Schedule

What better way to spend Sunday morning than playing one of Palm Springs’ most notable destination courses? Take a swing at one of the generous tee prizes and enjoy lunch, refreshments, and on-course contests, hosted by The Illuminators. All proceeds benefit The Illuminators Educational Foundation and Scholarship Program.

Sponsored by Post Consumer Brands

Sponsored by Alta Dena Certified Dairy

The CGA Strategic Conference begins with an opening session that promises to be more of an opening experience. This must-attend kick off is guaranteed to provide you with inspiration for the next two days and will seamlessly blend into the Opening Reception.  Don’t miss it!

Speaker:

Vinh Giang

Sponsored by E & J Gallo Winery

Renew acquaintances and make new contacts in the relaxed, social atmosphere of the CGA Opening Reception.  This entertaining evening is a great opportunity to network and build relationships at the single largest gathering of the California grocery industry.

Sunday evening’s networking doesn’t end at the Opening Reception.  Grab your newfound friends and retire to the picturesque setting of the Renaissance Palm Springs Resort pool for a casual after-hours mixer.

Sponsored by Post Consumer Brands

Provided by The Illuminators

Sponsored by the CGA Educational Foundation

To the drawing board! These loose, intimate sessions are designed to get collaboration flowing. In two energizing, back-to-back 45-minute sessions, facilitated by industry veterans, these strategy brainstorming discussions allow you to learn, share and contribute to industry best practices. Bring your insights, experience, questions and energy and participate in your choice of two topics organized by area of industry interest.

Speakers:

Ken Fenyo, Andrew McQuilkin, Sue Toy, Dr. Ricky Volpe, Larry Miller

CGA’s signature General Session features state-of-the-industry addresses from CGA President & CEO Ronald Fong, CGA Board Chairman Bob Parriott and The Illuminators Headlight Paul Kamholz.  Their remarks will be followed by the conference General Session presentation.

Speaker:

Peter Sheahan

Provided by The Illuminators

Independent operators attending the CGA Strategic Conference are encouraged to gather for this highly informative and tailored session featuring educational content tailored to independent grocers.

Speaker:

Christy Largent

Loss prevention, safety and risk management professionals attending the CGA Strategic Conference gather for a customized educational track featuring a schedule of presentations on emerging issues such as shrink & fraud, technology & cybercrime, and employee safety best practices.

Speakers:

Garrison Wynn, Kevin Bland, Suni Shamapande

After a productive day of meetings, join your colleagues for a sip of bourbon inspired cocktails and craft brews followed by the always entertaining and un-convention-al, Illuminators’ “Special Event”.

Provided by The Illuminators

Back by popular demand, CGA proudly presents three thought-provoking, TED-style presentations by uncommon voices that promise to challenge your thinking about our industry and where things are headed.  These provocative presentations will spark conversations about the disruptions occurring today and the future of the food business.

Speakers:

Josh Domingues, Mike Lee, Brad Oberwager

The loss prevention executive gathering continues. Hear from some of the top practitioners in the discipline, learn new best practices and how to adapting today’s new demands in supermarket loss prevention, safety and risk management.

Gerry Garcia, Shaddi Kamiabipour, Eduardo Ugarte

Provided by The Illuminators

Sponsored by the California Table Grape Commission

After a delicious lunch provided by The Illuminators, get ready for bright ideas and bold strategies from one of the top minds in the game. Our keynote presentation will provide an energizing conclusion to this year’s educational program.

Speaker:

Kindra Hall