Career Stretching Events for Retail Dietitians
There are only 18 more days until we hope to see our RDBA community in Las Vegas, NV for a full schedule of learning, networking, and inspiration at the CMA|SIMA 2023 Annual Conference. We know better than anyone that Retail Dietitians are poised to have an important impact in the retail food industry, and we want to help guide you through those opportunities. We’ve curated a list here of Day Two (February 28th, 2023) happenings that offer a multitude of skillsets, tools, and wisdom from dynamic leaders to help expand your career path. Before we dive in, here’s some quick inspiration for you!
When Dietitians grow into non-traditional roles, it is a benefit to all parties involved in retail grocery. It allows the grocer to adopt a new innovative and strategic lens, keeps customers and their needs at the forefront, and allows for career development for the dietitian.
- RDBA Weekly Nutrition Close-Up: Bridget Wojciak, RDN, LD – Ecommerce, Digital Site Merchandiser at Kroger
DAY TWO HIGHLIGHTS AT THE 2023 CMA|SIMA CONFERENCE
KEYNOTE: Dare, Dream & Engineer, Emily Callahan, President of ARC
Association President Emily Callahan will review key metrics and milestones reached by the CMA and SIMA in 2022 and plans for 2023 as part of ARC, the Association for Retail and Consumer Professionals. Expect regional networking, career journey content, and access to tangential functions including space planning, eCommerce and more.
KEYNOTE: Fireside Chat with Phil Lempert & Hy-Vee
You know him as one of America’s leading consumer analyst, the SupermarketGuru, the Retail Dietitians Business Alliance founder, and NBC’s Today food trends editor. Phil will sit down with Chairman and former CEO of Hy-Vee, Randy Edeker, to discuss the most pressing issues in the grocery industry today. From inflationary pressures to shopper behavior post-pandemic, to the importance of health and wellness, we’ll get these industry vets’ perspectives on it all. We’ll finish by looking into Phil and Randy’s crystal ball to hear where they see the grocery industry five years from now.
KEYNOTE: The Value of Visual Storytelling, Heather Willems, Founder & CEO, TwoLine Studios
In this increasingly visual age, images speak louder than words. Studies show that images also help people think. Visual note-taking such as doodling increases memory retention rates by nearly 30%, and opens creative pathways, strengthens focus, and inspires self-expression. Heather Willems will bring the power of visual storytelling to life demonstrating drawing exercises tailored to brainstorming, refining, and executing ideas in business. Get ready to see how creativity can help you and your team operate more efficiently and visualize business strategies!
WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON AND PANEL DISCUSSION: Get inspired, network and learn from some of the industry’s most dynamic leaders!
This event was one of the highest rated sessions at last year’s conference. If you’re able to join us, RSVP now for the Women in Leadership Luncheon and Panel Discussion, Tuesday, February 28th from 12:30pm - 2:00pm. Enjoy a meal as Nancy Haboush, Executive Coach, 212 Degree Coaching, moderates insightful conversations for professional growth with executive women from Tyson, Kelloggs, Amazon, Red Bull and more.
BREAKOUT SESSION: Integrating Customer Insights into CatMan Teams, Mike Quinn, Sr. Director, Category Management Walmart, Kellogg’s
Are your category management and shopper insights teams separate or combined? Each have their pros and cons. Learn about Kellogg’s journey back to integrating their now ‘customer’ insights personnel into category management teams to optimize shopper insights work. Even if organizational structural change isn’t an option, leave this session feeling inspired by how the functions can work better together.
BREAKOUT SESSION: The State of Space Planning Panel Discussion
Join Jenny Tornow, VP of Merchandising Presentation and Execution, Whole Foods, Kent Rodina, Director of Merchandise Presentation, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and Chris DeFinizio, Space Planning Manager, Wakefern, for a lively discussion on the current state of the space planning industry. Join retail leaders who will discuss recent challenges in new technology adoption, career pathing, data science and meeting changing opportunities. Expect a discussion of how the recent work produced by ARC’s Space Planning Charter group is providing value to its members.
If you are planning to attend, we invite you to directly email Stephanie.Schultz@catman.global, RD Ambassador to the RDBA and VP at the Association of Retail and Consumer Professionals, so she can help make meaningful connections for you.
The 2023 Conference site is live, and registration is now open. Check out all 5 tracks of content and a high-level agenda within our theme “Activating Insights for a Dynamic Future.” Email Ashley.Wirtz@catman.global to register now at a special, discounted rate just for RDBA Members!
