Entrepreneurial guru Daymond John is CEO and founder of much-celebrated global lifestyle brand FUBU, a company with over $6 billion in product sales worldwide.
His marketing strategies and ability to build successful brands has made him a highly influential consultant, motivational speaker, and a 14-season investor on five-time Emmy-winning business reality show Shark Tank.
John's abundant experience, marketing prowess and entrepreneurial insights are also at the core of his marketing firm “The Shark Group,” a company focused on connecting brands with the world’s top celebrities for everything from endorsements to product extensions.
Monday, March 20, 2023
2023-03-20
THE MAIN STAGE presentation
9:15 AM - 10:30 AM
9:15 AM
10:30 AM
<p><span style="font-family:'Open Sans';">Economic expert <strong>Mark Zinder</strong>, back by popular demand, shares a snapshot of what to expect from the economy in the coming months — and how businesses can best position themselves for success.</span></p>
Mark Zinder
Economic expert
Mark Zinder has 41 years of expertise in finance and economics. Mark has a unique gift for simplifying complicated concepts and shares insights that are key to being successful in today’s constantly changing word.
He has engaged audiences both small and large, including financial institutions, universities, insurance agencies, and NASA, with his breadth of content and motivational style. Mark is also a regular guest on Fox Business and CNBC, sharing his insight and positive outlook while tackling tough questions on the economy.
Monday, March 20, 2023
2023-03-20
Face2Face: Retailer/Exhibitor Information Exchange
<p><span style="font-family:'Open Sans';">Energy is one of the top operating costs for retailers. This session will explore how energy usage is changing, and highlight the opportunities that can reduce energy consumption and costs.</span></p>
Monday, March 20, 2023
2023-03-20
RCA SESSION: How Technology is Changing Construction
2:20 PM - 3:10 PM
2:20 PM
3:10 PM
<p><span style="font-family:'Open Sans';">An expert will discuss different technology solutions that are impacting retail design and construction.</span></p>
Monday, March 20, 2023
2023-03-20
Taking a Cross-Functional Approach to Sustainability
2:20 PM - 3:10 PM
2:20 PM
3:10 PM
<p><span style="font-family:'Open Sans';">This session will explore how store development teams across design, construction, facilities management, operations and real estate all must collaborate to prepare for code changes, new mandates and execute new sustainability practices. Experts will also discuss how teams work together to scale toward a net zero operation, and more.</span></p>
Monday, March 20, 2023
2023-03-20
Reimagining Mall Anchors
2:20 PM - 3:10 PM
2:20 PM
3:10 PM
<p><span style="font-family:'Open Sans';">This session will discuss how and why developers are back filling departed department store spaces and rethinking new uses for dark department store anchors. </span></p>
Monday, March 20, 2023
2023-03-20
Women in Retail: Top Strategies for Women to Emerge as Leaders
2:20 PM - 3:10 PM
2:20 PM
3:10 PM
<p><span style="font-family:'Open Sans';">Join us for a deep dive into the strategies that female professionals can use to transform obstacles into opportunities — and create a fast track for leadership.</span></p>
Monday, March 20, 2023
2023-03-20
Understanding Emissions: What You Need To Know
3:20 PM - 4:10 PM
3:20 PM
4:10 PM
<p><span style="font-family:'Open Sans';">Companies need to educate themselves on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and how to safely switch to cleaner energy-efficient operations. This session will discuss new energy options.</span></p>
Monday, March 20, 2023
2023-03-20
Using Software and Analytics for Site Selection
3:20 PM - 4:10 PM
3:20 PM
4:10 PM
<p><span style="font-family:'Open Sans';">Learn how software, analytics and artificial intelligence are becoming increasingly important in retailers’ site selection decisions.</span></p>
Monday, March 20, 2023
2023-03-20
Top Ways to Attract, Retain & Develop Next-Gen Talent
3:20 PM - 4:10 PM
3:20 PM
4:10 PM
<p><span style="font-family:'Open Sans';">New recruitment and training methods are crucial to cultivate the next-generation of incoming construction professionals. Retailers discuss what it takes to lead, motivate and educate the new, younger workforce, as well as how to inspire employees and boost their professional growth.</span></p>
Monday, March 20, 2023
2023-03-20
How to Drive Exceptional Project Outcomes Via Collaboration
3:20 PM - 4:10 PM
3:20 PM
4:10 PM
<p><span style="font-family:'Open Sans';">Exceptional project outcomes rely on the collaboration from project conception through completion. Learn how design, real estate, construction, and facilities need to be engaged for the best results. Join a panel of retail experts ready to discuss how all disciplines need a seat at the table.</span></p>
Monday, March 20, 2023
2023-03-20
Best Practices: Building and Remodeling a Sustainable Store
3:20 PM - 4:10 PM
3:20 PM
4:10 PM
<p><span style="font-family:'Open Sans';">This session will explore the materials and latest technology used to build, remodel and maintain sustainable stores.</span></p>
Monday, March 20, 2023
2023-03-20
New Trends in Materials and Store Finishes
4:20 PM - 5:10 PM
4:20 PM
5:10 PM
<p><span style="font-family:'Open Sans';">This session will explore new, creative and alternative materials that improve a physical store’s appearance and streamline installation and maintenance.</span></p>
