Agenda
Retail Brands Presenting
Explore consumer insights with KPMG Canada tools and resources.

September 19, 2023
Networking Breakfast – Soco Ballroom
Enjoy breakfast while connecting with old friends and colleagues. Be sure to stop by the WoW Activation booth to capture a group photo – Join the excitement, snap a pic, and make sure the fun is forever cherished!
Networking Breakfast – Soco Ballroom
September 19, 2023
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM EST
Enjoy breakfast while connecting with old friends and colleagues. Be sure to stop by the WoW Activation booth to capture a group photo – Join the excitement, snap a pic, and make sure the fun is forever cherished!
Welcoming Remarks – Soco Ballroom

Diane J. Brisebois
President and CEO
Retail Council of Canada

Santo Ligotti
VP of Member Services and Marketing
Retail Council of Canada

Welcoming Remarks – Soco Ballroom
September 19, 2023
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM EST
Sponsored by:

Speaking:

Diane J. Brisebois
President and CEO
Retail Council of Canada

Santo Ligotti
VP of Member Services and Marketing
Retail Council of Canada
Modern Marketing: Where Storytelling Meets Community – Soco Ballroom
Marketing | Building Community | Breakthrough Campaigns
Discover how today’s strongest retail marketing campaigns are being built on contemporary storytelling that sparks conversations. Learn to amplify your brand by engaging directly with your customer community, ensuring your message doesn’t just reach, but truly resonates. Dive into the essentials that make modern marketing click in an ever-evolving landscape.

Jake Karls
Co-Founder & Rainmaker
Mid-Day Squares

Ashley Freeborn
Founder & CEO
Smash + Tess

Kathy Tsolakos
VP Marketing, Ecommerce, Visual Presentation
PENN

Jeff Topol
Creative Strategy Director
TikTok
Modern Marketing: Where Storytelling Meets Community – Soco Ballroom
September 19, 2023
8:45 AM - 9:25 AM EST
Marketing | Building Community | Breakthrough Campaigns
Discover how today’s strongest retail marketing campaigns are being built on contemporary storytelling that sparks conversations. Learn to amplify your brand by engaging directly with your customer community, ensuring your message doesn’t just reach, but truly resonates. Dive into the essentials that make modern marketing click in an ever-evolving landscape.
Speaking:

Jake Karls
Co-Founder & Rainmaker
Mid-Day Squares

Ashley Freeborn
Founder & CEO
Smash + Tess

Kathy Tsolakos
VP Marketing, Ecommerce, Visual Presentation
PENN

Jeff Topol
Creative Strategy Director
TikTok
Ethical Insights: Personalizing Customer Experience with Privacy in Mind – Soco Ballroom

Jan Kestle
President and Founder
Environics Analytics
Data & Analytics | Personalization | Privacy
Get to know your customers like never before using data-driven insights while also keeping privacy considerations front and center. Learn how combining various data streams — such as lifestyle preferences and favorite shopping destinations — can help you to truly tap into your customers’ desires. Environics Analytics’ Jan Kestle will explain her views on a collaborative approach to data, emphasizing the notion of ‘data for good.’ Explore practical and ethical ways to leverage data to build brands and boost sales.

Ethical Insights: Personalizing Customer Experience with Privacy in Mind – Soco Ballroom
September 19, 2023
9:25 AM - 9:50 AM EST
Data & Analytics | Personalization | Privacy
Get to know your customers like never before using data-driven insights while also keeping privacy considerations front and center. Learn how combining various data streams — such as lifestyle preferences and favorite shopping destinations — can help you to truly tap into your customers’ desires. Environics Analytics’ Jan Kestle will explain her views on a collaborative approach to data, emphasizing the notion of ‘data for good.’ Explore practical and ethical ways to leverage data to build brands and boost sales.
Sponsored by:

Speaking:

Jan Kestle
President and Founder
Environics Analytics
Crafting Content using AI That’s Unmistakably ‘Your Brand’ – Soco Ballroom

Orli Millstein
Director, Content Strategy
DAC
Fast Five Sponsor Highlight
Want to use AI in your marketing without losing your brand’s special spark? Explore how to keep your brand’s unique voice alive with AI-powered content. Learn the techniques to ensure your content resonates with your audience and still feels unmistakably ‘you.’ Get ready for a session filled with inspiration and practical insights!

