Schedule

2023 Schedule Coming Soon!

11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Registration

Sponsored by:

Climate Pros LLC

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Manufacturer/Retailer Exchange

7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Registration

Sponsored by:

Climate Pros LLC

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Breakfast

Sponsored by:

seasons4-logo---in-5x2-frame

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Opening Keynote: Disruptive Innovation

Disruptive innovation invalidates existing business models. That’s why it’s become so important for business executives around the world. Technology is evolving along an exponential curve, and entire industries are collapsing as new (mostly digital) business models provide better outcomes for fewer dollars. Disruptive innovation generally comes from the edges of industries, not the center. It comes from ‘adjacent markets’ often catching executives by surprise. Patrick explains the topic and provides two (2) models' and a strategic framework for executives to both anticipate and PROFIT from disruptive innovation.

Sponsored by:

Speakers:
  • Patrick Schwerdtfeger - Author, Pandemic, Inc.; 8 Trends Driving Business Growth and Success in the New Economy

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

General Session: Store of the Future

The pandemic, economy, supply chain and technology are just a few of the macro factors that have had a significant impact on food retailing.  We can also expect to see the expansion of refrigeration as fresh continues to grow in importance, aging assets and a new approach to capital planning as well as the rise of data analytics and IoT.  We’ll look forward 8-10 years as we explore the impact of these trends on the physical store.  

Sponsored by:

Danfoss Logo (500x200)
Speakers:

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Refrigeration: Low GWP Refrigerant Options

A myriad of options are available to retailers exploring more environmentally-friendly refrigeration systems. We’ll review the ongoing development of reduced and low GWP refrigerant alternatives and share performance and environmental data relative to refrigerants currently in use. Learn about various emerging architectures utilizing both A1 and A2L refrigerants and the role they will play in the supermarket industry.
Speakers:
  • Kaimi Gao - Commercial Refrigeration R&D Lead, Honeywell
  • Nilesh Purohit - Research and Development Engineer, Refrigerants, Honeywell
  • Michael Sweeney - Global Market Development Manager, Honeywell

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Store Development: E-Commerce & Store Design

Most retailers have fully embraced e-commerce solutions and are looking to improve the profitability and efficiency of their programs. What changes are need to store design and layout to make click and collect and home delivery programs more efficient and profitable?
Speakers:
  • Steven​ Duffy - AIA, GGP, Sr. Vice President of Design, Cuhaci Peterson
  • Mike Futch - CEO and President, Tompkins Robotics

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Refrigeration: EPA’s GreenChill Partnership: 15 years of Leadership in Refrigerant Emissions Reductions

This session will provide an overview EPA’s GreenChill Advanced Refrigeration Partnership program and the achievements of its partners in the supermarket industry over the past 15 years. Featured GreenChill partners will also showcase the importance of technology innovations and best practices to reduce refrigerant emissions that are harmful to the environment.
Speakers:
  • Kersey Manliclic - Program Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  • Scott Martin - Director, Business Development and Industry Relations , Hillphoenix
  • Brad Morris - Senior Manager, Engineering and Energy, Giant Eagle, Inc.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Energy: Electric Vehicles - Fleets & Charging Stations

Electrification of utility vehicles may provide retailers the ability to reduce emissions and lower energy costs.  We’ll explore the benefits and barriers to EV fleets in the industry.
Speakers:
  • Tom Jones - Regional Manager, Site Development, EVGo

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Sustainability: Shrinking Your Carbon Footprint: Reducing Scope 1, 2 and 3 Emissions

We’ll review carbon footprint reporting requirements and industry efforts to achieve net zero emissions.  Take away a better understanding of carbon emissions targets and explore options to reduce Scope 1 (refrigeration), Scope 2 (energy use) and Scope 3 (supply chain partner) emissions.
Speakers:

11:30 AM - 12:45 PM

Lunch

Co-sponsored by:
 and Parker Sporlan logo - in 5x2 Frame

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Store Development: Future of Service Bars

Many retailers removed in-store service bars during the height of the COVID pandemic.  To what extent are those service bars coming back on-line?  What is driving the decision to keep or replace service bars? We’ll review strategies for returning hot and cold food bars safely and profitably as well as options for using the space and equipment in other ways.
Speakers:

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Refrigeration: Solving the Technician Shortage

The service workforce is critical to successfully navigating the rapidly changing refrigeration industry landscape. Yet the lack of new technicians entering the refrigeration trade combined with retirement and burnout have created a significant labor gap. This session will review the results of NASRC's recent technician workforce assessment, explore key challenges, and strategies to strengthen workforce recruiting, training, and retention.
Speakers:
  • Danielle Wright - Executive Director, North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council
  • Doug Milu - Refrigeration & Energy Program Manager, Publix Super Markets Inc.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Refrigeration: Achieving Sustainable Operations with A2L Refrigerants

