ASAP 2017: Audit, Safety, and Asset Protection Conference

Conference Agenda

View the full schedule (PDF) here. 
Note: Agenda is a draft only and subject to change.
 

EARN UP TO 17 CPE CREDITS

Attend the 2017 ASAP Conference and earn up to 17 CPE credits in fields of study such as Auditing, Specialized Knowledge - Technical, Information Technology and Personal Development. The 2017 ASAP Conference is a "group-live" event at the advanced course level and no advanced preparation is required. Prerequisite: Previous experience in supermarket auditing procedures.

The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website www.nasbaregistry.org

NEW IN 2017! BUSINESS APPOINTMENT SCHEDULER

New in 2017! Use the Business Appointment Scheduler to arrange meetings between retailers and exhibiting suppliers and get the most out of your time at ASAP. This new web-based scheduling tool will allow retailers and trading partners exhibiting at ASAP to pre-schedule appointments prior to arriving.  With the appointment scheduler, you can: 

1) Secure meetings with the business partners most important to your business.

2) Ensure your company is spending its resources on the right events.

3) Improve your productivity while attending the conference.

Note: a link to the scheduler will be sent to you after registration or purchase of a sponorship/booth. Register here (retailers only) or explore sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities to access this new conference feature! 
 

Agenda Color Key: 

  • Asset/Loss Prevention (blue)
  • Risk and Safety (purple)
  • Audit (green) 
  • Professional Development (orange)
  • All Audiences (black)

 

  • MONDAY, MARCH 20, 2017

    11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

    GOLF LUNCH

    * Sponsored By * 

    12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

    GOLF TOURNAMENT
    Pre-registration required. Additional fees may apply. 

    *Title Sponsor*  

    5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

    OPENING RECEPTION
    Join your industry colleagues and friends to kick off the 2017 ASAP Conference.

    * Opening Reception Sponsored By: 

  • TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017

    7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

     

     

     

     

    BREAKFAST IN THE VENDOR SHOWCASE

    * Sponsored By*
    7:15 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.

    PRE-CONFERENCE AUDIT BREAKFAST SESSION
    Social Networking and Engineering: Risk and Readiness Tips for Internal Auditors

    Protecting a company's digital assets is as much an internal responsibility as it is an external one. In a "when not if" world where data breaches are becoming ubiquitous, how can retailers keep up with and protect themselves from new and emerging social engineering threats that can disrupt business operations, damage public relations and severely impact the bottom line? In this fascinating session, you'll discover the types of exposure to risk associated with social networking and get an update on the latest social engineering tactics. Take home valuable tips on what internal auditors should be looking for during an audit and how they can help mitigate current and future social engineering risks. 

    8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

    OPENING KEYNOTE: Off Balance on Purpose
    Dan Thurmon, Author and Peak Performance Expert
    Maintaining your balance in today's off-balance world of new regulation, consumer demands, and social challenges is a never ending effort. That's why Dan Thurmon tells you to give up trying to live your life "on-balance" and start living life "off-balance on purpose." This is the only way you will experience true happiness, accomplish meaningful goals, and lead a life which has lasting significance.

    9:35 a.m. – 10:35 a.m.

    BREAKOUT SESSIONS (3)
    1) Asset/Loss Prevention:

    How to Turn a Crisis Inside Out

    Michael Gulli, Manager of Corporate Security & Crisis Manager, The Golub Corporation & Price Chopper Supermarkets
    Steve Hoptay, Vice President, Loss Prevention, Wakefern Food Corp.
    During an emergency the first step is for associates to address the company “inside the fence line.” But equally as important is sharing information and effectively communicating with emergency response agencies coming from outside the fence. In this session we’ll walk through the steps to successfully develop a crisis plan and then turn it inside-out to build strong and sometimes life-saving private-public partnerships.

    2) Audit:

    PCI 3.2 Has Arrived- Are You Ready? 

