Retail Asset Protection Conference

Agenda

All Attendees
Plan to arrive at the hotel before 4:00 PM on Sunday, April 27, for the Welcome Reception (5:00 – 6:30 PM). For your return flight, we suggest scheduling your flight after 1:00 PM on Wednesday, April 30, to allow ample travel time following the conference conclusion at 9:15 AM.

If you are attending the post-conference workshops, we recommend scheduling your flight after 3:00 PM to allow ample travel time following the workshops' conclusion at 11:30 AM.

Sunday Committee Meetings 
We recommend an early arrival on Sunday, April 27, to allow time to pick up your conference badge prior to your committee meeting. Your committee meeting start times are listed below.

Print Agenda
  • Sunday Apr 27, 2025
  • Monday Apr 28, 2025
  • Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
  • Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
10:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Registration and Information Desk Open

Pick up your conference badge here, along with answers to all your questions. To pick up your attendee badge, you must present a government-issued photo ID.

Location
Convention Center Pre-function
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance - Invite Only

  • Workshop
The Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance (GCFPA) meeting will feature in-depth discussions on key workstreams and guest speakers, whom we are actively working to secure.

Location
National Harbor 3
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

RILA/NDAA Retail Crime Advisory Board Meeting - Invite Only

  • Committee Meeting
The Advisory Board, comprised of district attorneys and retail AP executives, will meet to discuss progress of the RILA/NDAA partnership, next steps and future activities. Advisory Board members only. Lunch will be provided.

Location
National Harbor 1
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

4th Annual RILA/NDAA Retail Crime Workshop - Invite Only

  • Committee Meeting
RILA member retailers, prosecutors and chiefs of police from across the country will meet to share leading practices for combatting theft, violence and other unlawful activity in and around retail stores, identify model programs for reducing recidivism and establish open lines of communication between retailer asset protection executives and investigators, prosecutors, and chiefs of police.

Location
National Harbor 10-11
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Asset Protection Advisory Board Meeting - Invite Only

  • Committee Meeting
This is a private meeting for RILA members on the Retail Asset Protection Conference Advisory Board. The board is comprised of top retail asset protection executives, and is charged with the task of overseeing the structure and programming of the Asset Protection Chain Conference.

Location
Magnolia 1
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Welcome Reception

  • Networking
Join us to kick off the conference at the welcome reception where you can reconnect with industry friends, network with your peers and enjoy drinks and light fare.

Location
Cherry Blossom Ballroom
7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Registration and Information Desk Open

Pick up your conference badge here, along with answers to all your questions. To pick up your attendee badge, you must present a government-issued photo ID.

Location
Convention Center Pre-function
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM

Breakfast

  • Networking
Please join us for breakfast and networking before the day begins.

Location
Maryland Ballroom Pre-function
8:30 AM – 8:45 AM

Welcome to RILA’s Retail Asset Protection Conference

  • General Session
Please join us as we kickoff the annual Retail Asset Protection Conference with an update on RILA's activities and how leading retailers are addressing today’s Asset Protection challenges and opportunities.

Location
Maryland Ballroom
8:45 AM – 9:15 AM

Retail Leadership in Asset Protection

  • General Session
This session will kick off the conference with insights from top retail asset protection leaders on the most impactful initiatives driving their asset protection strategies.

Speakers
Eddie Foley
Vice President, Loss Prevention
Tractor Supply Company
Gregg Smith
Vice President Asset Protection
Five Below
Jennifer White
Senior Director, Asset Protection, Operations, and Safety
Best Buy
Location
Maryland Ballroom
9:15 AM – 9:45 AM

Conversation with Department of Homeland Security

  • General Session
Join us for an engaging conversation with a prominent national law enforcement leader. This session will highlight the critical partnership between retailers and law enforcement agencies in combating Organized Retail Crime (ORC). Attendees will gain insights into how this collaboration aligns with broader mandates to address global and transnational crime, and the innovative strategies being employed to enhance safety and security in the retail sector.

