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Agenda

  • Registration & Welcome
    8:00 AM - 8:30 AMRegistration
    Registration, Vendor Networking & Scholarship Auction Preview.
    8:30 AM - 8:45 AMBreakfast, Welcome & Annual Meetings
    Morning Session
    8:45 AM - 9:30 AMStephen Smith, President and CEO of L.L.Bean
    "L.L.Bean. Be An Outsider." is not just slogan but a way of life and personal purpose for L.L. ean. Enabling people to experience the restorative power of being outside is the primary focus of the company’s values and integrated into everything they do. You'll come away with positive energy and an irresistible desire to just get outside!

    Stephen Smith

    President and CEO of L.L.Bean

    9:30 AM - 9:50 AMRAM Retailer of the Year
    9:50 AM - 11:05 AMWorkplace Safety: Mitigate and De-escalate Threats
    Knowing how to resolve a workplace crisis is crucial for all businesses these days. Bob Tiner, Regional Asset Protection Manager and John Carr, the Director of Asset Protection with Hannaford, share their expertise on how to safely mitigate and de-escalate a threat in the workplace. In this information-packed session, you'll learn how to recognize potential conflicts which may jeopardize workplace safety, and how to handle an unexpected disruptive event.

    Bob Tiner

    Regional Asset Protection Manager at Hannaford Supermarkets

    John Carr

    Director of Regional Asset Protection at Hannaford Supermarkets

    11:05 AM - 11:25 AMMorning Break
    Network with exhibitors and place your Silent Auction bids!
    Keynote Speaker
    11:25 AM - 12:25 PMBreaking Waves & Barriers: Cole Brauer - First American woman to race solo nonstop around the world
    Experience the incredible journey of Cole Brauer, the 29-year-old Boothbay Harbor sailor, who braved three oceans and extreme elements on a 130-day voyage alone at sea to become the first American woman to race solo nonstop around the world! Her amazing story will certainly inspire you and may even launch you on your own journey of exploration!

    Cole Brauer Special Guest Speaker

    First American Woman to sail solo nonstop around the world!

    12:30 PM - 12:45 PMLunch
    12:45 PM - 1:30 PMMGFPA Impact Award, RAM Jim McGregor & NHRA Retailer of the Year Award Presentations
    1:30 PM - 1:45 PMRelocate for Breakout Sessions!
    Afternoon Breakout Session: A
    1:45 PM - 2:35 PMRoundtable Talk! Gain insights; share a solution!
    Join us for lively discussion of current issues facing Maine & New Hampshire businesses today. Your opinion matters! These discussions will provide a valuable networking opportunity and fresh perspective to help your business thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace.

    Full Topics & Details Coming Soon!
    2:35 PM - 2:45 PMRelocate & Silent Auction Last Call
    Final time to bid on Scholarship Items and connect with exhibitors!
    Afternoon Breakout Session: B
    1:45 PM - 2:35 PMHow to Recognize & Respond to an Opioid Overdose
    Join us for a crucial training session on combating the opioid crisis in Maine, where over 9,000 overdoses occurred last year. Arielle Gross, MPH, a Harm Reductionist at Portland Public Health, will lead this session, providing vital insights into the overdose crisis in our state. Attendees will learn how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and effectively respond using naloxone (Narcan), a life-saving medication now available over the counter. This training is essential for anyone looking to make a difference in their community and save lives. *Naloxone will be provided for free for those attending this breakout session.

    Arielle Gross, MPH

    Harm Reduction Services at Portland Public Health

    2:35 PM - 2:45 PMRelocate & Silent Auction Last Call
    Final time to bid on Scholarship Items and connect with exhibitors!
    Afternoon Session
    2:45 PM - 3:45 PM7 Things Your Company Should Be Doing With AI
    Professionals have embraced AI in the workplace, but many companies are not ready for it. Join Beth Z, Your Nerdy Best Friend, for an overview of the challenges of AI in your business and how to put your company and employees on the right path to increased productivity and decreased stress. Join this program to discover:
    - Why you need an AI policy (and what goes into one)
    - How AI can replace tasks (not jobs)
    - What goes into an “AI Day”
    - How to protect your company’s data
    - When to talk about the AI ethics

    Beth Ziesenis

    AI Keynote Speaker | Tech Guru | Founder of Find Your Inner Nerd Day at Your Nerdy Best Friend

    3:45 PM - 4:00 PMFinal Thoughts & Departure

Summary

Join the Retail Association of Maine, Maine Grocers and Food Producers Association, and New Hampshire Retail Association for Summit 2024 - an experience of exploration, innovation, and inspiration with exceptional educational sessions and special guest speakers! This exciting event will be held at L.L.Bean's corporate headquarters in Freeport, Maine. Learn from local and national leaders, connect with business colleagues, and enjoy a private tour of L.L.Bean's new, innovative corporate space.


EVENT ATTIRE: Come as you are. Dress comfortably, wear what makes you feel your best and for those who want to embrace the outdoorsy spirit of L.L.Bean, 'Dress like an Outsider'! We invite you to dress like an outsider – think classic flannels, cozy sweaters, sturdy boots, and layers fit for a Maine adventure. Let's channel that timeless, rugged "L.L.Bean look" while enjoying a day of inspiration and networking!"

