Threadneedle Investments
- 10:05 AM – 10:25 AM
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Executive Connection
Enjoy some lite fare and refreshments while you connect with other executives.
- 10:25 AM – 11:05 AM
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Transcending the Pool
As the most decorated US Female Olympian, Katie Ledecky’s groundbreaking career has transcended swimming and is empowering women and girls globally. This conversation will focus on Katie’s inspiring journey, building an unprecedented platform, and establishing her brand.
- Moderator
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President & Chief Executive Officer
Athleta
- Speaker
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9-Time Olympic Gold Medal Winning Swimmer
Mark your calendars for this must-attend event for retail executives!