Speakers
Brian Dodge
President and CEO
RILA
Scott. G. Erickson
Assistant Secretary, Office of Partnership and Engagement
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Location
Maryland Ballroom
9:45 AM – 10:15 AM

Business Break

  • Networking
Enjoy a business break to grab some snacks and refreshments.

Location
National Harbor Pre-function
10:15 AM – 11:00 AM 5 Concurrent Events

From Click to Counter: Synchronizing E-commerce Fraud and Major Crimes Strategies

  • Breakout Session
In today's dynamic retail environment, the convergence of online and in-store fraud requires a unified approach to prevention and investigation. This session will focus on innovative strategies to bridge the gap between e-commerce fraud prevention and store level loss investigations. Discover how leveraging rich data sets inherent to e-commerce platforms can enhance your ability to investigate major crimes impacting brick and mortar stores. Learn strategies to balance investing in systemic controls with effective prosecutions to create a robust response to evolving threats.

Speakers
Pete Barker
Director, Product
Appriss Retail
Kevin Dodson
Director, Loss Prevention
DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc.
Emilia Luedtke
Senior Manager of Investigations & Profit Protection
DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc.
Location
National Harbor 2-3

Leveraging AI in Retail Asset Protection: From Skepticism to Strategic Advantage

  • Breakout Session
Artificial Intelligence is quickly emerging as a powerful tool within the retail industry, but for many, its integration can seem risky or even unnecessary. In this session, we’ll address the skepticism surrounding AI’s role in retail and highlight how, when leveraged effectively, AI can be a major complement to human intelligence, enhancing decision-making, and driving operational success. Gain insights from retail leaders to help you evaluate AI solutions, set achievable goals, avoid common pitfalls, and build a roadmap for enhancing your asset protection strategy. Whether you're just beginning to explore AI or looking to refine your strategy, this session will equip you with the knowledge to leverage AI as a valuable asset in your retail operations.

Speakers
Byron Coleman
Manager, Asset Protection and Security
Wawa, Inc.
Seth Hughes
Divisional Vice President, Asset Protection & Risk Management
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI)
Location
National Harbor 10-11

Retailer-Only Roundtable: Processes, Policies and Technology for Safeguarding the Supply Chain

  • Breakout Session
Retail supply chain operations continue to evolve along with shopper preferences, and asset protection leaders work closely to address changing circumstances and ensure that people are safe and products are safeguarded. Connect with fellow retailers to discuss your questions and share leading practices on topics in the supply chain space—including cargo security, DC safety, ecommerce fulfillment challenges, inventory control and much more. Roundtables will be conducted under the Chatham House Rule and moderated by a retailer to facilitate a meaningful conversation on an important topic. This session is only available to retail and consumer product manufacturer attendees and is sponsored by RILA’s Supply Chain Asset Protection Working Group. Attend to learn more and join retailer peers in this space! Limited to 30 eligible attendees.

Speakers
Tristen Shields
Global Vice President, Asset Protection: Retail, Omni Risk, Supply Chain
lululemon
Vicki Smith
Director, Supply Chain Integrity, Asset Protection
Walmart
Location
National Harbor 14

The Power of Collaboration: Driving Profitability Through Cross-Functional Teams

  • Breakout Session
In this dynamic session, a unified team from Loss Prevention, Operations, and Human Resources will demonstrate how combining their expertise can create a powerful, cohesive force that drives profitability. We’ll dive into strategies to streamline operations, reduce shrink, and elevate the customer experience—all while boosting sales. By aligning efforts across these key departments, we’ll show how seamless collaboration is the key to unlocking a thriving retail environment. Get ready to discover how true teamwork can lead to extraordinary results in today’s competitive retail environment!

