General Sessions

The RETAILUTION at BAI Retail Delivery is all about looking at business strategy and practices differently in order to move the industry forward. In our General Sessions, you’ll hear from business icons and innovators on consumer trends and new technologies, while learning how to break the mold to empower consumers and create new opportunities.

1. RETAILUTION - the Post Crisis Consumer

   Tuesday, October 19
   4:15 PM - 5:00 PM

   

   John Gerzema, Chief Insights Officer, Young & Rubicam Group

   How do we get a better understanding of the post-crisis consumer – what they want, their spending patterns and preferences, but most importantly what they value? Join John Gerzema, a recent TED conference presenter, as he talks about the new consumer movement.  He will share consumer insights and social trends, as well as how we can translate these insights and other analytics into management innovation strategies.  John is co-author of a new book Spend Shift: How the Post-Crisis Values Revolution is Changing the Way We Buy, Sell and Live and author of the best-seller The Brand Bubble.

2. Breaking the Mold!

   Wednesday, October 20
   8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

   

   Oliver Stone, Filmmaker and Director

   In a conversation with Oliver Stone, one of the greatest filmmakers and directors of all time, take away insights into breaking out of the norm to capture consumer attention and create a value exchange that can build brand, loyalty and new opportunities.  Gain a unique perspective on the financial services crisis through the eyes of the filmmaker, who has consistently built products that have captured attention and driven box office results.

    

3. The Art of Innovation

   Wednesday, October 20
   4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

   

    

   Tom Kelley, General Manager, IDEO
   
   

   As we look to create radical advances in banking, it is critical that we are more creative in our thinking, products and processes. To create ongoing innovation, we must create a culture of creativity and develop processes for sustainability. To help us reach that goal, Tom Kelley, the general manager of IDEO will share insights into a transformational approach to successful product creation, focusing on brainstorming and teamwork as invaluable tools, as well as some unique strategies for making sure that good ideas make it to market. Tom’s company IDEO is the widely admired and award-winning design and development firm that brought us the Apple mouse, Bank of America’s Keep the Change Program, PNC’s Virtual Wallet experience and hundreds of other cutting edge products and services.

4. Tapping into a New Generation of Consumers

   Thursday, October 21
   8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

   Isaac “Biz” Stone, co-founder of Twitter

   Rich Karlgaard, Forbes magazine publisher and "Digital Rules" columnist

   It has come down to 140 characters… communication between consumers, businesses and their customers. On the General Session Stage, hear from technology innovator and co-Founder of Twitter, Biz Stone who will talk with Rich Karlgaard about the new consumer, social media, its impact, how to leverage it effectively and what’s next. Rich Karlgaard is the publisher of Forbes magazine, bestselling author and co-founder of Garage Venture Technologies and Upside Magazine. 

5. Delivering Happiness….and Much More

   Thursday, October 21
   2:45 PM - 3:30 PM

   

   Aaron Magness, Head of Business Development and Brand Marketing, Zappos.com

   In an environment where most retailers are struggling, Zappos.com continues to grow, achieving almost $1.2 billion in gross merchandise sales last year.  Zappos’ success is built on its brand - high quality products and choice, and the very best customer service and experience.  This laser–sharp customer focus is a direct result of the unique company culture.  There are no call times for its call center team members, no sales performance measures, and if you don’t fit the culture, Zappos will pay you to quit!  

   Join Aaron Magness, head of business development and brand marketing, as he takes us inside the Zappos culture.  He’ll share insights on defining core values and how that translates into a stronger culture, brand, and bottom line.