Schedule

Join your food industry colleagues for three days of advanced learning sessions, pre-scheduled business appointments and the opportunity to reconnect with your peers through relaxed social occasions. Together we will celebrate the strengths of our collective efforts this past year, share key learnings from the recent challenges, and turn our focus to the new strategies for the California grocery industry.

DAILY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Sunday, September 26, 2021

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.

8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION OPEN

Sponsored by Post Consumer Brands

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

The Opening Experience

The CGA Strategic Conference kicks off with its signature Opening Experience that has been moved to the spacious Palm Springs Convention Center ballroom. Come, spread out and enjoy this must-attend start that is guaranteed to provide you with inspiration for the rest of the conference.  Don’t miss it!

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Opening Reception

Renew acquaintances and make a few new contacts in the relaxed atmosphere of the CGA Opening Reception.  This entertaining evening is a great opportunity to network and build relationships at our signature gathering of the California grocery industry.

8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

After Hours Social

Sponsored by MolsonCoors

Sunday evening’s networking heads outdoors at the After Hours Social.  Retire to the picturesque setting of the Renaissance Palm Springs Resort pool for this casual after-hours mixer.

Monday, September 27, 2021

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 RMS, Inc.
To the drawing board! These loose, free-flowing sessions are designed to get the conversations flowing. In two, energizing 45-minute sessions facilitated by industry veterans, the 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.

8:30 am - 10:30 am

Opening Remarks and Conference General Session

CGA’s signature General Session features state-of-the-industry addresses from CGA President & CEO Ronald Fong, CGA Board Chair Hee-Sook Nelson and The Illuminators Headlite Juan Trillas.  Their remarks will be followed by the conference General Session presentation.

10:30 am - 5:30 pm

Pre-scheduled Business Meetings/Conference Exhibit Hall Open

Provided by The Illuminators

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 invited to meet to discuss important topics for operational best-practices.

This educational content tailored to independent grocers.

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Enterprise Risk Protection Executive Summit

Sponsored by RMS, Inc.
Loss prevention, safety and risk management professionals attending the CGA Strategic Conference gather for customized educational track featuring a schedule of presentations on emerging issues such as shrink & fraud, technology & cybercrime, and employee safety best practices.

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Bourbon ‘N Brews Reception

After a productive day of meetings, join your colleagues for a sip of bourbon inspired cocktails and craft brews.

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

6:30 am - 8:00 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

The Morning Kickoff

Grab your morning coffee and join us for a thought-provoking presentation by an uncommon voice that promises to challenge your thinking about our industry and where things are headed.  This presentation is presented to spark conversations about the disruptions occurring and the future of the food business.

9:00 am - 11:30 am

Pre-scheduled Business Meetings/Conference Exhibit Hall Open

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Enterprise Risk Protection Executive Summit (continued)

Sponsored by RMS, Inc.

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Luncheon

Provided by The Illuminators

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Keynote Luncheon Address

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. 

1:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Pre-scheduled Business Meetings/Conference Exhibit Hall Open

5:00 pm

Event Concludes

** simulcast for virtual attendees