Speakers
Linda Lubecki
Regional Vice President, Southeast Region
DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc.
Josh Meins
Director, Safety & Operations
DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc.
Location
National Harbor 4-5

Unbelievable ROI: How Sysco Foods Achieved Remarkable Returns by Building a Robust Safety Culture

  • Breakout Session
Sysco has undergone a revolution of their safety culture in very short order by starting with analysis, talking to frontline employees and managers, partnering with Risk Management and taking small methodical steps to build lasting momentum. Sysco Foods has quickly corrected and turned around their safety culture and accompanying metrics. As a result, they have achieved a ROI of +5,000% on their investments in time, people and programs. In this session we will learn how they started, overcame initial hurdles, measured success, scaled the program and their plan to expand and build on their successes.

Speakers
TJ Rosenberg
Managing Director, Retail Solutions
IMPACT Risk Partners, a division of EPIC
Kevin Thomas
Vice President - Global Head of Workplace Safety, Physical Security, & Asset Protection
Sysco
Location
National Harbor 12-13
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Business Break

  • Networking
Enjoy a business break to grab some snacks and refreshments.

Location
National Harbor Pre-function
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM 5 Concurrent Events

Balancing Risk Mitigation Solutions with Customer Privacy in the Age of AI and Emerging Tech

  • Breakout Session
Join our expert panel from Gap Inc. as they discuss the intricacies of integrating innovative technologies into existing business processes while prioritizing customer privacy and safeness. By examining real-world case studies, including body-worn camera testing and AI-powered surveillance, attendees will gain valuable insights into influencing adoption, navigating change, and measuring the effectiveness of implemented technologies. They'll also explore the delicate balance between compliance and innovation, discussing how to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, mitigate risks, and foster a culture of responsible innovation. Key takeaways will include practical approaches to risk assessment, data governance, and building consumer trust in an era of frequent data breaches.

Speakers
Ethan Cohen
Global Head of Privacy Legal & Compliance
Gap Inc.
Melissa Diaz
Director, Asset Protection Operations
Gap Inc.
Brit Hehn
Director, Field Asset Protection
Gap Inc.
James Stark
Manager, Segment Development, Retail
Axis Communications
Location
National Harbor 2-3

Is Your Organization’s Safety Program Aligned with the OSHA National Emphasis Program (NEP)?

  • Breakout Session
Join us for an insightful and engaging session designed to demystify OSHA’s National Emphasis Program (NEP) and its impact on workplace safety and compliance. Attendees will gain a clear overview of the NEP, strategies for aligning with its requirements, and practical tools from industry leaders to help streamline compliance efforts and enhance safety performance. Whether you’re a safety professional, manager, or organizational leader, you’ll leave with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the NEP effectively and foster a culture of compliance.

Speakers
Dustin Brown
Director of Health and Safety
Meijer, Inc.
Victor Jacinto
U.S. Safety & Security Manager
IKEA North America Services, LLC
Location
National Harbor 12-13

Retailer-Only Roundtable: Identifying Repeat Offenders Using Technology

  • Breakout Session
Retail crime continues to evolve, making it critical for asset protection teams to leverage technology in identifying and addressing repeat offenders. In this interactive roundtable, we’ll explore the various tools and methodologies retailers are using to focus on the worst of the worst and discuss how to effectively identify these individuals and, more importantly, how to translate that intelligence into real-world action.

Speakers
Kristin Hanson
Director, Assets Protection
Target Corporation
Ethan Sommer
Director, Technology, Assets Protection
Target Corporation
Location
National Harbor 14

Supply Chain Loss: How Retailers are Tackling Cargo Theft

  • Breakout Session
As cargo theft numbers continue to climb and bad actors are becoming increasingly sophisticated, retailers are evolving their strategies and procedures to mitigate the threat. Collaborating with partners in the logistics ecosystem is essential. Join this session to hear insights from two major retailers and engage in an interactive discussion around leading practices and technologies to protect supply chains.