Crafting Content using AI That’s Unmistakably ‘Your Brand’ – Soco Ballroom
September 19, 2023
9:50 AM - 9:55 AM EST
Fast Five Sponsor Highlight
Want to use AI in your marketing without losing your brand’s special spark? Explore how to keep your brand’s unique voice alive with AI-powered content. Learn the techniques to ensure your content resonates with your audience and still feels unmistakably ‘you.’ Get ready for a session filled with inspiration and practical insights!
Sponsored by:

Speaking:

Orli Millstein
Director, Content Strategy
DAC
Brand Devotion: The Global Perspective on Customer Loyalty – Soco Ballroom

Jemima Miller
Global Head of CRM
The Body Shop
Loyalty | Consumer Insights | Global Retail
In today’s interconnected and hypercompetitive global marketplace, customer loyalty has become a paramount focus for businesses across industries. Jemima Miller, Global Head of CRM with The Body Shop shares observations garnered from customer loyalty trends in international markets. Discover practical insights and original strategies that create opportunities to gain a competitive edge and unlock the key to long-term customer loyalty in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Brand Devotion: The Global Perspective on Customer Loyalty – Soco Ballroom
September 19, 2023
9:55 AM - 10:20 AM EST
Loyalty | Consumer Insights | Global Retail
In today’s interconnected and hypercompetitive global marketplace, customer loyalty has become a paramount focus for businesses across industries. Jemima Miller, Global Head of CRM with The Body Shop shares observations garnered from customer loyalty trends in international markets. Discover practical insights and original strategies that create opportunities to gain a competitive edge and unlock the key to long-term customer loyalty in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Speaking:

Jemima Miller
Global Head of CRM
The Body Shop
A Marketer’s Guide to Seamless Customer Retail Journeys – Soco Ballroom
Omnichannel l Customer Experience l Unified Commerce
In an era where unified commerce is not just a trend but an expectation, marketers face the ongoing challenge of seamlessly blending online and in-person experiences. This lively panel discussion analyses into the strategies of today’s leading brands as they craft unforgettable, unified customer experiences. Get a firsthand look at how to conquer operational obstacles, integrate true omnichannel approaches, and utilize the cutting-edge technologies that are making the mark. Explore the next level of customer engagement and how to make it real for your brand.

Janelle Shiplett
Chief Marketing Officer
House of L R & C

Jean-Michel Maltais
Senior VP, Omnichannel
New Look Vision Group

Alison Hartnoll
VP, Unified Commerce and Marketing
Mastermind Toys

Sachin Arora
Managing Director
Next Commerce
A Marketer’s Guide to Seamless Customer Retail Journeys – Soco Ballroom
September 19, 2023
10:20 AM - 10:55 AM EST
Omnichannel l Customer Experience l Unified Commerce
In an era where unified commerce is not just a trend but an expectation, marketers face the ongoing challenge of seamlessly blending online and in-person experiences. This lively panel discussion analyses into the strategies of today’s leading brands as they craft unforgettable, unified customer experiences. Get a firsthand look at how to conquer operational obstacles, integrate true omnichannel approaches, and utilize the cutting-edge technologies that are making the mark. Explore the next level of customer engagement and how to make it real for your brand.
Speaking:

Janelle Shiplett
Chief Marketing Officer
House of L R & C

Jean-Michel Maltais
Senior VP, Omnichannel
New Look Vision Group

Alison Hartnoll
VP, Unified Commerce and Marketing
Mastermind Toys

Sachin Arora
Managing Director
Next Commerce
Optimizing Your Digital Advertising Strategies: Stay Agile, Perform Better – Soco Ballroom
Advertising | Privacy | Digital Strategy
Chart a bold course through the Canadian retail digital advertising terrain with perspectives from Sonia Carreno, President of the Interactive Advertising Bureau of Canada (IAB). Uncover the vital trends in digital media, advertising tracking, and privacy regulations, and how they can all be woven into a comprehensive digital advertising strategy. Walk away with actionable knowledge to bolster your advertising strategies, accomplish your objectives, and stay relevant amid the fast-paced digital evolution.

