WELCOME AND VELOCITY INSIGHTS

• Laraine Durham, VP of Marketing and Events, Velocity Institute

FROM WORST TO FIRST: THE MASTER CLASS RE-BRANDING OF THE FRESH MARKET

• Kevin Miller, CMO, The Fresh Market

What do you do when business is negative, and you’ve just been ranked “The Worst Company in America to Work for” by Glassdoor? Find out what went into the turnaround and how anchoring the turnaround in The Fresh Market’s brand promise has resulted in The Fresh Market being voted the #1 Best Supermarket in America for three consecutive years.

UNVEILING THE POWER OF PRIVATE BRANDS: A FIRESIDE CHAT WITH DAN FAIRBANKS OF PRICESMART

• Dan Fairbanks, Vice President, Global Private Label, PriceSmart
• Maria Dubuc, President, Marketing by Design (MBD)

Join Maria Dubuc of MBD and Dan Fairbanks, Vice President of Global Private Label at PriceSmart, Inc., for a captivating fireside chat. Delve into the strategic world of private brands as they discuss how private brands have become a powerful differentiator for PriceSmart. Discover how leveraging buying power and a deep understanding of their core Hispanic shopper has propelled PriceSmart to success.

CONNECTING WITH PURPOSE: THE STRATEGIC EVOLUTION OF CVS STORE BRANDS

• Mike Weir, VP Store Brands, CVS Health

Join us for an insightful exploration of the transformational journey of CVS Pharmacy-owned brands. Delve into their strategic evolution and discover how CVS is connecting to enhance the customer experience and drive brand loyalty.

THE NEW VALUE EQUATION FOR RETAILER-OWNED BRANDS

• Josh McCann, Head of HQ Client Delivery and Analytics, US Customer-Centric Retailing, SymphonyAI Retail

Retailer-owned brands face new pressures as price gaps with national brands have narrowed amid increased promotions and persistent inflation.  SymphonyAI conducted a global study of shopper data involving 83 million households and 1.4 billion transactions to identify new growth opportunities in a dynamic market with shifting perceptions of value.  Join SymphonyAI’s Josh McCann for a fresh perspective on the evolving role of retailer-owned brands and data-driven strategies to tap new opportunities.

FOOD CULTURE, THE OBESITY EPIDEMIC & PRIVATE BRAND

• Christopher Durham, President, Velocity Institute

HELPING INDEPENDENT GROCERS WIN WITH PRIVATE BRANDS.

• Emily Detweiler, Executive Director Private Brand, AWG

Consumer demand for private brands is higher than it has ever been, with consumers trusting and seeking out the quality and value that private brands provide. Independent grocers strive to connect with their beloved local communities every day, and the time is right to help them win by delivering private brand portfolios, promotions, and marketing support to help them compete with chains, mass, club, and discount channels. Learn how AWG has developed strong programs to support independent grocers and help them remain competitive with private brands for over 40 years.

BEYOND THE HYPE: THE COLLISION OF BRANDS, CULTURE, CREATIVITY AND TECHNOLOGY.

• Kurt Kretten, Chief Creative Officer, Marks

Advances in AI have born powerful creative tools that are beginning to change the way we design and build brands. Game-changing developments with mind-blowing capabilities are announced (what feels like) every day. Adapt or die, we’re told.

It’s no doubt that we’re at a serious inflection point. What we’re seeing is frighteningly impressive, but AI is no magic bullet. The realities of what AI can deliver and the practicalities of adopting it fall miles short of the hype, particularly in the world of brand design.

Meanwhile, an emergent cultural backlash against AI is gathering momentum. Alarmingly deceptive content is on the rise, signposting towards a global breakdown in trust. What if soon, we can no longer believe our eyes?

Kretten, looks to unpack what this collision between tech, brands and culture really means for brands. Drawing on the perspectives and experiences implementing programs and campaigns using emergent technology for the world’s biggest brands and retailers, he’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of adopting AI in creative workflows – and the implications confronting private brands.