Speakers

  • Stephen Smith (President and CEO of L.L.Bean)

    Stephen Smith

    President and CEO of L.L.Bean

    Read Bio
  • Cole Brauer Special Guest Speaker (First American Woman to sail solo nonstop around the world!)

    Cole Brauer Special Guest Speaker

    First American Woman to sail solo nonstop around the world!

    Read Bio
  • Bob Tiner (Regional Asset Protection Manager at Hannaford Supermarkets)

    Bob Tiner

    Regional Asset Protection Manager at Hannaford Supermarkets

    Read Bio
  • John Carr (Director of Regional Asset Protection at Hannaford Supermarkets)

    John Carr

    Director of Regional Asset Protection at Hannaford Supermarkets

    Read Bio
  • Arielle Gross, MPH (Harm Reduction Services at Portland Public Health)

    Arielle Gross, MPH

    Harm Reduction Services at Portland Public Health

    Read Bio
  • Beth Ziesenis (AI Keynote Speaker | Tech Guru | Founder of Find Your Inner Nerd Day at Your Nerdy Best Friend)

    Beth Ziesenis

    AI Keynote Speaker | Tech Guru | Founder of Find Your Inner Nerd Day at Your Nerdy Best Friend

    Read Bio

Tours & Welcome Reception

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16th


Flagship Retail Store Tour (1pm - 2pm):  For the Flagship store tour, park anywhere on the store campus and meet up at 1pm at the Big Bean boot at the main entrance of the Flagship store.  Join us for access to the inner workings of an iconic brand with a behind-the-scenes tour of L.L.Bean's flagship retail store including the history of the brand and store, operational strategy for the 24-hour operation, translation of the brand to sales floor (merchandising approach), customer engagement programs, plus employee engagement programs (hiring, retention, and fun)! Email amy@retailmaine.org or ariana@retailmaine.org with questions.


Free Time, Retail Therapy, Hotel Check-In (2pm - 4pm)


Corporate Headquarters Tour (4pm - 5pm):  For the Corporate Headquarters Tour, check in at the Welcome Reception at L.L.Bean's Corporate Headquarters Courtyard. Group tour will begin from the Welcome Reception area at 4pm.  You'll get an exclusive tour of the 390,000 square-foot campus designed to inspire employee collaboration and promote well-being through a connection to nature. See first hand the decorative elements inspired by iconic L.L.Bean products, including a triple-stitch wall motif honoring the L.L.Bean Boot, the human-scale mural of birch trees inspired by nearby Acadia National park's Jesup Trail, plus the product-testing lab, retail simulation lab and creative production studio! Email amy@retailmaine.org or ariana@retailmaine.org with questions.



Welcome Reception (5pm - 7pm): The tours will be followed by our Welcome Reception at L.L.Bean's Corporate Headquarters' Courtyard; savor Maine food pairings, corn hole, roast s'mores made with Wilbur's Chocolates by the fire, and enjoy a cash bar.


The L.L.Bean Boot Mobile will be onsite both for the Welcome Reception and the Summit.


Complimentary admission - be sure to indicate your attendance in the Conference Registration.


L.L.Bean - Corporate Headquarters

15 Casco Street

Freeport, Maine

Ticket Details

RAM, MGFPA, NH Retail MEMBER TICKET

Enjoy a full day of learning with our special guest speakers, business experts and leaders. Connect with colleagues and explore ideas. Registration includes complimentary admission to the Reception on Oct 16th, plus Breakfast & Lunch at the Summit Oct 17th.

Bringing more than 1 attendee? Please complete a 'Member Additional Guest Ticket' for each attendee. Only $100 for each additional attendee from the same company.

$125
RAM, MGFPA, NH Retail MEMBER - ADDITIONAL GUEST TICKET(S)

When you purchase one RAM, MGFPA, or NH Retail Member Ticket at $125, you may register up to 10 additional employees from your company at $100 each. Please complete a 'Member Additional Guest Ticket' for each attendee.

Registration includes complimentary admission to Reception on Oct 16th, plus Breakfast & Lunch at the Summit Oct 17th.

$100
NON-MEMBER TICKET

Enjoy a full day of learning with our special guest speakers, business experts and leaders. Connect with colleagues and explore ideas. Registration includes complimentary admission to the Reception on Oct 16th, plus Breakfast & Lunch at the Summit Oct 17th.

Bringing more than 1 attendee? Please complete a 'Non-Member Additional Guest Ticket' for each attendee. Only $100 for each additional attendee from the same company.

$150
NON-MEMBER - ADDITIONAL GUEST TICKET(S)

When you purchase one Non-Member Ticket at $150, you may register up to 10 additional employees from your company at $100 each. Please complete a 'Non-Member Additional Guest Ticket' for each attendee.

Registration includes complimentary admission to the Reception on Oct 16th, plus Breakfast & Lunch at the Summit on Oct 17th.

$100

Hotel Block Information

We're pleased to recommend hotel rooms at the Hampton Inn Freeport/Brunswick. Room Block $179, plus tax through Sunday, Sept. 29th.


Address: 194 Lower Main Street, Freeport, ME 04032

Phone: (207) 865-1400 


Reservations are encouraged, you can reserve your room online hereor by calling the hotel directly.

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