Monday, March 20, 2023
2023-03-20
Diversity Without Tokenism
4:20 PM - 5:10 PM
4:20 PM
5:10 PM
<p><span style="font-family:'Open Sans';">This session will delve into best practices that can transform meaningful diversity goals into an inclusive company culture.</span></p>
Monday, March 20, 2023
2023-03-20
Emergency Response and Readiness
4:20 PM - 5:10 PM
4:20 PM
5:10 PM
<p><span style="font-family:'Open Sans';">This session will focus on the operations and equipment needed to protect the the retail store, customers and employees.</span></p>
Monday, March 20, 2023
2023-03-20
How to Improve Leasing Communication Between Landlords and Tenants
4:20 PM - 5:10 PM
4:20 PM
5:10 PM
<p><span style="font-family:'Open Sans';">Retail experts will share tips on how to best negotiate and collaborate with landlords on new construction and lease renewals, and more.</span></p>
Monday, March 20, 2023
2023-03-20
Project Completion: Punch List & Closeout Best Practices
4:20 PM - 5:10 PM
4:20 PM
5:10 PM
<p><span style="font-family:'Open Sans';">This session will explore solutions to help manage the project closeout process and keep project completion on track. Topics include understanding when a punch list starts, defining what is contract vs. extras, and efficiently using quality control teams.</span></p>
Monday, March 20, 2023
2023-03-20
Women In Retail Networking Reception
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
5:30 PM
6:30 PM
Monday, March 20, 2023
2023-03-20
SPECS 2023 Evening Reception
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
6:30 PM
8:00 PM
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
2023-03-21
Networking Breakfast
7:30 AM - 8:05 AM
7:30 AM
8:05 AM
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
2023-03-21
Breakout Retailers Awards Presentation
8:05 AM - 8:20 AM
8:05 AM
8:20 AM
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
2023-03-21
Keynote Address
8:20 AM - 9:20 AM
8:20 AM
9:20 AM
Emmitt Smith
pro-football Hall of Fame running back businessman and entrepreneur
Emmitt Smith is a professional football icon and one of the greatest to ever play the game. In his 15 seasons as a running back in the National Football League, Smith amassed many records that still stand today, including most career rushing yards and most career rushing touchdowns. Smith’s impressive resume includes three Super Bowl championship rings, and was a cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys offense for 13 seasons.
He surpassed Walter Payton as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. Most recently in 2019, he was selected to the NFL 100 All-Time Team.
After his playing days, Smith served as a football analyst and then took his television career a step further when he won the third season of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, during which he was dubbed “the king of effortless cool.” He also added author to his list of accomplishments, publishing Game On, which outlines the principles that helped him succeed both on and off the field.
Smith then transitioned to the role of businessman and entrepreneur and runs several companies spanning real estate, construction, and technology.
In 2021, Smith became a co-owner of a NASCAR team, partnering with Jesse Iwuji Motorsports for the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series season.
He surpassed Walter Payton as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. Most recently in 2019, he was selected to the NFL 100 All-Time Team.
After his playing days, Smith served as a football analyst and then took his television career a step further when he won the third season of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, during which he was dubbed “the king of effortless cool.” He also added author to his list of accomplishments, publishing Game On, which outlines the principles that helped him succeed both on and off the field.
Smith then transitioned to the role of businessman and entrepreneur and runs several companies spanning real estate, construction, and technology.
In 2021, Smith became a co-owner of a NASCAR team, partnering with Jesse Iwuji Motorsports for the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series season.
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
2023-03-21
THE MAIN STAGE presentation: Meet the Breakout Retailers Award Winners
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
9:45 AM
10:45 AM
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
2023-03-21
Face2Face: Retailer/Exhibitor Information Exchange
<p><span style="font-family:'Open Sans';">Discover how It'Sugar is using unique, immersive design elements to engage customers, as well as how short-term leases are driving expansion for the brand in a fast-changing brick-and-mortar landscape.</span></p>
Jeff Rubin
Founder & CEO
It'Sugar
Jeff Rubin has spent the last 18 years leading the growth of It’Sugar. The first It’Sugar store debuted in 2006 and now the company operates more than 100 locations in the United States and Canada. As the founder and CEO of the brand, which is called the largest specialty candy store chain in the world, Jeff continues to transform how the world experiences candy.
For example, in 2019, Jeff introduced the first ever “candy department store” of “sugary” treats at American Dream in NJ — a three-floor, 23,000-sq.-ft. location. Now the company operates six candy department stores throughout the U.S.
