Retail Transformation for the Digital Age Starts Here

A Millennium Alliance team member will be available at our registration desk right outside of the session rooms to assist executives with checking in and to answer any questions that may come up throughout the duration of the Assembly.

Our executive education roundtables are 1-hour conversations moderated by an industry thought leader. During these open discussions, our attendees have the opportunity to chat about the most relevant and current topics in the industry and share their thoughts with their peers.

Key Discussion Points:

• Unpacking the immense value that digitally integrated supply chains can unlock, including higher growth, lower operating costs, and increased profitability
• The potential efficiency gains across various aspects of the supply chain, including supply chain planning, logistics execution, and quality management, through end-to-end integration
• Actionable steps to initiate discussions with suppliers, identify optimization opportunities, define data-sharing mechanisms, and establish scalable platforms for collaborative digital integration initiatives

Key Discussion Points:

• Addressing the unique challenges faced by retailers in managing their workforce, including fluctuating customer demand, seasonal trends, and evolving consumer preferences
• How to prioritize employee engagement and satisfaction in workforce management strategies with personalized training programs, career development opportunities, and recognition initiatives to foster a positive work culture
• Deploying workforce management software solutions, including scheduling tools, time and attendance systems, and labor forecasting platforms, to automate manual tasks, streamline processes, and optimize labor costs

Key Discussion Points:

• Innovative approaches to integrating sustainable practices into retail operations and supply chain management, such as circular economy models, eco-friendly packaging, and renewable energy solutions
• Creating inclusive shopping experiences that cater to diverse customer needs and preferences, including accessible store designs, inclusive marketing campaigns, and culturally sensitive product offerings
• Strategies for embedding resilience into supply chain and retail strategies through adaptive risk management, customer-centric innovation, and agile supply chain practices

Key Discussion Points:

• What to expect from the changing dynamics of the retail landscape in 2025, including shifts in consumer behavior, emerging trends, and disruptive technologies reshaping the industry
• Embracing digital transformation in retail, including e-commerce expansion, mobile commerce platforms, and digital marketing strategies to reach and engage with customers in new ways
• Fostering a culture of innovation and agility in retail organizations, including experimentation, rapid prototyping, and agile project management, to adapt to changing market conditions and stay ahead of the competition

Key Discussion Points:

• Current trends and challenges in visual merchandising, including the rise of online shopping, changing consumer preferences, and the need for sustainability and inclusivity
• Personalizing the shopping experience through targeted merchandising displays, dynamic signage, and customized product recommendations based on customer preferences and behaviors
• Redefining store layouts and designs to optimize visual merchandising displays, including flexible floor plans, modular fixtures, and immersive environments that engage and inspire customers

Key Discussion Points:

• Understanding the current state of retail in the omnichannel era, including trends, challenges, and opportunities faced by retailers in adapting to changing consumer behaviors and preferences
• Embracing digital transformation in retail through e-commerce platforms, mobile apps, and social media integration to connect with customers across multiple channels
• Redefining store formats to align with omnichannel retailing, including flagship stores, pop-up shops, and showroom concepts that blend physical and digital experiences

Key Discussion Points:

• Opportunities for innovation in brick-and-mortar retail through the adoption of AI and IoT technologies, including enhancing customer experiences, optimizing operations, and driving business growth
• Deploying smart store technologies, including AI-powered cameras, sensors, and beacons, to collect and analyze data on customer behavior, traffic patterns, and product interactions
• Strategies for integrating digital and physical channels in brick-and-mortar retail, including omnichannel initiatives, click-and-collect services, and seamless online-to-offline experiences

Key Discussion Points:

• Leveraging advanced forecasting techniques, such as machine learning algorithms and predictive analytics, to accurately forecast demand and optimize inventory levels
• The benefits of implementing just-in-time inventory practices to minimize carrying costs, reduce excess inventory, and improve inventory turnover rates
• Optimizing inventory allocation and distribution to ensure the right products are available at the right time and in the right locations to meet customer demand
• Developing contingency plans and response strategies to address inventory-related disruptions, such as supply chain delays, transportation issues, and unexpected demand fluctuations

A casual opportunity for executives to network with their peers with the opportunity to enjoy beer, wine, signature drinks, and light appetizers.

A formal sit down event that includes a three-course dinner, followed by an address from our Keynote Speaker.

A buffet-style breakfast where executives can enjoy the most important meal of the day, followed by a Keynote Panel.