With the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act in place the HFC phase down is thoroughly under way and the North America market is on the cusp of a major technology transition. Leveraging our years of experience in Europe , experts from Chemours and Emerson will present a joint case study on ASDA Markets Ltd., a leading retailer in Europe with hundreds of locations across the region. Join us to learn how ASDA's sustainability objectives drove them to invest in new and disruptive technologies and discover how they were able to not only meet but exceed their sustainability objectives with support from our teams.
Speakers:
  • Brandon M. Marshall - North America Marketing Manager-Thermal & Specialized Solutions, Chemours
  • Andre Patenaude C.E.T. - Director Solutions Strategy, Cold Chain, Emerson Commercial & Residential Solutions

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Sustainability: Waste Diversion Across all Streams

Retailers’ sustainability efforts include efforts to reduce waste as well eliminate emissions.  We’ll look at various forms of waste including construction, operations, water, sanitation, cardboard, plastic, and food and share ideas and tactics to minimize or eliminate excess waste
Speakers:
  • Andrew Bartlett - Executive Director-National Sales & Client Services, Waste Management

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Energy: Deploy Renewable Energy Across Your Portfolio

EV charging and onsite solar installations enable retailers to reduce emissions, lower energy costs, and even attract more customers. Many retailers want to go solar and support EV charging, but deploying these solutions across a national portfolio is a vexing problem for most retailers. In this talk, we’ll explore the state of the clean energy market and how any company can deploy renewable energy and EV charging at scale
Speakers:
  • Richard Ling - Business Development & Partnerships, StationA

2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Break

Sponsored by:
Emerson logo - in 5x2 Frame

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

General Session: EPA Update

This session will provide updated information on EPA regulatory programs that are relevant to this industry. Topics will include an overview of EPA activities under the AIM Act to phase down climate-damaging hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and maximize reclamation and minimize emissions of refrigerants. Updates will also be provided on refrigerant management regulations under Title VI of the Clean Air Act.
Speakers:
  • Bella Maranion - Chief, Alternatives & Emissions Reduction Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

3:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Reception & Manufacturer/Retailer Exchange

7:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Registration

Sponsored by:

Climate Pros LLC

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Breakfast

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

GreenChill Achievement Recognition Ceremony & Breakfast

EPA will host the GreenChill Partnership’s annual Achievement Recognition event. GreenChill partners represent approximately 30% of U.S. supermarkets, allowing the partners to benchmark their refrigerant management performance versus each other and the industry. Join us in congratulating this year’s winners. Come learn about best-in-class refrigerant emissions rate reductions, emissions prevention in new store construction, and emissions rates for advanced refrigeration technologies.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

General Session: Impact of Refrigeration Changes on Store Development

The AIM act is leading to significant changes in refrigeration technology in the grocery industry.  How will new refrigeration architecture affect development plans for new and existing stores? We’ll examine the potential impact of various refrigeration systems on store size, services offered and operating costs
Speakers:
  • Nick Doherty - Refrigeration Engineer, CushingTerrell
  • Jim Salamone - President, Precision Mechanical Contractor
  • Russ Barnthouse - P.E., Executive Vice President, United Refrigeration Inc. / National Refrigerants Inc.

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

General session: The Supply Chain Challenge

The retail industry is experiencing difficulty in securing materials and equipment for new store construction, remodels and for basic maintenance. Learn more about the causes of the worldwide supply chain constraints, which sectors/products are most impacted and when to expect relief.
Speakers:
  • John Anton - Director, Pricing and Purchasing, S&P Global Market Intelligence, IHS Markit

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Break

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Refrigeration: Roadmap to Sustainable Refrigerants

Publix and HIllphoenix recently transitioned the grocer’s refrigeration system from HFC to CO2 in over 100 stores. Walk through all phases of the transition process for both new and existing stores as well as the benefits and challenges of the new refrigeration architecture.
Speakers:
  • Doug Milu - Refrigeration & Energy Program Manager, Publix Super Markets Inc.
  • Derek Gosselin - Director, Technical Product Specialst Group, HillPHOENIX

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Energy: Three Successful Grocery Use Cases - How to Achieve Energy Expense Savings to Meet Financial and Sustainability Goals

Learn how CO2 emission reductions, energy expense savings and continuous monitoring of refrigeration equipment support corporate efficiency efforts.  Hear from energy management experts on how multi-site enterprise businesses can implement and monitor refrigeration optimization, HVAC set point alignment, and lighting scheduling to drive energy and cost savings.  Discover how continued implementation of technologies, services and support drive value to ongoing savings projects including Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) discovery & integration, utility incentives collection, and the identification of new services. 
Speakers:

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Energy: Renewables and Carbon Free Energy

Research shows customer purchasing preference related to businesses with stated sustainable goals has increased from 19% in 2012 to over 70% today.  Communicating ESG goals and executing on sustainable practices can increase market share and result in process, performance, and profit improvement.  Renewable energy can be a part of the sustainable goals.  Learn how to start with the business strategy and the best operational practices to determine the process and path to evaluate renewables.
Speakers:
  • Jonathan Tan - Co-founder, Ratio Institute
  • Peter Cooke - Director of Programs and Collaborations, Ratio Institute 