Sonia Carreno
President
IAB Canada

Santo Ligotti
VP of Member Services and Marketing
Retail Council of Canada
Optimizing Your Digital Advertising Strategies: Stay Agile, Perform Better – Soco Ballroom
September 19, 2023
10:55 AM - 11:15 AM EST
Advertising | Privacy | Digital Strategy
Chart a bold course through the Canadian retail digital advertising terrain with perspectives from Sonia Carreno, President of the Interactive Advertising Bureau of Canada (IAB). Uncover the vital trends in digital media, advertising tracking, and privacy regulations, and how they can all be woven into a comprehensive digital advertising strategy. Walk away with actionable knowledge to bolster your advertising strategies, accomplish your objectives, and stay relevant amid the fast-paced digital evolution.
Speaking:

Sonia Carreno
President
IAB Canada

Santo Ligotti
VP of Member Services and Marketing
Retail Council of Canada
Networking Break – Soco Foyer
Enjoy networking and refreshments with fellow attendees.

Networking Break – Soco Foyer
September 19, 2023
11:15 AM - 11:45 AM EST
Enjoy networking and refreshments with fellow attendees.
Sponsored by:

Digital Merchandising & Local Deals for Pre-Shop Success – Kensington A

Digital Merchandising & Local Deals for Pre-Shop Success – Kensington A
September 19, 2023
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM EST
Explore the art of balancing print advertising with digital merchandising content strategies to highlight your best local savings and deals. Join Matthew Cheung, Managing Director of Solutions, and Adam Halim, SVP of Product & Marketing with Flipp, as they explore the methods used by Canada’s top retailers. Learn how these trailblazers have adapted their print strategies, introduced digital-first experiences, and achieved remarkable results.
Sponsored by:

Speaking:

Matthew Cheung
Managing Director, Solutions
Flipp

Adam Halim
Senior VP, Product & Marketing
Flipp
Linking Branding and Closing: The Attribution Connection – Kensington B

Linking Branding and Closing: The Attribution Connection – Kensington B
September 19, 2023
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM EST
Many brands today are missing out on harnessing the power of omnichannel media attribution to optimize ad spend. MIQ Digital profiles leading Canadian retailer Mejuri, sharing how they grew sales within just 4 weeks by seamlessly integrating branding and performance strategies through omnichannel media attribution. This session highlights a real-world success story, shedding light on proven tactics to enhance critical peak season campaigns. Discover how to optimize your ad spend, reshape your advertising strategies, and maximize results.
Sponsored by:

Speaking:

Jason Furlano
SVP Commercial
MiQ Canada

Joe Peters
Chief Operations Officer
MiQ Canada
Networking Lunch – Soco Foyer/Ballroom
Connect with your fellow attendees and chat with speakers over lunch or attend the lunch and learn session. Be sure to visit the WoW Activation booth to capture a group photo.
Networking Lunch – Soco Foyer/Ballroom
September 19, 2023
12:30 PM - 1:45 PM EST
Connect with your fellow attendees and chat with speakers over lunch or attend the lunch and learn session. Be sure to visit the WoW Activation booth to capture a group photo.
Putting an End to the Print vs. Digital Debate – Soco Ballroom

Patrick Brayley
SVP, Printing Sector
TC Transcontinental
Lunch and Learn
Print and Digital have often been presented against one another, but research shows that Canadians prefer to combine both in their pre-shopping experience. This session will explore the relationship between print and digital flyers and present the product innovations that will shape the future of the retail flyer.

Putting an End to the Print vs. Digital Debate – Soco Ballroom
September 19, 2023
12:45 PM - 1:05 PM EST
Lunch and Learn
Print and Digital have often been presented against one another, but research shows that Canadians prefer to combine both in their pre-shopping experience. This session will explore the relationship between print and digital flyers and present the product innovations that will shape the future of the retail flyer.
Sponsored by:

Speaking:

Patrick Brayley
SVP, Printing Sector
TC Transcontinental
How AI Technology Will Drive Greater Efficiency, Better Personalization, and Superior Customer Experiences – Kensington A

