It's On! NACDS Total Store Expo Set to Debut with Innovative, Powerful, Personalized Feel

PRESS RELEASE

Las Vegas, Nev. — With the benefit of more than two years of strategic planning, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Total Store Expo debuts this Saturday, August 10 — Tuesday, August 13 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center. More than 5,400 attendees will converge for four days of high-caliber programming that fosters a highly-personalized approach to conducting business.

Unifying the NACDS Marketplace Conference, NACDS Pharmacy & Technology Conference and NACDS Supply Chain & Logistics Conference into one comprehensive meeting, the NACDS Total Store Expo will offer a cross-industry approach to doing business in a new way.

“The powerful new NACDS Total Store Expo is a game-changer in how the industry conducts business. Its innovative nature builds on NACDS’ reputation for providing cutting-edge events that focuses-in on retailers’ and suppliers’ needs,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE.

The new meeting is distinguished in its ability to deliver the precision and personalization that members have come to expect from NACDS conferences and meetings. The NACDS Total Store Expo will enable business partners to work together creatively across departments and functions with an eye toward the entire store.

The idea of the NACDS Total Store Expo was born out of an effort to identify opportunities to revolutionize NACDS events. After ongoing dialogue and formal outreach with the NACDS Board of Directors and NACDS members, the inaugural 2013 NACDS Total Store Expo was announced at the 2011 NACDS Annual Meeting by then-NACDS Chairman Larry Merlo of CVS Caremark.

The vision of the NACDS Total Store Expo continued to be carried out under the leadership of subsequent NACDS chairmen, Robert D. Loeffer of H-E-B and Greg Wasson of Walgreen Co. As the new show opens this weekend, current NACDS Chairman Robert J. Narveson will usher in the event with a ribbon-cutting, officially opening this revolutionary trade show.

“NACDS recognizes the outstanding commitment of the NACDS Board of Directors, NACDS members, sponsors and meeting attendees in helping to make this inaugural meeting a success,” said Anderson.

NACDS designed several high-tech tools and resources to ensure that attendees can maximize their meetings and business opportunities — even before walking on to the show floor.

One highly-useful tool is the mobile app. The app provides a robust 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, photo gallery and the ability to set up a profile to connect with other attendees.

The website at tse.nacds.org includes state-of-the-art resources to help exhibitors and retailers plan effectively for the meeting. It includes video tutorials, preparation checklists, a meeting-scheduling tool and other resources and insights.

This unparalleled trade show will offer innovative resources and unique programming, boasting 36 high-energy, high-caliber sessions. A few highlights include:

Business Programs. 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.

Insight Sessions and Super Sessions. These educational sessions will offer presentations by experts on a variety of key issues and priorities, including healthcare, business and logistics.

Each session is identified by one of three subject areas - consumer goods, pharmacy and supply chain — highlighting the cross-industry business programming unique to NACDS Total Store Expo.

The Innovation Zone. Attendees will learn about the latest technological advances in the industry. The whole event has been designed to foster a different approach to collaboration, learning, imagining and conducting business. Not to be missed: check out the demonstration of game-changing 3-D printing technology.

Meet the Retailer. An integral component with NACDS meetings and conferences, this highly-rated program serves as a “how-to” for exhibitors in doing business with retail companies.

Meet the Market. Participating exhibitors will present their company and products to retailers through a series of 10-minute appointments arranged by NACDS, resulting in thousands of meetings.

“As with all of our meetings and conferences, NACDS is dedicated to the success of all the retailers and suppliers attending the inaugural NACDS Total Store Expo,” said Anderson. “I can think of no better way to put a capstone on the 80th anniversary of NACDS than with this uniquely powerful show format that delivers the right business opportunities to foster meaningful discussions in a personalized manner.”

Photos of the programming, sessions and exhibit floor will be available on the NACDS Flickr website throughout the conference. Check back regularly for updated photos.