    Brian Willis, CISSP, QSA, Manager, LBMC Information Security

    With the recent release of PCI DSS version 3.2, merchants face new compliance challenges in addition to those they continue to tackle from previous versions. Get an overview of these changes and how will they affect your next assessment and hear how other merchants are dealing with the requirements that have proven difficult to comply with. Gain useful insights into the common compliance challenges organizations are facing and get advice on strategies for implementing a successful compliance program.

    3) Risk and Safety: 

    OSHA Updates that Matter
    Joan M. Spencer, Compliance Assistance Specialist, U.S. DOL – OSHA, Tampa

    Are you responsible for OSHA Compliance?  What’s being emphasized? Where’s the focus? What are the top 10 grocery supermarket citations?  Come and hear the latest updates and insights from an OSHA Compliance Assistance Specialist.

    9:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

    PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP:

    Effective Communication Skills

    Dale Weiss, Senior Vice President, CommCore

    This program will provide participants with a hands-on, highly interactive experience in order to improve their communications skill set for dealing with a wide variety of audiences.

    Upon completion of the training, participants will be better able to:

    Learn key insights into how to confidently address and manage speaking to executives, peers, managers, and external stakeholders. Broaden skills in communicating concisely and consistently in a variety of communication situations. Build rapport with the audience and inspire confidence. Use effective tools and techniques to communicate, anticipate and manage Q&A.

    10:35 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

    BREAK IN THE VENDOR SHOWCASE 

    * Sponsored By*

    11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

    IDEA EXCHANGES (3)
    Join in a lively discussion about the issues and challenges that keep auditors, risk and asset protection professionals in the food retail business up at night. Get ideas, swap best practices, share your pain points and connect with your peers during our most popular sessions.
    1) Asset/Loss Prevention
    2) Risk and Safety
    3) Audit

    12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

    LUNCH

    * Sponsored By*

     

    1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m

    BREAKOUTS (3)

    1) Asset/Loss Prevention:

    Risk, Readiness & Resliency: Conducting Your Supply Chain Vulnerability and Risk Assessments
    Rod Wheeler, Founder and CEO of the Global Food Defense Institute

    The nation’s food, agricultural and chemical industries are diverse, complex and potentially vulnerable. The supply chain includes distributed networks, varied organizational structures and operating models, interdependent functions and systems in both the physical space and cyberspace, and governance constructs that involve multi- level authorities, responsibilities, and regulations. 

    Food, agricultural and chemical businesses must be secure and able to withstand and rapidly recover from all hazards.  This presentation will discuss the opportunities to consider and pitfalls to avoid when securing your supply chain.  

    2) Risk and Safety: 

    How to Survive an Active Shooter Situation Part 1 Mental Preparation

    Mark Seguin, CEO, TBG Solutions Inc.

    3) Audit:

    Ten Reasons Controls Break Down and What to Do About It
    John Hall, John Hall Consulting, Inc. 

    Business best practices, regulations, and accounting standards require organizations to develop and document sound internal control procedures and behaviors. Maintaining those internal controls is every bit as important as setting them up and writing them down. Yet despite best efforts, controls still have a tendency to fail over time - not every control every day, but too many controls on too many days. In this session, you’ll investigate the real reasons controls fail and take home recommendations that auditors, managers and key control employees can use to reduce exposures from control failures.  You’ll learn:

    •    The importance of hard control procedures and soft control behaviors
    •    How to implement a “How do I know?” culture at key control moments
    •    The importance of “The Quality Moment”
    •    How to educate employees at all levels about WHY a control is important – before              addressing the HOW and WHEN of the procedure

    1:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

    PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP
    Effective Communication Skills

    Dale Weiss, Senior Vice President, CommCore

    This program will provide participants with a hands-on, highly interactive experience in order to improve their communications skill set for dealing with a wide variety of audiences.

    Upon completion of the training, participants will be better able to:

    Learn key insights into how to confidently address and manage speaking to executives, peers, managers, and external stakeholders. Broaden skills in communicating concisely and consistently in a variety of communication situations. Build rapport with the audience and inspire confidence. Use effective tools and techniques to communicate, anticipate and manage Q&A.