How AI Technology Will Drive Greater Efficiency, Better Personalization, and Superior Customer Experiences – Kensington A
September 19, 2023
1:45 PM - 2:30 PM EST
Learn about the practical applications of A.I. as they apply to the most critical aspects of a brick-and-mortar retail operation, from efficient space allocation and inventory management to localized merchandising and increased personalization. We will also discuss the future possibilities and challenges of leveraging A.I. in retail, and what retailers can do today to prepare for the fast-approaching A.I. revolution. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable, actionable insights for your retail business.
Sponsored by:

Speaking:

David Pullara
Chief Marketing Officer
Optimum Retailing

Lia Grimberg
Principal
Radicle Loyalty

Jim Yates
Retail Strategist
How to Win in a Changing Loyalty Landscape – Kensington B
How to Win in a Changing Loyalty Landscape – Kensington B
September 19, 2023
1:45 PM - 2:30 PM EST
In today’s hyper-competitive marketing landscape, nurturing customer loyalty is of utmost importance. Join Dan Howe, Chief Marketing Officer of Pattison Food Group, and Larissa Wasyliw, VP Ecommerce & Marketing at Ren’s Pets, in conversation with retail marketing expert Tara Conway. Discover how they are cultivating loyalty through customer-centric marketing strategies that enhance brand loyalty by placing a strong emphasis on the customer experience across all touch points. After this session, you’ll be invigorated with fresh insights on contemporary brand loyalty and inspired ideas on how to prioritize customer-centric approaches in your own marketing endeavors.
Speaking:

Dan Howe
Chief Marketing Officer
Pattison Food Group

Larissa Wasyliw
VP Ecommerce & Marketing
Ren’s Pets

Tara Conway
Retail Strategist
Networking Break – Soco Foyer
Enjoy networking and refreshments with fellow attendees.

Networking Break – Soco Foyer
September 19, 2023
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM EST
Enjoy networking and refreshments with fellow attendees.
Sponsored by:

Mindful Leadership: Leading an Inspired Retail Team – Soco Ballroom
Innovation | Leadership | Marketing
Want to ignite creativity within your team? Join Johnny Russo, author of ‘Mastering Mindful Leadership’, and Chris Parsons, Home Hardware’s Senior Director Omni-Channel Marketing & Strategic Insights and former host of the ‘Delivering eCommerce Podcast’, as they introduce novel and forward-thinking leadership techniques. Tailored for Canadian retail marketing teams, they’ll explore how to build an inspired workforce ready for the future.

Johnny Russo
Chief Digital Officer
Lamour and MLG brands

Chris Parsons
Senior Director Omni-Channel Marketing & Strategic Insights
Home Hardware
Mindful Leadership: Leading an Inspired Retail Team – Soco Ballroom
September 19, 2023
3:00 PM - 3:25 PM EST
Innovation | Leadership | Marketing
Want to ignite creativity within your team? Join Johnny Russo, author of ‘Mastering Mindful Leadership’, and Chris Parsons, Home Hardware’s Senior Director Omni-Channel Marketing & Strategic Insights and former host of the ‘Delivering eCommerce Podcast’, as they introduce novel and forward-thinking leadership techniques. Tailored for Canadian retail marketing teams, they’ll explore how to build an inspired workforce ready for the future.
Speaking:

Johnny Russo
Chief Digital Officer
Lamour and MLG brands

Chris Parsons
Senior Director Omni-Channel Marketing & Strategic Insights
Home Hardware
Staying Competitive with Insights that Inform and Drive Action – Soco Ballroom

Kevin Laleyan
Director
MicroStrategy
Fast Five Sponsor Highlight
With increasing consumer expectations and new digital channels, competitive retailers thrive on having high quality, reliable data for reporting and predictive model accuracy. In this session see how retailers are leveraging the Microstrategy analytics solution to access real-time data and cross-functional adoption of critical dashboards that are essential to measuring KPIs.