Speakers
Stephen Chance
VP Director, Supply Chain Loss Prevention
The TJX Companies, Inc.
Robert Chunko
Director, Supply Chain Asset Protection
Macy's Inc.
Jess Dankert
Vice President, Supply Chain
RILA
Location
National Harbor 4-5

Virtual Guarding and Beyond: Combining Technology

  • Breakout Session
Since early 2022, Lowe's Companies has augmented physical security in their locations by utilizing a fully-remote, highly trained team of Remote Monitoring Specialists. This session will review how Lowe’s has merged cutting-edge technology (CCTV, VMS, parking lot security solutions, case management platform) with a "one-team" philosophy to experience significant successes while enhancing physical security principles across the enterprise.

Speaker
James Theisen
Manager, Physical Security
Lowe's Companies, Inc.
Location
National Harbor 10-11
12:15 PM – 1:30 PM

Lunch in the Expo Experience

  • Networking
Join us for lunch and networking in the Expo Experience.​​​​

Location
Prince George's Exhibit Hall A-B
12:15 PM – 3:00 PM

Expo Experience Open

The Expo Experience opens now! Join us to network with and learn from the service providers helping retailers meet their asset protection challenges and improve their results! The Expo Experience runs from 12:15 - 3:00 p.m. and 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. today.

Location
Prince George's Exhibit Hall A-B
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM

Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance – Intel & Data Sharing Workstream - Invite Only

  • Workshop
The Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance (GCFPA) meeting will feature in-depth discussions on key workstreams and guest speakers, whom we are actively working to secure. Lunch will be provided.

Location
National Harbor 2-3
12:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Workplace Safety Committee & Lunch - Invite Only

  • Committee Meeting
Open only to RILA Workplace Safety Committee members and strategic partners. If your company is a RILA member retailer and you do not have representation on the Committee, please reach out to Khris Hamlin at khris.hamlin@rila.org to learn how to get engaged. Lunch is provided.

Location
National Harbor 6-7
3:15 PM – 3:45 PM

Total Retail Loss 2025: Strategies and Insights

  • General Session
This session will delve into the latest strategies and insights for managing total retail loss. Experts will discuss the key components of total retail loss, innovative approaches to minimize it, and the impact of these strategies on overall business performance.

Speakers
Khris Hamlin
Vice President, Asset Protection
RILA
Ashley Klorer
Senior Director, End2End, Asset Protection, Store Operation
Walmart
Vicki Smith
Director, Supply Chain Integrity, Asset Protection
Walmart
Location
Maryland Ballroom
3:45 PM – 4:15 PM

Combating Gift Card Fraud: A Collaborative Approach

  • General Session
Gift card fraud is a growing concern in the retail industry. This session will review the latest trends in gift card fraud, effective prevention strategies, and a collaborative effort to combat this issue.

Speakers
Joshua Baca
Founder and CEO
Resilient Partners
Erin Becker
Senior Director, Cyber Fraud & Abuse
Target
Traci Munson
Senior Manager, Gift Card Operations
The Home Depot
Cara Renfroe
Senior Vice President, Global Operations and Transformation
Blackhawk Network
Location
Maryland Ballroom
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Expo Experience Reception

  • Networking
Join other conference attendees for this great networking opportunity.

Location
Prince George's Exhibit Hall A-B
7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Registration and Information Desk Open

Pick up your conference badge here, along with answers to all your questions. To pick up your attendee badge, you must present a government-issued photo ID.

Location
Convention Center Pre-function
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM

Breakfast

  • Networking
Please join us for breakfast and networking before the day begins.

Location
Maryland Ballroom Pre-function
8:30 AM – 9:05 AM

Collaborative Strategies in Combating ORC: Insights from lululemon

  • General Session
This session will explore how lululemon's Asset Protection and Store Teams work together to combat Organized Retail Crime (ORC). Attendees will learn about the innovative strategies and tactics used to achieve strong results, and how lululemon shares their approach and success stories with partners and law enforcement. The session will provide valuable insights into the pervasive challenges of ORC in the industry and the importance of collaboration in driving success.