    2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

    BREAK IN THE VENDOR SHOWCASE

    2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

    ROUNDTABLES (6)
    1) Asset/Loss Prevention:

    Legal and Social Issues Impacting the Workplace
    Damon Cavasin, Director, Asset Protection, SpartanNash

    Medical marijuana, transgender restrooms and weapons are just a few of the current legal and social issues requiring the input, response and leadership of asset protection and risk management teams throughout our industry.  For those interested in learning more about these issues or understanding how others are responding to current challenges, join your colleagues for what is sure to be a lively discussion and educational event.  Participation is required!

    2) Asset/Loss Prevention:

     EMV Trends: Impact on Business
     Hannah Walker, Senior Director, Technology & Nutrition Policy, Food Marketing  Institute

    Come join your colleagues to see how EMV has affected the industry over the past year and a half.  Learn what other retailers have experienced and how they addressed issues that negatively impacted their bottom line in 2016. Industry experts will provide an update on some of the changes made by credit card companies and financial institutions that will reduce the risk and exposure to retailers moving forward.

    3) Risk and Safety:

     Identifying and Reviewing Best Practices for Reducing Slips, Trips and Falls
     David Rhein, Corporate Safety Manager, Asset Protection, Meijer, Inc.

     An interactive discussion on preventing slip, trip and fall incidents. The majority of general  industry incidents are slips, trips or falls and account for 15% of all accidental deaths.  How  does your company prevent this most common incident from occurring? Do you  need  fresh new ideas to mitigate these types of incidents? Join your peers in reviewing  tried  and true methods for reducing slip, trips and falls in your facilities.

    4) Audit: 

    Adding Value with Store Audits
    Theresa Maricevic, Manager of Online Shopping and Internal Audit, King Kullen

    Join your peers for a lively discussion on adding value to your store audit program. Share ideas and best practices on all aspects of store auditing such as reporting, auditing schedules, testing measures and compliance.

    3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

     

     

     

    3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

    General Session: The State of the Industry: Impacts of the Digitally Engaged Food Shopper

    Thom Blischok, Chairman & CEO, The Dialogic Group, LLC.

     

    Audit: Better Consulting Skills for Auditors: How to Develop and Apply Internal Consulting Skills in the Audit Environment

    John Hall, John Hall Consulting, Inc. 

    The traditional definition of internal auditing has been replaced by the expectation that we will supplement our compliance, information security and control testing responsibilities with value-enhancing ideas for operational and technical improvement. This session will demonstrate how auditors can add measurable value by evolving from internal auditor to internal consultant on every audit project.  Take home suggestions on how to blend traditional auditor responsibilities with a more consultative approach and learn how to:

    •    Create measurable value through daily ‘consultative moments’
    •    Make the similarities between internal auditing and internal consulting work
         for you 
    •    Get recognized as a source of expertise
    •    Build credibility and visibility for yourself and your team
    •    Identify where managers need your assistance and how to get “invited in”

    		  

    4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

    HAPPY HOUR IN VENDOR SHOWCASE
    Join your industry colleagues and friends in an informal setting to discuss the day’s events, network and meet with exhibiting business partners.

     

  • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2017

    7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

    BREAKFAST IN THE VENDOR SHOWCASE  

    * Sponsored By *

    7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

     

    AUDIT BREAKFAST SESSION
    Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA): What Auditors Need to Know and Do to Assess Compliance
    Michael Roberson, Director of Corporate Quality Assurance, Publix Super Markets, Inc. 

    The 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act, the most sweeping reform of U.S. food safety laws in 70 years, aims to protect the integrity of the U.S. food supply by taking a more preventative approach to food safety at all levels of the supply chain.  A number of the provisions of the law impact food retailers and wholesalers both directly and indirectly. What do internal auditors need to know about FSMA compliance? What are the biggest risks and challenges that retailers face, what questions should auditors ask and what should they add to their audit programs?  Get an overview of the key provisions of FSMA that will have the most impact on food retailers such as Preventative Controls, Sanitary Food Transportation, Foreign Supplier Verification and Food Defense and gain the knowledge you need to ensure you’re well-informed and in compliance.

    8:35 a.m. – 9:35 a.m.  

