NACDS: Innovation in store for Total Store Expo attendees
ARLINGTON, Va. — Now in its second year, attendees are gearing up to engage in the next generation of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Total Store Expo to be held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center from Aug. 23 to 26.
“The NACDS Total Store Expo is unlike any other industry trade show, with an eye toward utilizing innovation and technology in maximizing business opportunities throughout the entire store,” stated NACDS president and CEO Steve Anderson. “The many facets of this unique show present opportunities well-beyond the four days in Boston. We look forward to a successful show that provides bold visions, and long-term success for the industry.”
Bringing together retailers and suppliers for four days of programming and exhibits, the show enables business partners to innovate together across departments and functions with an eye toward the total store experience.
According to NACDS, attending the show requires advanced preparation. So, NACDS has developed online and mobile resources to help attendees arrive ready to go in Boston later this month.
The website at tse.nacds.org includes tactical resources to help exhibitors and retailers plan effectively for the meeting, including video tutorials, preparation checklists, a meeting-scheduling tool and other resources and insights.
Another online tool in planning for the show is the mobile app. The app provides a dashboard of features to help attendees plan ahead and navigate the NACDS Total Store Expo. Key features include interactive maps, schedule of events, list of exhibitors, NACDS-TV videos, photo gallery and the ability to set up a profile to connect with other attendees.
Further reinforcing NACDS’ commitment to innovation and providing opportunities for success for attendees, NACDS-TV will return – this time with a studio in the Exhibit Hall that will offer attendees the possibility to go on-camera with their success stories. NACDS-TV also is helping registrants prepare for the show though video tutorials on the show’s programming and other useful tips and “how-to’s” to help make the show experience successful for retailers and suppliers. NACDS-TV will offer daily coverage throughout the trade Expo.
Furthermore, programming for the NACDS Total Store Expo drives success for attendees.
Business Program: Attendees will have access to these exclusive opportunities to hear from key industry leaders on key industry issues, as well as high-caliber keynote speakers addressing relevant and timely topics.
Compelling Speakers: The NACDS Total Store Expo would not be complete without a cadre of distinguished speakers. Dr. Ben S. Bernanke, former chairman, The Federal Reserve System will address attendees during the morning Business Program on Sunday, Aug. 24. In his remarks, Bernanke will impart his experience as the nation’s former leading financial advisor during some of the nation’s most challenging financial times.
John Standley, chairman and CEO, Rite Aid and chairman of the NACDS board of directors, will stress the importance of retailer-supplier collaboration in an ever-evolving and -innovating industry from a CEO’s perspective during the morning Business Program on Sunday, Aug. 24.
NACDS’ Anderson will highlight the unique opportunities for retailers and suppliers to work together within the current operating environment nationally and within NACDS during the morning Business Program on Sunday, Aug. 24.
Exhibit Floor: The NACDS Total Store Expo exhibit floor offers attendees the opportunity to discover the latest products and services from innovative suppliers in the areas of consumer goods, pharmacy, technology and more. The floor is open from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24; 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 25; and 8 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Aug. 26.
Insight Sessions: Educational “Insight Sessions” will offer presentations by experts on a variety of key issues and priorities including innovation, healthcare, business and logistics. To date, 23 Insight Sessions are scheduled during the NACDS Total Store Expo.
Each session is crafted to ensure that attendees are receiving helpful information to conduct business on a day-to-day basis on a variety of topics including the impact of the Affordable Care Act, emerging healthcare models, business planning, consumer and market trends, innovation, health information technology and digital solutions.
Meet the Market: Meet the Market can turn innovative exchanges into real-world opportunities. These 10-minute appointments arranged by NACDS enable participating exhibitors to present their company and products to retailers, resulting in thousands of meetings. The program will take place on Saturday, Aug. 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Exhibit Hall C.
Meet the Retailer: Suppliers have the opportunity to hear directly from retailers about how-to do business together. These sessions will take place concurrently on Saturday, Aug. 23 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in meeting rooms on Level 1.
Product Showcase: Attendees do not have to wait until the start of the NACDS Total Store Expo to view the latest products that will be exhibited during the trade show. The virtual Product Showcase can be viewed electronically now on the NACDS web site. Onsite at the NACDS Total Store Expo, the location of these glass-enclosed cases offer exhibitors the opportunity to showcase their latest products as retailers conduct business on the exhibit floor throughout the show.
Vision 2025: Partnering with NACDS in this endeavor are Checkpoint Systems and Kantar Retail. Vision 2025 will provide attendees with a glimpse of “what comes next” in the industry through technology platforms, displays and interactive experiences. Accessible to all attendees, this exhibit will be located at the entrance to the exhibit floor during the four-day trade show.