Speakers
Brittany Kidd
Vice President, North America Retail-East
lululemon
Walter Palmer
Senior Advisor
CAP Index
Tristen Shields
Global Vice President, Asset Protection: Retail, Omni Risk, Supply Chain
lululemon
Location
Maryland Ballroom
9:05 AM – 9:45 AM

Retail Crime & AI: Powering the Connection Between Police and Private Security

  • General Session
Retail crime is evolving rapidly, and so is the technology used to combat it. From real-time intelligence sharing to AI-powered video analytics, retailers and law enforcement are adopting new tools to enhance security, prevent theft, and ensure employee and shopper safety. This session will explore the current state of AI-driven security, operational best practices, and key barriers to adoption. Panelists will discuss what’s working today, what’s next in the AI-driven security landscape — including more far-out future-casting for the industry — and how law enforcement and retailers can better collaborate to stay ahead of emerging threats and protect more people, places and property.

Speakers
Brian Friedman
Divisional Vice President, Asset Protection & Risk Management
REI Co-op
Renee Hall
Former Chief
Dallas Police Department
Victor Jacinto
U.S. Safety & Security Manager
IKEA North America Services, LLC
Mike Shore
Senior Vice President and General Manager, Enterprise
Axon
Rick Smith
Founder & CEO
Axon
Location
Maryland Ballroom
9:45 AM – 10:15 AM

Business Break

  • Networking
Stop by the Business Break for a morning pick-me-up.

Location
National Harbor Pre-function
10:15 AM – 10:45 AM

Ask an Asset Protection Leader -- PetSmart (Retailer-Only) powered by the Women in Asset Protection Network

  • Breakout Session
Each “Ask an Asset Protection Leader” session features a senior asset protection executive and offers a unique opportunity for Q&A and discussion with some of the most notable AP leaders in the industry. The topics are up to you! Ask your most burning questions on asset protection issues, industry trends, career development, and more! These sessions are open only to retailers and are limited to 25 participants.

Speaker
Melanie Millaway
Senior Director, Investigations
PetSmart LLC
Location
National Harbor 14
10:15 AM – 11:00 AM 4 Concurrent Events

Gamechanger! How Retailers Large and Small Use LPR Technology to Reduce Shrink, Fight ORC and Fraud, and Boost Employee Safety

  • Breakout Session
Join us as we explore the journey major big-box, sporting goods, and grocery retailers took to launch, secure executive buy-in, and scale their License Plate Recognition (LPR) programs. Discover the powerful business results these retailers have achieved through LPR, including enhanced security, streamlined operations, and the ability to solve previously unsolvable cases. With LPR technology, they have been able to track criminal activity, prevent theft, and optimize store operations in ways that were not possible before.

Speakers
Hudson Bull
Captain
Fairfax County Police Department
Jacob Gillette
Regional Asset Protection Leader
Meijer, Inc.
Todd Isenhour
Senior Director, Investigations
Lowe's Companies, Inc.
Location
National Harbor 4-5

Mitigating Total Retail Loss with Self-Directed Inventory Counting

  • Breakout Session
Retailers face mounting challenges in combating shrink and loss within their stores. In this engaging discussion, learn how retailers have mitigated shrink in stores through improving inventory management processes. Discover how they leverage self-directed inventory counting solutions to reduce total retail loss, enhancing inventory accuracy while significantly cutting costs by eliminating third-party fees and streamlining processes. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights from industry innovators!