Staying Competitive with Insights that Inform and Drive Action – Soco Ballroom
September 19, 2023
3:25 PM - 3:30 PM EST
Fast Five Sponsor Highlight
With increasing consumer expectations and new digital channels, competitive retailers thrive on having high quality, reliable data for reporting and predictive model accuracy. In this session see how retailers are leveraging the Microstrategy analytics solution to access real-time data and cross-functional adoption of critical dashboards that are essential to measuring KPIs.
Sponsored by:

Speaking:

Kevin Laleyan
Director
MicroStrategy
The Social Shopper’s Playbook: Inside the Consumer’s Mind – Soco Ballroom
Consumer Insights | Social Media | eCommerce
Social shopping is not just a buzzword, it’s a vital part of modern eCommerce. Ransom Hawley, CEO of Caddle, and Jessica Lee, VP Influencer Marketing at Edelman Canada share the consumer insights that are shaping social buying and reveal where untapped opportunities reside in social media. By weaving together social media learnings and consumer behavior, you can craft strategies that resonate with shoppers and transform your online sales. Don’t miss this chance to better understand social shopping and how to leverage it for your retail success.

Ransom Hawley
CEO
Caddle

Jessica Lee
VP Influencer Marketing
Edelman Canada

Julia Hood
Account Director, Influencer Marketing
Edelman Canada

The Social Shopper’s Playbook: Inside the Consumer’s Mind – Soco Ballroom
September 19, 2023
3:30 PM - 3:55 PM EST
Consumer Insights | Social Media | eCommerce
Social shopping is not just a buzzword, it’s a vital part of modern eCommerce. Ransom Hawley, CEO of Caddle, and Jessica Lee, VP Influencer Marketing at Edelman Canada share the consumer insights that are shaping social buying and reveal where untapped opportunities reside in social media. By weaving together social media learnings and consumer behavior, you can craft strategies that resonate with shoppers and transform your online sales. Don’t miss this chance to better understand social shopping and how to leverage it for your retail success.
Sponsored by:

Speaking:

Ransom Hawley
CEO
Caddle

Jessica Lee
VP Influencer Marketing
Edelman Canada

Julia Hood
Account Director, Influencer Marketing
Edelman Canada
AI in Retail: Navigating the Crossroads of Marketing, Legal, and Technology – Soco Ballroom
AI | Marketing Strategy | Retail Technology
AI is a transformative force in retail, affecting everything from marketing strategies to legal considerations. This session will navigate the dynamic landscape of AI, touching on customization, predictive analytics, content ownership, and even organizational values. An expert panel from diverse fields like marketing, legal, technology providers, and agencies will explore the readily available AI tools, future experimental trends, the development of AI principles, and the balance between innovation and ethical boundaries. Learn valuable perspectives into the short-term gains and long-term visions for AI in retail.

Christine Andrew
Managing Director for Strategy & Digital
KPMG

Xavier Beauchamp-Tremblay
Regional Lead, Legal Transformation
KPMG

Arthur Fleischmann
Country Manager
WPP

Jamie Gargatsougias
Head of Direct-to-Consumer Retail
AI in Retail: Navigating the Crossroads of Marketing, Legal, and Technology – Soco Ballroom
September 19, 2023
3:55 PM - 4:30 PM EST
AI | Marketing Strategy | Retail Technology
AI is a transformative force in retail, affecting everything from marketing strategies to legal considerations. This session will navigate the dynamic landscape of AI, touching on customization, predictive analytics, content ownership, and even organizational values. An expert panel from diverse fields like marketing, legal, technology providers, and agencies will explore the readily available AI tools, future experimental trends, the development of AI principles, and the balance between innovation and ethical boundaries. Learn valuable perspectives into the short-term gains and long-term visions for AI in retail.
Speaking:

Christine Andrew
Managing Director for Strategy & Digital
KPMG

Xavier Beauchamp-Tremblay
Regional Lead, Legal Transformation
KPMG

Arthur Fleischmann
Country Manager
WPP

Jamie Gargatsougias
Head of Direct-to-Consumer Retail
Networking Reception – Soco Foyer
Stay for the networking cocktail reception to debrief the day with your fellow attendees and speakers. Be sure to make some new connections and capture this amazing moment with a group photo at the WoW Activation booth.

Networking Reception – Soco Foyer
September 19, 2023
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM EST
Stay for the networking cocktail reception to debrief the day with your fellow attendees and speakers. Be sure to make some new connections and capture this amazing moment with a group photo at the WoW Activation booth.
Sponsored by:

Interested in having a presence and sharing your brand story at the Retail Marketing Conference 2023?
Contact Sponsorship@retailcouncil.org for more information.