    BREAKOUTS (5)

    1) Asset/Loss Prevention:

    Corporate Fraud and High Level Investigations
    Tammy L. Clark, Consultant, Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates, Inc.

    This presentation will guide attendees on performing a high-level investigation in preparation for an interview in regards to theft, fraud or embezzlement.  Utilizing facts from an actual case, with real video examples, the instructor will discuss an overview of the investigative process focused on the strategy for the interview.  The Participatory Approach to an interview will be discussed in depth as a strategy when interviewing a high-level executive to minimize excuses or denials.  Ultimately, this session will provide attendees with additional tools to support their effort in searching for the truth.

    2) Exploring the Role of ASAP Professionals in Cybersecurity

    Gail Holmberg, Area Managing Partner, Fortium Partners  

    We will present an overview of the joint Cybersecurity whitepaper recently issued by FMI and Fortium Partners.  We will then take a deeper dive into the contributions ASAP professionals can and should make toward an effective corporate Cybersecurity program.  Cybersecurity is a risk management program and your skills and experience can enhance the approach in areas such as incidence response, developing effective controls and integrating physical security components.

    3) Risk and Safety:

    OSHA: New Developments and New Risks
    Thomas Metzger, Shareholder, Littler
    As a safety professional, it’s critical to know what OSHA is focusing on and emphasizing. While we don’t always know the next injury that may trigger an OSHA visit, come hear a seasoned professional provide insights on key OSHA topics that must addressed in preparation for potential interaction with OSHA.  

    4) Audit:

    Effective Root Causes Analysis Techniques
    Ann M. Butera, President of The Whole Person Project, Inc.

    As auditors, we need to be able to discern isolated incidents from systemic concerns and be able to identify the root cause of the problem.  This interactive working session is intended for auditors at all levels who want to use root cause analysis to identify the source of inherent risks and control breakdowns, and to determine the usefulness of a corrective action plan. 

    5) Professional Development:

    Organizational Behavior and Leadership: The Evolution of HR and its Effects on Culture

    Mike Nugent, Director, Asset Protection, Tops Markets, LLC, Adjunct Professor, State University of NY (Buffalo) - UB School of Management

    As leaders, we have a direct influence on the behavior of our personnel, overall employee engagement and organizational culture.  This session will focus on ways we can apply that influence. Learn to manage with emotional intelligence, choose the right attitude and negotiate conflict. Review key values of an authentic leader such as respect, integrity, trust, and effective communication. Discuss the benefits of leading by motivating individuals and teams, analyzing problems, and finding solutions to real-world business situations. Take your leadership skills to the next level!

    9:40 a.m. – 10:40 a.m.

    IDEA EXCHANGES (3)
    Join in a lively discussion about the issues and challenges that keep auditors, risk and asset protection professionals in the food retail business up at night. Get ideas, swap best practices, share your pain points and connect with your peers during our most popular session.
    1) Asset/Loss Prevention: 
    2) Risk and Safety 
    3) Audit

    10:40 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

    BREAK IN THE VENDOR SHOWCASE 

    *Sponsored By*

    11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

    BREAKOUTS (4)

    1) Asset/Loss Prevention:

    Credit Card Fraud Schemes
    What are the latest trends in credit card fraud that retailers need to be aware of? This session will share recent nationwide credit card fraud cases and discuss skimming device trends that have impacted retail stores, gas stations, and ATM locations. An investigator from the Financial Crimes Unit of a local law enforcement agency will share data on the methodology of schemes, connections to large-scale criminal enterprises and tips for detection or prevention.  In a discussion facilitated by a retail asset protection professional, you’ll discuss best practices for mitigating the risk of becoming a victim and learn the key steps to follow after a skimming or phishing incident has taken place at your store.

    2) Risk and Safety:

    Safety Topics

    Vic Alvarado, III, Senior Loss Control Executive, AmTrust North America

    Jennifer Horstmann, Safety Manager, Schnuck Markets, Inc. 

    3) Audit:

    Make Data Analytics Work for You!