Speakers
Chris Batson
Director of Asset Protection, Total Loss
Gap Inc.
Brian Brunker
Regional Director, Operations and Safety
DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc.
Ed Tonkon
President, Zebra Retail Solutions
Zebra Technologies Corporation
Location
National Harbor 12-13

Operation King of the Mountain: A Masterclass in Theft and Fencing Operations

  • Breakout Session
Join us for an exclusive and in-depth exploration of a high-profile theft and fencing operation that was recently dismantled in the Carolinas. Hear firsthand from the arrested fence operator, who will share the intricate details of how stolen merchandise was purchased from boosters and funneled through illicit channels. This session will also highlight the vital collaboration between Homeland Security Special Agents and Retail Investigators, showcasing the power of teamwork in tackling complex crimes. Don’t miss this rare opportunity for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the inner workings of sophisticated criminal enterprises and the diligent efforts of law enforcement to dismantle them.

Speakers
Willie Carswell
Special Agent
ICE-Homeland Security Investigations
Rodney Suggs
Senior Manager, Global Investigations
Walmart Inc.
Johnathan Willis
Group Supervisor
US Department of Homeland Security
Location
National Harbor 2-3

Using AI Solutions to Transform your Safety Program

  • Breakout Session
AI is revolutionizing the retail industry, and when integrated with existing infrastructure, it can drive significant improvements in workplace safety. Learn how Michaels and American Eagle are leveraging AI technology with existing CCTV infrastructure to identify and address high risk safety activities, such as Powered Industrial Truck movement and ergonomics in real time. This capability has transformed their safety programs and has produced significant reductions of injuries and associated costs. Whether you're already using AI or exploring its potential, this session will help you understand how AI-driven safety programs can transform your approach to workforce protection.

Speakers
Tom Banta
Vice President Global Safety & Security
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
Chris Ortega
Director, DC Loss Prevention & Safety
The Michaels Companies, Inc.
Location
National Harbor 10-11
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Business Break

  • Networking
Enjoy a business break to grab some snacks and refreshments.

Location
National Harbor Pre-function
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM

Crimes Against Business Committee Meeting - Invite Only

  • Committee Meeting
Open only to RILA Crimes Against Business Committee members and strategic partners. If your company is a RILA member retailer and you do not have representation on the Committee, please reach out to Lisa LaBruno at Lisa.labruno@rila.org to learn how to get engaged.

Location
Maryland Ballroom 3
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM 4 Concurrent Events

Data-Enabled Business Resiliency & Crisis Management During Extreme Weather Events

  • Breakout Session
Extreme and sudden weather events often become major loss prevention events, putting employees and physical assets at risk. How can retailers interpret and best leverage the latest weather and climate data resources to enhance business continuity and crisis management to support their business, employees, and communities all at the same time? Join for an interactive discussion with retailers about data-enabled decision making to improve preparedness and AP-Business Resilience team collaboration. Also hear more about an ongoing partnership between RILA and the Department of Commerce to improve industry usefulness of NOAA weather and climate data from their National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) and the National Weather Service.

Speakers
Rick Beardsley
Senior Director, Loss Prevention
At Home Group Inc.
Jenny Dissen
Director, Engagement, NC Institute for Climate Studies
NOAA Industry Proving Ground Engagement Lead
Jeff Partin
Director, Corporate Security, Emergency Preparedness, Business Continuity & Workplace Violence
The Home Depot, Inc.
William Wagner
President & COO
Early Alert, Inc.
Location
National Harbor 4-5

Enhancing Retail Decision-Making with Predictive Analytics and Risk Modeling

  • Breakout Session
Dick’s Sporting Goods and Zebra Technologies partnered with The University of Texas – McCombs School of Business MSBA Program students, soon to be freshly minted data scientists, to develop a dynamic predictive store risk model, providing insights to enhance real-time decision-making and react to inventory integrity and shrink pressures. Using current KPIs and existing software, this initiative leveraged advanced analytics to help Dick’s optimize resource allocation, mitigate risks, and drive profitability while gaining a deeper understanding of key influencing factors that degrade inventory integrity and impact the company’s total retail loss. The students will present their findings and recommendations to these challenges that span across all segments of retail.

