Retail executives looking to enhance their expertise are encouraged to attend this year's Retail Executive Education Program, being hosted by the David Sobey Centre for Innovation in Retailing and Services at Saint Mary’s University in beautiful Halifax, Nova Scotia. The intensive six-day program runs between July 10 and July 15, and will include retail-focused interactive lectures, simulations, personal leadership assessment with personalized feedback sessions, case discussions and a group project.

The program is tailored to those in director level and in senior executive roles, particularly those at mid-to-large retailers. High-potential managers may also register to participate.

The program will provide participants with a deep understanding of major current and emerging trends. Participants will be exposed to concepts and case studies by subject matter experts. The program will also provide participants the hands-on learning and tools to develop the competencies needed to succeed in today’s dynamic retail environment. You will experience immersive enriched learning with peers, subject matter experts and leading practitioners, and you'll emerge a more confident, skilled and effective retail executive and leader as a result.

Key benefits to this program include the following:

Discover best practices, gain new perspectives and insights into emerging retail trends, business models and innovation
Develop your strategic thinking and tactical decision-making skills through action-based learning involving collaborative activities, simulations and projects
Learn to leverage analytics to improve your business performance in all areas
Develop personal leadership skills that will greatly enhance your impact
Network with and learn from peers, make connections and form meaningful collaborations
Develop a personal and organizational action plan by the end of the program

The program begins at 1:00 pm on Sunday, July 10th and ends at 3:00 pm Friday, July 15. Topics covered will include:

Sunday: Strategic Thinking in a Changing Retail Landscape
Monday (a.m.): Retail Innovation
Monday (p.m.) and Tuesday: Effective Leadership in a Retail Environment
Wednesday: Customer Engagement via Compelling Brand Experiences
Thursday: Driving Value from Retail Analytics
Friday: Alignment & Executing Winning Retail Strategies and Personal Reflection

A more comprehensive description of each of these can be found here.

Internationally-recognized faculty from the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s University form the Program's central core. Two industry experts supplement the instructional team. Read about them here.

Cost to attend includes meals and all learning materials. Taxes, travel and accommodations are extra. You may contact Client Services at the David Sobey Centre for information on hotel rates or university accommodations.

There's still time to register for the early bird rate, which ends on May 31. Group enrolment is also available. To apply for or more information, contact Client Services at the David Sobey Centre:
Email: DavidSobeyCentre@smu.ca
Telephone: 902.496.8272