DESIGNING FOR DIFFERENTIATION: STRATEGIES FOR RETAILER-OWNED BRAND SUCCESS

• Julie Lassow, Owner & Principal, JHL Solutions
• Shannon Colamarino, Director of Brand Strategy, Giant Eagle
• Charlene Codner, Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Fish Agency
• Andy Johnson, Commercial Director, Sun Branding
• Matt Clemens, Managing Partner, Contrast

Embark on a dynamic exploration of the evolving landscape of Retailer-owned Brands and package design in this panel discussion moderated by Juli Lassow. Join industry experts Shannon Colamarino of Giant Eagle, Charlene Codner of the Fish Agency, Andy Johnson of Sun Branding, and Matt Clemens of Contrast as they dissect the current state of private brands and design. Gain valuable insights into the role of design in creating differentiation and fostering passionate loyalty among private brand shoppers.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR WORKSTYLE AND HOW IT IMPACTS EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE SPONSORED BY WISE

• Kevin Coale, Speaker and Executive Coach, Execuinsights

Most organizations recognize that the best teams leverage diversity to achieve long-term success. Many think about it in terms such as: gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and/or age. Sometimes they also consider organizational attributes, like function or rank. Yet there’s another kind of diversity that might be even more helpful: differences in work style — or the way in which we think about, organize, communicate, and complete tasks.

In this session, we will examine your workstyle and help you understand your underlying needs so that you can be at your best. We’ll also help you see what stress is like when your needs are unmet. As you better understand your workstyle, you will begin to understand how to flex to meet others’ needs, ultimately growing your own level of emotional intelligence. This leads to a more inclusive environment for all.

Join us for this engaging, fun, and informative session. You will leave with tools that you can use immediately in your work and personal life.

ELEVATING THE GROCERY EXPERIENCE: LOWES FOODS PRIVATE BRAND TRANSFORMATION

• Anne Gooden, Director of Brand Development, Lowes Foods

Embark on a journey of culinary innovation with Anne Gooden, Director of Brand Development at Lowes Foods, as she unveils the inspiring transformation of Lowes Foods from an average supermarket to a dynamic culinary hub. Discover how this family-owned grocery store in Winston-Salem, N.C., redefined its brand values through meticulous research and innovation, placing emphasis on local support, culinary inspiration, passion for food, humor, and provocation.

Gain valuable insights into how Lowes Foods embraced its heritage of supporting local farmers while evolving into a community-centric destination. Explore the innovative initiatives, from engaging in-store entertainment experiences to compelling private brands, that have reshaped the traditional grocery store.

VERTEX WINNERS CELEBRATION COCKTAIL PARTY

Surround yourself with the city lights, sunsets, and lively action of downtown Charlotte, NC. The City Lights rooftop bar at Sheraton Charlotte serves signature cocktails and gourmet bites.

2024 & BEYOND

• Christopher Durham, President, Velocity Institute

TARGET’S INVESTMENT IN ITS OWNED-BRAND PORTFOLIO TO MAKE EVERYDAY JOY ACCESSIBLE 

• Carlos Saavedra, SVP of Brand and Portfolio Management, Target

11:00-11:30

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FROM STRATEGY TO STRUGGLE: THE REALITY OF PRIVATE BRAND SYSTEMS DYSFUNCTION

• James Butcher, Founder & CEO, Innoscope

In a world where time-to-market is paramount, James Butcher shines a light on the stark reality of North America's lag in Retailer-owned Brand product launches compared to its global counterparts. Drawing from international Private Brand examples, he highlights common mistakes in sourcing and managing the innovation funnel and the too often mismatch between private label systems and strategy.

Butcher distills actionable takeaways to accelerate time-to-market for Private Brand products and deliver on strategy

PRIVATE BRANDS IN THE CORRECTIONS INDUSTRY

• Jen Linke, Vice President of Procurement, Union Supply, a division of Aramark

Learn why private brands have flourished in the corrections industry and how product development is different than traditional grocery retail.

INSIGHTS AND INNOVATIONS: UNLOCKING SUCCESS IN RETAILER-OWNED BRANDS

• Julie Lassow, Owner & Principal, JHL Solutions
• Asia Kroschel, Senior Brand Manager, Sprouts Farmers Market
• Marybeth Brejnik, Director Private Brands, Events and Strategic Partnerships, Navy Exchange
• Dan Muller, Senior Director, IGA Exclusive Brands, IGA

Dive into the heart of Retailer-owned Brands with this panel discussion moderated by Juli Lassow. Join industry luminaries Dan Muller of IGA, and Marybeth Brejnick of Navy Exchange as they share insights into the current landscape of private brand, collaboration, and consumer insights. Explore the dynamic interplay between innovation and consumer demand, and gain valuable perspectives on the future trajectory of Retailer-Owned Brands.

CRAFTING INNOVATION: A FIRESIDE CHAT ON WHOLE FOODS' PRIVATE BRAND EVOLUTION

• Rachel Bukowski, Director – Research and Development, Private Label, Whole Foods

Join the pair for an insightful conversation about the journey that has propelled Whole Foods' private brands to the forefront of design, innovation, and excellence. From sustainable sourcing to sensational flavors, discover the ethos and passion behind each brand, and uncover the strategies that have shaped Whole Foods.