Speakers
Akash Barathan
Student
University of Texas
Jih-Hao Cheng
Director, Loss Prevention
DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc.
Ashley Hattendorf
Student
University of Texas
Sam Song
Student
University of Texas
Ed Tonkon
President, Zebra Retail Solutions
Zebra Technologies Corporation
Raghav Vaidya
Student
University of Texas
Justin Voss
Senior Manager, LP Operations, Strategy, and Solutions
DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc.
Haoyi Zhou
Student
University of Texas
Location
National Harbor 2-3

From Conflict to Calm: Effective De-escalation and Disengagement Strategies

  • Breakout Session
Retail teams frequently encounter disruptive incidents involving a range of actors, from unhoused individuals in crisis and shoplifters testing security measures, to social media influencers staging content and groups of juveniles causing disturbances. This session explores effective training programs, real-time assessment techniques, and the latest tools to manage these challenges while enhancing safety and response strategies. Attendees will gain actionable insights on de-escalation tactics and strategic disengagement methods to protect employees, customers, and brand reputation.

Speakers
Marissa Alexander
Senior Director, Assets Protection
Target Corporation
Michelle Jones
Senior Manager, Retail Asset Protection Management
CVS Health
William Whitlatch
Senior Manager, Asset Protection (Organized Crime)
T-Mobile, USA Inc.
Location
National Harbor 12-13

Preventing Gift Card Fraud: Combating ORC and Gift Card Draining Schemes with Effective Strategies

  • Breakout Session
Gift card fraud has become a significant concern in the retail industry, with organized retail crime syndicates increasingly exploiting gift cards for illicit gains. This session will delve into the intersection of ORC and broader community crimes, focusing on actionable strategies for investigating large-scale gift card tampering and draining cases. Through data analysis, lessons learned, and insights from a successfully resolved case, attendees will gain practical knowledge to enhance their investigative approaches and protect their organizations from these evolving threats.

Speakers
Raul Aguilar
Senior Director, Law Enforcement Partnerships
Auror
Shane Bennett
Principal, Cyber - Theft, Fraud
Target Corporation
Alysa Erichs
Spokesperson
USA-IT
Location
National Harbor 10-11
12:15 PM – 1:30 PM

Lunch in the Expo Experience

  • Networking
Join us for lunch and networking in the Expo Experience.​​​​

Location
Prince George's Exhibit Hall A-B
12:15 PM – 3:00 PM

Expo Experience Open

The Expo Experience opens now! Join us to network with and learn from the service providers helping retailers meet their asset protection challenges and improve their results! The Expo Experience runs from 12:15 - 3:00 p.m. and 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. today.

Location
Prince George's Exhibit Hall A-B
12:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Asset Protection Leaders Council Meeting - Invite Only

  • Committee Meeting
Open only to RILA Asset Protection Leaders Council members and strategic partners. If your company is a RILA member retailer and you do not have representation on the Committee, please reach out to Lisa LaBruno at Lisa.labruno@rila.org to learn how to get engaged. Lunch will be provided.

Location
National Harbor 6-7
3:15 PM – 3:45 PM

Vibrant Communities Initiative 2.0: Key Learnings Applied

  • General Session
This session will explore the next generation of the Vibrant Communities Initiative (VCI) and its impact on crime and investigations. Speakers will share updates on the initiative, successful case studies, and future plans for enhancing community safety and reducing retail crime.

Speakers
Marissa Bell
Assistant District Attorney
Johnson County, Kansas
Ben Cox
Assistant District Attorney
Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney Office
Lisa LaBruno
Executive Director, RILA Communities Foundation; Senior Executive Vice President
RILA
Eric Zahnd
Prosecuting Attorney
Platte County, Missouri
Location
Maryland Ballroom
3:45 PM – 4:30 PM

Reality-Based Leadership: Eliminating Drama for Positive Outcomes

  • General Session
In today's fast-paced work environment, leaders often face overwhelming challenges and high expectations. This session will explore the principles of Reality-Based Leadership, teaching participants how to manage their egos, eliminate drama, and redirect their energy towards positive outcomes. By adopting these strategies, attendees will tap into their natural creativity, innovation, and happiness.

