Retail Association of Maine, Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association and New Hampshire and New Hampshire Retail Association announce full Summit 2024 conference agenda

AUGUSTA — The Retail Association of Maine and the Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association, in collaboration with our newest partner, the New Hampshire Retail Association, are pleased to announce the final agenda and speaker lineup for our annual conference, Summit 2024 scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 17.

The event will be at the state-of-the-art corporate headquarters of L.L. Bean in Freeport. Summit 2024 brings Maine and New Hampshire’s business community & industry partners together for a full day of informative sessions, speakers, fun, and exhibits. Christine Cummings, executive director of MGFPA, notes, “As we gear up for Summit 2024, I’m thrilled with the incredible lineup of speakers we have in store. From industry leaders to trailblazers, each speaker brings a unique perspective on perseverance and the future. Their insights and experiences will empower attendees to navigate the challenges ahead confidently and creatively.”

We are honored to welcome an extraordinary group of presenters to this year’s conference, beginning with 29-year-old Cole Brauer, who has ties to Boothbay Harbor. Brauer made history as the first American woman to race solo sailing nonstop around the world, braving three oceans and some of the most extreme elements imaginable. Joining her is L.L. Bean CEO Steve Smith, who will share his insights on their collaborative corporate structure and how L.L. Bean has kept the 110+-year-old Maine brand fresh and forward-thinking.

We are also pleased to have Bob Tiner and John Carr from Hannaford Supermarkets, offering their expertise in workplace safety and how to mitigate and de-escalate threats effectively. Kerri Barton from Portland Public Health will lead a session, providing vital insights into the overdose crisis in our state. Attendees will learn how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and effectively respond using naloxone (Narcan). We’ve heard post-pandemic that folks want more conversations and personal interaction, therefore, the day includes moderated roundtable discussions to address what’s keeping Maine businesses up at night.

Anchoring Summit 2024 from Nashville, Tennessee, is your self-proclaimed ‘Nerdy BFF’ tech guru Beth Ziesenis. Beth will highlight the impact of artificial intelligence and share practical tools to capitalize on this thought-provoking and time-saving technology.

“It’s an exciting lineup that promises to inspire and educate! We’re thrilled to pair together impressive and powerful yet unique presenters to speak at this year’s event,” stated Curtis Picard, president and CEO of RAM and NHRA.

Plus, join us on Wednesday, Oct. 16 for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of L.L. Bean’s corporate headquarters and flagship retail store. Then, unwind at our Summit reception with music, Maine-made s’mores, beverages, and more.

Take a moment from your busy schedule to seize this opportunity for personal and professional growth; this is an event you won’t want to miss! Maine’s business leaders and their teams are invited to Summit 2024. For more details and to register, visit tinyurl.com/4zenx5v7.

The Retail Association of Maine is a statewide, non-profit trade association representing more than 350 businesses in the state, from large chains to small independent retailers. Incorporated in 1937, RAM serves as the voice of retailers in Maine and concentrates on preserving the state’s strong retail climate. retailmaine.org | (207) 623-1149

The Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association is a business trade association representing Main Street businesses: independently owned and operated grocery stores, supermarkets, food and beverage producers and processors, wholesalers and distributors, and allied service companies. We are a community dedicated to the prosperity of Maine’s grocery and food producer industry through excellence in advocacy, networking and education. mgfpa.org | (207) 622-4461

The New Hampshire Retail Association is a statewide, non-profit association representing nearly 700 businesses in the state of New Hampshire, ranging from small independent business owners to major corporations. Formed in 1966 to protect the rights of retailers and further the cause of the retail industry at the state level of the legislative process. retailnh.com | (603) 225-9748