All-star retail lineup on tap for DSN Industry Issues conference

You could call it a who’s who of the industry.

With a record-breaking crowd expected on hand, The Drug Store News Group has assembled an all-star lineup of some of the leading retail merchants and marketers in the industry for its 15th annual Industry Issues conference next month. All that and brand-building genius and TV celebrity Daymond John of ABC’s “Shark Tank” will deliver the exclusive lunchtime keynote.

Scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 3 in New York at the historic New York Athletic Club, the full-day event of thought leadership and prime networking opportunities will include three exclusive panel discussions:

•  Industry Issues Summit: Moderated by Dan Mack, EVP strategic business development for the Swanson Group and managing director of the Mack Elevation Forum, the lineup of retailers includes:

-  Judy Sansone, CVS Caremark;

-  Jason Reiser, Family Dollar;

-  Mary Kelly, Rexall;

-  Bill Bergin, Rite Aid;

-  Jill Turner-Mitchael, Sam’s Club;

-  Doug Stukenborg, Target;

-  Robert Tompkins, Walgreens; and

-  Carmen Bauza, Walmart;

•  Health, Wellness and Technology Summit: Moderated by McKesson SVP corporate strategy and development Chris Dimos, panelists include:

-  Will Abbott, CVS Caremark;

-  Craig Norman, H-E-B;

-  Robert Thompson, Rite Aid;

-  Jeff Brown, Walmart; and

-  John Fegan, Winn Dixie; and

•  Diabetes and Chronic Care Roundtable: Moderated by Hamacher Resource Group VP Dave Wendland, panelists include:

-  Raymond McCall, Ahold USA;

-  AJ Caffenztis, Family Pharmacy / Amerisource Bergen;

-  Mike Mastromonica, Costco;

-  Leon Nevers, H-E-B;

-  Chuck Wilson, Health Mart / McKesson;

-  Debbie Hiller, Kerr Drug;

-  Tim Weippert, Thrifty White; and

-  Mike Wolf, Walgreens.

John, the “Shark Tank” judge, will seize on his experiences as a young entrepreneur, industry pioneer and highly regarded marketing whiz to discuss the art of brand building, promotion and what it takes to break through in today’s marketplace. John got his start as the founder of the apparel company FUBU (For Us By Us), which he started in 1992 with a $100,000 mortgage on his Queens, N.Y., home, and at its height, reached worldwide sales of more than $350 million.

Space is limited, and seats were going fast at press time. To register or learn more, visit DSNIndustryIssues.com.