Industry Forum

Top executives from some of the nation’s leading retail and restaurant chains came together with suppliers and service providers involved in store planning, construction and facilities management at Chain Store Age’s seventh annual Executive SPECS conference.

The VIP event, held in November at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass, Phoenix, is designed as a high-level management development program and networking opportunity. The program kicked off with a dynamic, interactive presentation by author and consultant Dr. Jack Wolf, who focused on boosting team performance and increasing creativity.

This year, for the first time ever, the Executive SPECS agenda included face-to-face “speed” meetings between retailers and suppliers. The meetings, which allowed the participating retailers to lay out their needs and goals to suppliers in a direct, time-efficient manner, were rated as a great new addition to the program.

There were also ample opportunities for informal discussion at Executive SPECS, over meals and during other breaks. The relaxed, friendly environment encouraged dialogue and maximized business-networking possibilities.

Planning is under way for Executive SPECS 2010, which will be in November. For more information, check executivespecs.com .