Prior to opening It’Sugar, Jeff co-founded Dylan’s Candy Bar in 2001. In 1995, he created FAO Schweetz candy departments and stores inside and outside of the FAO Schwarz toy stores. Jeff was elected to the Candy Hall of Fame in 2018.
Jonathan Schwartz
VP of Real Estate
It'Sugar
Jonathan Schwartz is the VP of real estate at It’Sugar, a candy retailer that operates immersive "retailtainment" theaters. In this role, Jonathan is responsible for expansion efforts in the United States and internationally, as well as the design and creation of IT'SUGAR's stores.
Before joining It’Sugar, Jonathan worked in various national real estate development positions in the retail, restaurant, and mixed-use development industries. He holds an MBA from Florida Atlantic University and a bachelor's degree in finance and real estate from the University of Central Florida.
Jonathan is actively involved in various community organizations and has been recognized as a top young professional in the business and retail industry.
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
2023-03-21
Supply Chain Planning: Best Practices Looking Ahead
2:20 PM - 3:10 PM
2:20 PM
3:10 PM
<p><span style="font-family:'Open Sans';">This session will explore best practices and how to plan for the new realities of the supply chain including:<br /><br />
• how to navigate implications of multi-year budgets<br />
• the cost of storing materials<br />
• how to plan projects based on volatile lead times</span></p>
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
2023-03-21
Top Retail Center Experiences
2:20 PM - 3:10 PM
2:20 PM
3:10 PM
<p><span style="font-family:'Open Sans';">Take a deeper dive into some of the companies featured in <em>Chain Store Age</em>’s list of top shopping center experiences. Hear from the key decision makers leading the nation's most talked about retail experience.</span></p>
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
2023-03-21
How to Identify and Survey Existing Buildings
2:20 PM - 3:10 PM
2:20 PM
3:10 PM
<p><span style="font-family:'Open Sans';">Conducting surveys gives retailers the insight they need when making decisions about building materials, the presence of defects, and environmental hazards and more. This session will discuss the importance of using surveys and what to look for.</span></p>
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
2023-03-21
In-house vs. Outsourced Facility Management Services: Options, Opportunities and Outcomes
2:20 PM - 3:10 PM
2:20 PM
3:10 PM
<p><span style="font-family:'Open Sans';">This session explores the pros and cons of each approach as they relate to budgets, tax implications, scheduling flexibility, and more.</span></p>
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
2023-03-21
Facilities: Using Technology to Improve Maintenance Operations
3:20 PM - 4:10 PM
3:20 PM
4:10 PM
<p><span style="font-family:'Open Sans';">From smart technologies to connected devices, retailers are streamlining facilities operations and making more proactive decisions. Learn how merging predictive analytics with smart equipment provides more efficiently managed facilities.</span></p>
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
2023-03-21
Construction: The Latest Strategies to Keep Projects on Schedule
3:20 PM - 4:10 PM
3:20 PM
4:10 PM
<p><span style="font-family:'Open Sans';">Retailers will discuss the latest strategies and solutions needed to contain costs and keep projects on schedule.</span></p>
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
2023-03-21
Equipment Tips: Maintaining & Replacing in Challenging Times
3:20 PM - 4:10 PM
3:20 PM
4:10 PM
<p><span style="font-family:'Open Sans';">Learn new strategies to troubleshoot, “triage” and keep equipment running in emergency situations.</span></p>
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
2023-03-21
Leveraging Roof Space for Profit – and Sustainability
3:20 PM - 4:10 PM
3:20 PM
4:10 PM
<p><span style="font-family:'Open Sans';">Rooftops offer new opportunities to lease space to third party solar panel providers. Retail experts discuss the profitability and sustainability benefits that solar leasing programs offer.</span></p>
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
2023-03-21
New Strategies for Successful Experiences
3:20 PM - 4:10 PM
3:20 PM
4:10 PM
<p><span style="font-family:'Open Sans';">Learn about the top trends and innovations impacting how retailers are reimagining their store experiences.</span></p>
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
2023-03-21
Exhibitor Wrap-up Meeting
3:45 PM - 4:15 PM
3:45 PM
4:15 PM
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
2023-03-21
THE MAIN STAGE presentation
4:20 PM - 5:10 PM
4:20 PM
5:10 PM
<p><span style="font-family:'Open Sans';">Called “The Futurist," <strong>Ian Khan</strong> highlights how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics and automation, are transforming and future-proofing business operations.</span></p>
Ian Khan
Futurist
Ian Khan is a Metaverse, Web 3 Author, Keynote Speaker & Futurist. Featured on BBC, CNN, Fox, Bloomberg, Forbes and a Future Readiness pioneer. Created the Future Readiness Score, he is a highly prolific thought leader who has worked with clients including Intel, ServiceNow, Microsoft, Telus and hundreds of leading organizations.