The RCC STORE Conference, organized by the Retail Council of Canada, is the country’s biggest event for the industry, offering two days of learning and discussion on today’s most critical retail topics and newest success strategies.
The event takes place this year on May 30-31 at the Toronto Congress Centre.
“The STORE Conference is our flagship event of the year – our largest event of the year,” said Michelle Ribout, Vice President, Education & Partnerships for RCC. “It really is to bring the best and brightest together for two days of learning and discussion and networking. Really focused on bringing the industry together.”
With dozens of curated sessions, networking opportunities, unexpected, breakthrough ideas shared, RCC STORE 23 promises to re-invigorate people’s passion for retail and inspire new ways of thinking.
More than 75 speakers from across North America and beyond explore the key issues facing retail leadership including, global economics, inspiring leadership, the latest trends and research, innovative technology.
“It’s geared for obviously the retail industry,” said Ribout. “But really retailers, suppliers at that C-suite level to talk about what’s occurring in the industry, what are their hot topic issues that are currently happening and that they’re concerned about, what’s some of the latest research happening in the retail industry not just within Canada or North America but globally as well.”
The event attracts about 2,000 people each year. More information about the even can be found here.
“One of the most common questions that we get about STORE is what’s the theme and for us as organizers we don’t select a theme for the event because it’s really important that we cover everything that’s happening in the industry. So we don’t want to dictate what that theme is but ultimately a theme ends up coming out,” said Ribout. “I think for this year it’s really been about what’s the organizational purpose. When we’re talking about purpose it’s not just what’s your purpose for your organization but how does that translate for your employees, how does that connect with your customers. So really understanding the goal of the organization to draw in those customers to attract talent and employees to join.”
Stephanie Lear, Manager, Events, for the RCC, said there is also a big focus on technology, innovation and automation.
“This is a great opportunity for organizations to bring their teams out to. We’re seeing a lot more of that this year,” added Ribout. “Organizations are coming out en masse together and I think that’s been a really positive thing as well.”
The event also features a celebration of the winners of the Excellence in Retailing Awards, Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards, and special Awards of Distinction and Lifetime Achievement Awards.
The Excellence in Retailing Awards honor the very best in retail innovation and creativity.
RCC’s Awards of Distinction recognize retail leaders in Canada that have led companies to outstanding business success and have consistently demonstrated community commitment and support. The recipients are role models in the retail industry in Canada and in the community at large, through personal and corporate philanthropic activities. Awards include the Independent Retail Ambassador of the Year, the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Distinguished Canadian Retailer of the Year. There is also an induction in the Canadian Retail Hall of Fame.
The Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards celebrate the best new products of 2022. The awards recognize excellence in food, non-food and private label categories. Entrants represent national and regional brands as well as private label.
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Retail Insider worked with Retail Council of Canada for this partnership announcement.