Speaker
Cy Wakeman
President and Founder
Reality-Based Leadership
Location
Maryland Ballroom
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Expo Experience Reception

  • Networking
Join other conference attendees for this great networking opportunity.

Location
Prince George's Exhibit Hall A-B
7:45 AM – 11:45 AM

Registration and Information Desk

Pick up your conference badge here, along with answers to all your questions. To pick up your attendee badge, you must present a government-issued photo ID.

Location
Convention Center Pre-function
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM

Breakfast

  • Networking
Please join us for breakfast and networking before the day begins.

Location
Maryland Ballroom Pre-function
8:30 AM – 9:15 AM 2 Concurrent Events

Executive Protection in Retail: Building a Modern Security Program

  • Breakout Session
Join us for an in-depth introduction to Executive Protection (EP) in the retail industry. This session will examine key strategies for establishing an EP department, identifying various protection needs, and integrating modern security technology. Participants will explore strategies for safeguarding C-suite executives, high-profile individuals, and corporate assets while leveraging advanced technology, intelligence gathering, and risk mitigation tools to enhance security measures, all while balancing business continuity and operational efficiency.

Speakers
Kristine Gentilella
Director, Global Retail & Digital Fraud
Under Armour, Inc
Varoon Kumar
Director, Enterprise
Axon Industries
Jamie Sipes
Senior Vice President, Chief Enterprise Security Officer
Hy-Vee, Inc.
Location
National Harbor 10-11

Trump 2.0 and Safety Regulations: Preparing for the Future

  • Breakout Session
Join us for an insightful discussion on the real-world impacts of Trump 2.0 on regulatory compliance. We'll explore what retailers can expect and how to prepare for upcoming changes. Reflecting on the Trump 1.0 era, we'll use it as a guide to anticipate potential regulatory shifts over the next four years. Hear from Best Buy on their approach to state-run programs and unique regulations like California's SB553 Workplace Violence Prevention Program and Heat Illness Prevention.

Speakers
Rachel Conn
Partner
Conn Maciel Carey LLP
Brad Langer
Senior Manager, Safety Compliance
Best Buy Co., Inc.
Location
National Harbor 12-13
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM 2 Concurrent Events

Post-Conference Workshop -- Being a Witness: The Art of Preparing for and Testifying in Court

  • Workshop
Asset protection professionals are regularly called on to prepare reports and exhibits that will be used in court proceedings, as well as to testify and face cross examination by defense lawyers. This workshop offers practical guidance for generating reports and evidence that will be useful in court, and for testifying effectively on both direct examination by the prosecutor and cross examination by the defense. There will also be a discussion on the most effective strategies prosecutors can use to elicit compelling testimony from asset protection professionals.

Speaker
Andrew Warshawer
Deputy Chief of the Trial Division
New York County District Attorney Office
Location
National Harbor 10-11

Post-Conference Workshop -- Intelligence Collection Strategies for Retailers: History, Use Cases, and Future Trends

  • Workshop
Effective intelligence collection is critical for mitigating risks and anticipating potential threats. Join this workshop as we delve into the evolution of intelligence collection, examining its primary categories and historical context; learn how incorporating diverse intelligence-gathering methods can enhance the effectiveness of ongoing investigations; and better understand how strategic intelligence practices can shift investigative efforts from reactive responses to proactive approaches, enabling retailers to stay ahead of emerging threats and challenges.

Speakers
Russ Law
Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder
Verensics
Colton Seale
Founder & Principal Consultant
Pyxis Academy
Location
National Harbor 12-13

Attend the can’t miss event for your asset protection team!

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