    Steven Pesklo, MBS, CFE, Softlake Solutions

    Data analytics can be a powerful tool that enables internal auditors to analyze and monitor risk and convey powerful fact-based insights that result in more effective decision-making. The challenge is to condense and present all the data in a form that delivers meaningful actionable insights that are easy to understand. Join this session to learn how to leverage data visualization tools and techniques to make data analytics work for you more effectively.

    4) Risk and Safety: 

    How to Survive an Active Shooter Situation Part 2: Taking Action and Intrigue   Her Response

    Mark Seguin, CEO, TBG Solutions Inc.

    12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

    LUNCH

    * Sponsored By * 

    1:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

    AUDIT WORKSHOP
    Techniques for Selling Audit Findings and Overcoming Objections
    Ann M. Butera, President of The Whole Person Project, Inc.

    For an auditor, client objections and pushback concerning controls gaps and breakdowns are an inevitable part of the job. So, how can you present your audit findings in a way that minimizes resistance and increases acceptance? During this interactive workshop you’ll learn specific techniques to help you engage the people you audit and get buy-in on your results. Discover how to use the Critical Linkage,™ a four-step, COSO-based thought process as a guide when selling audit findings, learn how to position the issues for optimum buy-in and agreement and identify how to lock down the solution and negotiate corrective action.

    1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

    BREAKOUTS (2)

    1) Asset/Loss Prevention:

    Emerging CCTV & Facial Recognition Technologies
    Join your colleagues as security solution providers share some key industry trends in CCTV and Facial Recognition technologies.  Whether you are looking to upgrade your current video platform or are researching facial recognition solutions for the first time, this is the place to be. Retailers will share how they have integrated technologies in ways that are new to the industry. We’ll also explore some of the creative ways in which new technologies can reduce shrinkage, optimize marketing strategies and improve overall store operations.

    2) Risk and Safety:

    Ergonomics: It's Not Just About Your Back!
    Today’s store design options offer opportunities to not only elevate the customer experience, but to also improve ergonomics for your associates. In this session we’ll look at ways to design a working environment that meets the needs of a diverse employee group and reduce stress from lifting, pushing and pulling.

    2:30 p.m. – 2:55 p.m.

    BREAK IN THE VENDOR SHOWCASE

    2:55 p.m. – 3:55 p.m.  

    BREAKOUTS (3)
    1) Asset/Loss Prevention:

    Reversing the "80/20 Rule" of Shrink
    Joe Conway, Director, Asset Protection, ACME
    Mike Nugent, Director, Asset Protection, Tops Markets, LLC

    Join us for an engaging session, focusing on "Fresh Shrink's" recent rise to fame within the Shrink Theater. Many organizations continue to allocate 80% of their resources toward only 20% of their shrink challenges. An open-minded, factual examination of a company's collaborative "Fresh" Department Profile tells the story of an 80% shrink-impact point on profitability, which when better understood, can drive significant performance improvement. This interactive session will include factual information, including discussion based on the trends specific to "Fresh Shrink” across our industry. We will explore some new, foundational and creative approaches that are being used to mitigate the impact at multiple levels of the organization.

    2) Risk and Safety:

    Fire Safety
    When you drive into the parking lot and see a fire truck in front of your store, you probably have mixed reactions, visions of emergencies and surprise inspections competing in your mind. But local emergency services are there to help us, before, during and after an emergency. Join an interactive discussion with members of the Orange County Fire Department to better understand why they do the things that they do and what we can do to help ourselves.

    4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  

    CLOSING KEYNOTE: Win as One: The 8 Essential Elements of Human Synergy
    Robyn Benincasa, World Champion Adventure Racer, CNN Hero of The Year

    What do the world's most successful teams have in common? --- The ability to upgrade their "teamwork" to Human Synergy! If your goal is to increase performance by inspiring your team to adapt, overcome, and win as ONE, this keynote is the perfect message to take home.  The stories and videos that Robyn shares from the most epic, entertaining and meaningful moments in the sport of Adventure Racing will leave you with a deep understanding that with true Human Synergy you and your team will go farther AND faster in pursuit of your goals!

    5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

    CLOSING PARTY IN VENDOR SHOWCASE

     

    Speaker Guidelines