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Store Development: Store Design in a Frictionless World

In the wake of the pandemic, shoppers are looking for ways to make the trip to the grocery store faster and more efficient. Frictionless shopping is rapidly emerging as the preferred technology in food retailing.  From self-checkouts to smart shelves to just walk out systems, retailers have a myriad of options to choose from.  We’ll explore the opportunities available to retailers as well as the preferences of today’s consumers.
Speakers:
  • Amanda Lai - Senior Manager and Food Retail Practice Lead, McMillanDoolittle

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Luncheon

Sponsored by:

National Refrigerants Inc (500x200) Logo

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Energy: IOT 101 - Transforming Your Business by Leveraging Your Existing Infrastructure

Learn how IOT solutions can unlock substantial value in terms of maintenance management, energy conservation, process automation, equipment diagnostics, and custom facility reporting.  Hear how leading retailers are using new technology to update refrigeration controls, better manage alarm set points and eliminate systems upgrades
Speakers:

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Refrigeration: Federal and State HVAC/R Regulatory Status

Join the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) to discuss strategies to comply with new and developing federal and state regulations related to refrigerants, foam blowing agents, and decarbonization.  AHRI will also discuss the adoption of relevant safety standards into state and local building codes to enable the use of low global warming potential refrigerants and recent rulemakings related to energy efficiency at the Department of Energy. Finally, AHRI will also provide an update on the latest research and policy changes related to refrigerants, including transportation of equipment containing refrigerants.
Speakers:
  • Helen Walter-Terrinoni - Vice President Regulatory Affairs, Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Store Development: Better Environments for Present Times

The present times are disrupting all phases for store development and the tendency is to react to crisis and forget to make the physical store a better shopping experience.
With consumer changes coming faster than ever before, the question persists, “What makes a good store environment from a design point of view and a customer experience?” Join us for an inspiring review of concepts presenting better store environments for shopping
Speakers:

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Refrigeration: Scroll Booster Case Study

Gem City Market recently tested a new technology which will assist in the transition to lower global warming potential refrigerants to meet sustainability goals and achieve regulatory compliance. The scroll booster technology enables Gem City to combine a low-pressure, low GWP refrigerant with a distributed architecture, which is emerging as a sustainable alternative to large, centralized systems. Hear how Gem City implemented the system with their partners and the benefits realized. 
Speakers:
  • Andre Patenaude C.E.T. - Director Solutions Strategy, Cold Chain, Emerson Commercial & Residential Solutions
  • Tim Anderson - Director of Principal Engineering, Hussmann Corporation

1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Break

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Energy: Commissioning and Retro-commissioning

Commissioning and retro-commissioning play key roles in ensuring that stores operate at peak efficiency.  We’ll review best practices for new store commissioning including how to ensure equipment is installed per specification and performance matches the reality of installation.  In addition, strategies for successful retro-commissioning, particularly adequate planning, will also be discussed.
Speakers:
  • Normand Masse - Strategic Key Account Manager, Danfoss Climate Solutions
  • Jeremy Angel - Food Retail Account Manager, Danfoss Climate Solutions, Licensed Refrigeration Contractor

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Store Development: Creating Balance Between Customer Services Expectations and Sustainability

Supermarkets have evolved from simply providing ingredients for tonight’s dinner and are now  community gathering sites, EV charging stations and sources of restaurant quality meals to go.  How do retailers balance the need to provide these services to shoppers while still meeting energy management and sustainability objectives?  We’ll explore some of the ways supermarket operators can mitigate the impact of this fundamental shift in retail operations to meet ESG goals and protect the bottom line.
Speakers:

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Carbon Credits

Hear the results of case studies, including Giant Eagle, highlighting the use of refrigerant carbon credits™an innovative solution to managing capital costs associated with the transition to natural refrigerants. We will review the origin of these credits, the process of claiming credits, and the practical application for organizations of all sizes. 
Speakers:
  • Brad Morris - Senior Manager, Engineering and Energy, Giant Eagle, Inc.
  • Fritz Troller - Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Therm Solutions

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Break

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Closing Keynote: Consumer Trends

Consumers developed new shopping patterns during the pandemic.  Record high inflation is now driving another shift in shopping behaviors.   Hear how shoppers are adapting to the lingering impact of COVID-19 as well as an inflation-driven economy.  We'll review current shopping trends and the impact on store operations.  
Speakers:
  • Heather Garlich - Senior Vice President, Communications, Marketing & Consumer/Community Affairs
  • Andy S. Harig - Vice President, Tax, Trade, Sustainability & Policy Development
  • Steve Markenson - Steve Markenson, Vice President, Research, FMI

5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Offsite Social Event

 Get ready for an extraordinary night at an off-site social event that is completely out of the ordinary. Main Event is an “energy” packed, upscale lounge offering state-of-the-art bowling, arcade games, billiards, and special activities for the more adventurous. Enjoy a fun-filled evening of food, drinks, games and socializing. There will be lots of room to hang out and connect with your industry peers – be sure to come hungry and ready to have fun. FMI badge required for entry.