Key Discussion Points:

• Unpacking the key drivers of resilience in retail and supply chains, such as supply chain visibility, agility, redundancy, and collaboration, and their impact on optimizing the customer experience
• Building agility and flexibility into retail and supply chain operations with dynamic sourcing strategies, responsive production capabilities, and adaptable distribution networks
• Strategies for improving product availability and fulfillment rates through resilient retail and supply chains, including demand sensing, inventory optimization, and omni-channel fulfillment capabilities

Our roundtables are 1-hour conversations led by a fellow executive or one of our C-Level technology partners. During these open discussions, our attendees have the opportunity to chat about the most relevant and current topics in the industry and share their thoughts with their peers.

Key Discussion Points:

• Understanding the implications of AI adoption on supply chain and retail operations, including improved demand forecasting, inventory optimization, personalized marketing, and enhanced customer service
• Innovative ways to integrate AI technologies into supply chain and retail operations, such as AI-powered analytics for demand forecasting, predictive maintenance, dynamic pricing, and personalized customer experiences
• How to maximize ROI and business value from AI adoption by measuring and tracking AI performance, scaling successful AI initiatives, and fostering a culture of innovation and experimentation

Key Discussion Points:

• Unpacking the implications of a curiosity-driven culture on retail & supply chain performance, including enhanced employee engagement, increased productivity, and improved decision-making
• Creating a psychologically safe environment where employees feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, and taking risks without fear of judgment or repercussion
• Leadership’s role in fostering a curiosity-driven culture, including leading by example, encouraging curiosity, and recognizing and rewarding curiosity-driven behavior
• Ways to provide resources and support for curiosity-driven initiatives, such as allocating time and budget for experimentation, providing access to tools and technologies, and offering guidance and mentorship

Key Discussion Points:

• The importance of reframing automation initiatives to prioritize the safety, satisfaction, and retention of warehouse workers, rather than solely focusing on productivity and cost savings
• Unpacking the benefits of flexible collaborative robots and immersive simulations in empowering workers to engage in safer and more fulfilling roles, while reducing physical strain and fatigue
• How to balance the synergy between automation technologies and human skills by investing in both technology and workforce development

Our roundtables are 1-hour conversations led by a fellow executive or one of our C-Level technology partners. During these open discussions, our attendees have the opportunity to chat about the most relevant and current topics in the industry and share their thoughts with their peers.

A buffet-style lunch where executives can recharge and prepare for the second half of the day.

Key Discussion Points:

• The opportunities and challenges associated with adopting friend-shoring strategies, including navigating geopolitical risks, fostering trust-based relationships, and leveraging local expertise and resources
• Leveraging shared values, cultural affinity, and complementary capabilities to drive mutual growth and resilience
• Developing adaptive supply chain and retail strategies that leverage friend-shoring principles to enhance resilience, agility, and responsiveness to evolving market conditions and geopolitical shifts
• Promoting ethical and sustainable practices within friend-shoring partnerships, including ethical sourcing, fair labor practices, and environmental stewardship, to drive long-term value creation and social impact

Key Discussion Points:

• Key drivers of procurement digitization, including technological advancements, evolving consumer demands, regulatory requirements, and competitive pressures
• Strategies for creating a roadmap for procurement digitization, including setting clear objectives, defining milestones and timelines, and allocating resources and budget
• Best practices to gain buy-in and engagement from key stakeholders, including procurement teams, IT departments, senior management, and external suppliers, through effective communication and collaboration

Key Discussion Points:

• The implications of change on supply chain and retail operations, including challenges in adapting to new technologies, optimizing processes, managing risks, and maintaining competitiveness in the market
• Strategies for developing a comprehensive change management strategy, including assessing organizational readiness, setting clear objectives and timelines, identifying key stakeholders, and establishing communication channels and feedback mechanisms
• Encouraging your organization to embrace change as a journey of transformation, fostering a mindset of curiosity, openness, and resilience to navigate challenges and seize opportunities for growth and innovation

Key Discussion Points:

• Unpacking the implications of inflation on supply chain and retail operations, including increased production costs, pricing pressures, and challenges in maintaining profit margins
• Addressing the challenges of workforce retention in a competitive labor market, including talent shortages, skills gaps, and increasing turnover rates
• How supply chain and retail strategies can be aligned to address both inflationary pressures and workforce retention challenges, fostering resilience and sustainability in operations

We’re always striving to make our Assemblies the best they can be and kindly ask each attendee to complete a brief feedback survey on the sessions & meetings they attended. As a token of our appreciation, everyone who submits their feedback packet is then entered into a raffle drawing for a $1,000 Airbnb gift card. We close out Day 2 of the Assembly by drawing the winning ticket and thanking our valued members & partners.