Conference KeyNote: Brands, Brains and Buying
 Speaker: David Kepron ... architect, artist, author, educator, podcaster
Date: August 10, 2022 .... Time: 8:00 - 9:00 a.m., Room 202
David Kepron will share his visionary ideas on how brand strategy, brain science and emerging technologies are changing guest expectations about relationships they want to have with brands and how companies can remain relevant in a digitally enabled marketplace.
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 David Kepron is former VP - Global Design Strategies at Marriott International and founder of Retail(r)Evolution, LLC and NXTLVL Experience Design, LLC. While at Marriott, his focus was on the creation of compelling customer experiences within Marriott’s “Premium Distinctive” segment which includes: Westin, Renaissance, Le Meridien, Autograph Collection, Tribute Portfolio, Design Hotels and Gaylord hotels. In his new venture, NXTLVL Experience Design, Kepron brings years of retail and hospitality design expertise to the making of meaningful customer connections at brand experience places around the globe.
His multidisciplinary approach to design focuses on understanding consumer behavior and the creation of relevant brand engagement moments at the intersection of architecture, sociology, neuroscience and emerging digital technologies. As a frequently requested international speaker at corporate events and international conferences focusing on CX, digital transformation, retail, hospitality, emerging technology, David shares his expertise on subjects ranging from consumer behaviors and trends, brain science and buying behavior, store design and visual merchandising, hotel design and strategy as well as creativity and innovation. In his talks, David shares visionary ideas on how brand strategy, brain science and emerging technologies are changing guest expectations about relationships they want to have with brands and how companies can remain relevant in a digitally enabled marketplace. |
David Kepron brings 30 years of retail and hospitality design expertise to the making of meaningful customer connections at brand experience places around the globe. His multidisciplinary approach to design focuses on understanding consumer behavior and the creation of relevant brand engagement moments at the intersection of architecture, sociology, neuroscience and emerging digital technologies.
Company: NXTLVL Experience Design, LLC
Email: david.kepron@NXTLVLexperiencedesign.com
Phone: 201.314.8134
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David currently brings his creativity and insight on brand experiences to an international audience as a member of VMSD magazine’s Editorial Advisory Board, as a Board Member of the Interactive Customer Experience Association (ICXA) and Sign Research Foundation’s (SRF) Program Committee. In 2014 Kepron published his first book titled: “Retail (r)Evolution: Why Creating Right-Brain Stores Will Shape the Future of Shopping in a Digitally Driven World” and he is currently working on his second book to be published soon.
David also writes a popular blog called “Brain Food” which is published monthly on vmsd.com. He also launched a new podcast called “NXTLVL” in June 2020. This new podcast brings listeners daring and different dialogues about “DATA: Design, Architecture, Technology and the Arts.” His guests include thought leaders who are driven by a passion to create the ‘New Possible’ and promote new paradigms of experiences into the mainstream. overseas; semis from Mexico; UPS; LTL; USPS, etc.
It’s Time To Get Together Again ... A WHOLE NEW TRADE SHOW DESIGNED JUST FOR IGCs
The Garden Center Show for independent garden center (IGC) owners and professionals is the premier event for IGCs. We bring together the brightest minds and hottest products in one place at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for a conference and exhibition. All attendees receive access to exhibit hall, keynote sessions and inaugural networking reception on Wednesday, Aug. 10th
The Garden Centers of America (GCA) is the supporting partner of the Garden Center Show.
The Garden Center Show for IGCs brings together thousands of retailers and hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest products, services and equipment you need to succeed. Register now to discover your next big seller and your next technological advance. You'll save thousands of dollars or your next pioneering idea to take your business to a higher level.
- Meet with vendors you haven’t seen in two years.
- Add variety to your product mix by finding new vendors.
- Expand your knowledge in peer-to-peer education program sponsored by Garden Centers of America.
- Network with other top IGCs.
The Garden Center Show has everything you need to succeed in 2022!
All attendees receive access to the exhibit hall, keynote sessions and the inaugural networking reception on Wednesday, August 10 | 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Join fellow attendees and industry leaders for an evening of networking!
A Garden Center Tour
Designed to Inspire
Network with fellow garden center professionals and energize your business with fresh retail strategies from independent garden centers counted among the best in the great Milwaukee market, all while saving $100 per team member. On-board moderators will get the wheels rolling, revealing the best practices that put these IGC retailers on top. Then see firsthand what makes them so special as you explore each location. Watch the ideas spark as you fill your to-do list with new possibilities for profit, then get back to your hotel in plenty of time to enjoy dinner and nightlife in downtown Milwaukee. Transportation and lunch included. Conducted in conjunction with Garden Centers of America. Book early — this tour is a favorite among Garden Center Show-goers and has sold out in previous years!
WISCONSIN CENTER
400 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53203
wisconsincenter.com
SHOW HOURS
Tuesday, Aug. 9: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 10: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 11: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
SMARTWORK MEDIA LAUNCHES NEW GARDEN CENTER SHOW FOR IGCs IN AUGUST 2022
SmartWork Media announces the launch of THE GARDEN CENTER SHOW for IGCs to be held Aug. 9-11, 2022 at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee. The three-day national-level event is expected to draw 700 booths and thousands of buyers from across the country. This event will offer special educational opportunities aimed at addressing the most essential purchasing, marketing and management questions that independent garden centers face today.
The show will partner with Garden Centers of America to bring IGCs a day touring local Milwaukee garden centers on Aug. 9, and GCA will help design the show’s conference program, bringing real-life, actionable how-tos that will help IGCs thrive.
SmartWork Media CEO Matthijs Braakman explains why this show was created: “Due to the Covid-19 pandemic there were no Midwest garden center shows in 2020, and at this time, we don’t see any scheduled for 2021 either. The industry needs to have an opportunity to get together to conduct business in 2021,” Braakman said. “With our many years of expertise in producing B2B magazines and shows focused on the retail industry, the new GARDEN CENTER SHOW for IGCs fits well into our model, and we look forward to sharing this expertise with the independent garden center industry.”
THE GARDEN CENTER SHOW for IGCs is being directed by Rob Bailey, who has more than 35 years of trade show experience. From 2015 to 2020, Bailey was the show manager for the IGC Show, and he will be bringing his leadership, expertise and knowledge of the industry to the show. “Over the past five years, I have enjoyed working with thousands of independent garden center owners, building relationships and helping to grow their businesses,” Bailey said. “I am thrilled that SmartWork Media has provided an opportunity to continue that work with the new Garden Center Show. I look forward to seeing many familiar faces in August!”
Bailey’s co-director will be Jim Reed, a trade show veteran of 30-plus years as well, with 20 of those year spent in the management of B2B retail industry shows and two years with the Chicago Flower & Garden Show, a consumer show. Reed sees THE GARDEN CENTER SHOW for IGCs as an opportunity to educate retailers in new ways. “We’re looking to focus on some new educational topics targeting the interaction between the IGC and their customers,” Reed said. “We don’t want to just give them ideas but to also give them time to develop these ideas at the show. When they leave, they will have a plan in hand that will allow them to implement what they learned immediately.”
For more information on THE GARDEN CENTER SHOW for IGCs, visit gardencentershow.com or contact Rob Bailey at (224) 355-6947, rob.bailey@gardencentershow.com, or Jim Reed at (224) 688-0858, jim.reed@gardencentershow.com.