Schedule

Get Your Business in Shape for the Coming Year

Join us for three action-packed days that will have you networking, brainstorming, and connecting with peers across the broad spectrum of California’s grocery industry.

Here you will binge on the business of grocery. From innovative speaker presentations to stimulating breakout groups, productive private meetings to relaxed social events, the CGA conference is tailored to offer an immersive experience conducive to building long-term strategies and relationships.

Sunday, September 25, 2016

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM	THE ILLUMINATORS GOLF TOURNAMENT What better way to spend Sunday morning than playing one of Palm Springs’ most notable destination courses? Take a swing at one of the generous tee prizes and enjoy lunch, refreshments, and on-course contests, hosted by The Illuminators. All proceeds benefit The Illuminators Educational Foundation and Scholarship Program. MORE INFO »
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM	OPENING RECEPTION Sponsored by E & J Gallo Winery and Alta Dena Certified Dairy The CGA Strategic Conference Opening Reception is the largest single gathering of the California grocery industry. It’s the ideal opportunity to catch up with colleagues, reconnect with familiar faces, and make new contacts. Delicious refreshments and entertainment add to the lively and welcoming atmosphere at this unrivalled networking event. MORE INFO »
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM	OPENING GENERAL SESSION This year’s Opening General Session promises to set the stage for your conference experience. In a thought-provoking presentation on sales collaboration, you will gain valuable insights into how best to approach the conference’s learning sessions and your pre-arranged meetings. This is a must-attend for both first-time and long-time attendees. Sponsored by Costco Wholesale Speaker: Jim Jakala, Scott Salmon, Tom Herman, Brent Cotten and Victor Smith
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM	CONFERENCE REGISTRATION OPEN Sponsored by Post Consumer Brands
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM	AFTER HOURS SOCIAL Sponsored by Surplus Asset Management Sunday evening’s networking doesn’t end at the Opening Reception. Grab your newfound friends and retire to the picturesque setting of the Renaissance Palm Springs Resort pool for a casual after-hours mixer. MORE INFO »

Monday, September 26, 2016

6:30 AM - 5:00 PM	CONFERENCE REGISTRATION OPEN Sponsored by Post Consumer Brands
6:30 AM - 8:00 AM	BREAKFAST Provided by The Illuminators
7:00 AM - 8:30 AM	WHITEBOARD SESSIONS Sponsored by the CGA Educational Foundation To the drawing board! These loose, intimate sessions are designed to get collaboration flowing. In two energizing 45-minute sessions, facilitated by industry veterans, these strategy brainstorming discussions allow you to learn, share and contribute to industry best practices. Bring your insights, experience, questions and energy and participate in your choice of two topics organized by area of industry interest. Speakers: Brian Todd, Tammy Brumfield, Patty Johnson and Tod Marks
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM	OPENING REMARKS AND CONFERENCE GENERAL SESSIONS CGA’s signature General Session features state-of-the-industry addresses from CGA President & CEO Ronald Fong, CGA Board Chairman Kevin Konkel and The Illuminators Headlight Dave Dimond. Their remarks will be followed by the conference General Session presentation. Speaker: Jeremy Gutsche
10:30 AM - 5:30 PM	PRE-SCHEDULED BUSINESS MEETING/CONFERENCE EXHIBIT HALL OPEN MORE INFO »
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM	LUNCHEON Provided by The Illuminators
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM	INDEPENDENT OPERATORS FORUM Independent operators attending the CGA Strategic Conference are encouraged to gather for this highly informative and tailored session featuring a customized schedule of presentations from major manufacturers and educational content targeted to independent grocers. Speaker: Doug Madenberg
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM	CRAFT BREW SOCIAL HOUR & THE ILLUMINATORS' SPECIAL EVENT Ales. Lagers. Porters. And Stouts. After a productive day of meetings, join your colleagues for a taste of California’s craft brews followed by the always entertaining and un-convention-al, Illuminators’ “Special Event”. MORE INFO »
EVENING	PRE-ARRANGED SPONSOR/RETAILER DINNERS

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

7:00 AM - 8:30 AM	BREAKFAST Provided by The Illuminators
7:30 AM - 1:00 PM	CONFERENCE REGISTRATION OPEN Sponsored by Post Consumer Brands
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM	MORNING SUPER SESSION & RETAIL SPOTLIGHT Grab a morning coffee and join us for one of two morning educational sessions; a thought-provoking, in-depth presentation by a recognized expert or the popular Retailer Spotlight presentation. Speakers: Dave Hirz and Rob Stutzman
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM	PRE-SCHEDULE BUSINESS MEETINGS/CONFERENCE EXHIBIT HALL OPEN MORE INFO »
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM	LUNCHEON Provided by The Illuminators
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM	KEYNOTE LUNCHEON ADDRESS Sponsored by the California Table Grape Commission After a delicious lunch provided by The Illuminators, get ready for bright ideas and bold strategies from one of the top minds in the game. Our keynote presentation combines perceptive analysis of the state of the industry with compelling non-traditional approaches that challenge convention. This presentation promises to deliver a thought-provoking perspective on new, non-traditional approaches to our business. Keynote Speaker: Douglas Stephens
1:30 PM - 5:00 PM	PRE-SCHEDULE BUSINESS MEETINGS/CONFERENCE EXHIBIT HALL OPEN
5:00 PM	EVENT CONCLUDES