NRF Maps Out Expo

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 12/13/2004 12:00:00 AM

Washington D.C. — —

Washington D.C. — The National Retail Federation will hold its 94th annual Convention and Expo from Jan. 16 to 19 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City.

The show will feature a series of sessions aimed at exploring trends in the retail environment. A range of retail experts from a variety of disciplines, such as grocery, discount, restaurant, apparel, and international, will share the changes they are experiencing within the industry. Session topics include the power of branding, shifting consumer buying patterns, and technology’s influence on the retail experience.

Super Sessions include:

Visioning the Near– and Long–Term Retail Future

Sunday, Jan. 16

2:15 p.m. — 3:15 p.m.

Kurt Salmon Associates (KSA) will present 10 global trends and share what they mean to retailers today. KSA’s Strategist Mitch Kates and futurist Ryan Matthews will explore the near— and long—term future of the retail experience.

Moderator and Speaker: Mitch Kates, principal, Kurt Salmon Associates.

Speaker: Ryan Matthews, founder and CEO, Black Monk Consulting

The Future of Retail Technology Through the Eyes of Industry Leaders

Monday, Jan. 17

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

This panel will explore how the customer experience will be enhanced through adoption of new technologies.

Introductions by: John Stine, worldwide retail industry manager, Intel Corporation.

Speakers: Colin Cobain, director, Technology, Tesco; Linda Dillman, executive vice president and chief information officer, Wal–Mart; and Zygmunt Mierdorf, chief information officer, Metro Group.

Maximizing the Power of Your Brand

Monday, Jan. 17

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Brand executives discuss the secrets of their success.

Moderator: Tara Weiner, national managing partner, Consumer Business Industries, Deloitte.

Speakers: Russell Ortiz, director, Marketplace Management, Nike USA; Dorit Bern, chairman, president and CEO, Charming Shoppes, Inc.; Burton Tansky, president and CEO, The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.

Keynote Presentation:

Mike Roberts, president and chief operating officer, McDonald’s USA

Tuesday, Jan. 18, 8:30 a.m.

Mike Roberts, president and chief operating officer, McDonald’s USA, will speak about the changes he is witnessing in the retail industry.

Why Do They Buy? Deep–Rooted Consumer Attitudes Affect Their Buying Patterns

Tuesday, Jan. 18

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

IBM and psychiatrist and author Dr. G. Clotaire Rapaille explore the hidden cultural forces that determine how consumers buy.

Introduction by: Steve Ladwig, general manager, IBM.

CEO Insights: An Interactive Exchange

Wednesday, Jan. 19

8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Retailers talk about trends and challenges facing the industry. Attendees can choose one of three different sessions in which a retail CEO will address the audience for 15 minutes and spend the remaining time answering questions.

Session No. 1 Speaker: Terry Lundgren, president, chairman and CEO, Federated Department Stores, Inc.

Session No. 2 Speaker: Thomas McInerney, CEO, HSN

Session No. 3 Speaker: David Perdue, chairman of the board and CEO, Dollar General Corporation

Innovate or Die!

Wednesday, Jan. 19

9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

A panel of designers, thinkers, inventors and architects talk about innovation that can have a meaningful effect on business.

Moderator: Kenneth Walker, president, WalkerGroup/Designs.

Speakers: Ronald Johnson, senior vice president, Retail, Apple Computer; Bruce Mau, creative director, Bruce Mau Design, Inc.; and Professor Patrick Whitney, director, Institute of Design, IIT.

Retail Horizons: Benchmarks for 2004, Forecasts for 2005

Wednesday, Jan. 19

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Findings from the 2004 Retail Horizons study co–developed by the NRF Foundation and BearingPoint will be discussed.

Moderator: J. Scott Hardy, managing director, Retail Practice, BearingPoint.

Speaker: Bob Corliss, president, The Athlete’s Foot Stores.