Retail Council of Canada’s Retail West conference is taking place on October 12 of this year, and it is being held at the Pinnacle Marriott hotel in the city’s downtown core. [Register Online Here]

Retail West is Western Canada’s largest retail conference, and it will be attended by more than 300 mid-to-senior level executives. The event brings together retailers ranging in size from independent merchants to Canada’s largest retailers operating on the West Coast, as well as retail industry vendors and suppliers.

This year’s conference explores the most pressing concerns and opportunities facing retailers in today's unpredictable commerce landscape, while sharing innovative ideas, real-life case studies and trends, and providing tools and resources specific to the Western Canadian retail market.

Retail Council of Canada's President and CEO, Diane J. Brisebois, will kick-off Retail West 2017 with a special address to retailers in Canada on the potential impact of the proposed import duties being lobbied for in the upcoming NAFTA negotiations.

"The stress retailers in Canada are experiencing now is nothing close to the magnitude of the challenge ahead if the $800 de minimis recommendation is passed," said Ms. Brisebois, adding, "As an industry, it may very well be the biggest fight we've ever had to ensure retailers of all sizes can continue to thrive and effectively compete for Canadian consumers' business. It is therefore vital retailers are clearly informed of the potential devastating impact this change could have on their business so we can together take proper action, NOW.”

There will also be some common themes to this year’s conference, including discussions around the critical importance of brand in today's digital world, understanding the ever-evolving wants and needs of the consumer, and staying competitive through constantly changing new and emerging technology. Each presenter has been carefully selected because of both the novel and highly successful strategies his or her company has explored and applied in their business or retail practice.

Some of the companies and speakers presenting at Retail West 2017 include:

-Mountain Equipment Co-Op, David Labistour
-Google, Kritina Elkhazin
-Arc'Teryx, Jon Hoerauf
-Best Buy, Phil Arrata
-BuildDirect, Jim Hourigan
-Reckless Bike Stores, Paul Dragan
-Sage Natural Wellness, Kate Ross LeBlanc
-Spud.ca, Peter van Stolk
-Top Drawer Creative, Howard Chang
-Facebook, Vik Kambli
-HUBBA, Phil Chang
-PwC, Kate Furber
-JAK's Beer, Wine & Spirits, Tim Dumas
-Dig 360, David Ian Grey
-Retail Insider, Craig Patterson

To add further insight and perspective for conference participants, Retail West 2017 will also present just-released findings from leading retail research consultancies:

-Deloitte - Future of Next Generation Retail
-KPMG - Fifth Annual Global Consumers Study
-Leger360's - Future of the Department Store.

The day will otherwise be packed with speakers and presentations, as well as dedicated networking times, as well as a catered lunch. For more details: [Schedule for October 12]

You can register for the Retail West Conference online or via fax (To register via fax, download the pdf and fax it to 877-790-4271 or mail it to 800-1881 Yonge Street, Toronto Ontario, M3S 3C4).

There’s a reduced rate for those that are already Retail Council of Canada members. To check your status and to become a member, contact membership@retailcouncil.org or call 1-888-373-8245.