When you’re the boss, sometimes saying “no” is just part of your job. And it’s an important part of it, too. Executives see no shortage of schemes and sales pitches sent their way; they’ve got to be discerning on where, when, and how they choose to allocate precious business resources… especially when it comes to industry events.
If you’re not the top decision maker at your company, you might be the one informing their decisions. This task is no less important.
If your organization is still on the fence about attending ECRS’ Ignite, read on to learn why this is an opportunity worth securing a coveted “yes” from your boss.
What’s Ignite all about anyway?
We’re looking for partners who are ready to be bold and adapt to the changes and challenges emerging in retail. Amazon is here to stay, Walmart plans to stick around, too. Do you?
“Why do we need to go to another conference?” might be the first question you’re hit with if you mention Ignite to your boss. Maybe you’ll hear, “we don’t have the time or money to go on a vacation.” Make no mistake, attending Ignite is most definitely a lot of fun, and we’ve chosen an incredible town to spend some time in, but Ignite is no vacation. Ignite is an endeavor. We’re working to build a close-knit community of retailers who come together to collaborate to help each other crush obstacles, set goals, and seize success.
How do retailers benefit by attending?
“Challenge yourself as a leader, become a visionary, and invest in yourself and your store for three days to see a lifetime of results.”
PETE CATOE
ECRS President and CEO
For three unforgettable days, grocers and other retail professionals from all over the country will assemble to “learn, network, and lead.”
LEARN how to streamline store operations and maximize profits:
For attendees who sign up for the Ignite Success Pass, ECRS will be hosting the Ignite Success Workshop Day, prior to the main conference. These discussion-based workshops take a deep-dive look at the most pressing challenges in retail. Each workshop session will be comprised of a small group of other retailers that share your passion and face similar challenges.
For the main conference, Ignite will feature expert-led breakout sessions that focus on the most pertinent subjects in retail today. Retailers are facing stiff competition from global giants and new players in the digital realm. New technologies are emerging and changing the speed and methods of store operations. Expect to learn how to adapt and compete in this new environment. Learn about perpetual inventory, loss prevention, secure payment processing, customer loyalty & marketing, general ledger functions, dynamic promotions, e-commerce, and more.
Forge beneficial industry relationships and expand your NETWORK:
While attending, you’ll have opportunities to converse with other colleagues who have had years of experience overcoming retail obstacles. Trade tips and technical knowledge while you mingle with retailers from more than eight different industries and make lasting connections.
Ignite is focused on business before pleasure, but sometimes you can have both. We don’t think anyone should pass up the chance to have a little bit of adventure. Ignite will officially kick off with a cocktail reception on Monday evening, where you can get to know industry colleagues, meet ECRS employees, and make new friends.
On Tuesday, we hope you’ll join us for delicious food, drinks, entertainment, and networking at the annual Ignite Conference Party.
Develop skills needed to effectively LEAD 21st century retail operations:
Sometimes, it seems like effective leadership is in short supply these days. It’s a key ingredient to retail success that’s all-too-often overlooked. At Ignite, it won’t be neglected.
Ignite welcomes high-profile business thought leaders who will inspire and encourage audiences. Listen to accomplished minds who will embolden you to hone your capacity for executive leadership.
Our retail partners are ambitious and aim to stand against Amazon, Walmart, and other global giants who have dared to stomp into their backyards. Through CATAPULT, ECRS is committed to providing retailers with the tools needed to match these ambitions.
Check out our full schedule of expert-led workshops, breakout sessions, and technology seminars to see how Ignite can best provide value that matches your store’s specific needs.
What’s the takeaway value?
Let’s be honest. Some conferences are just lights, noise, bar tabs, and travel bills. They’re too big, too busy, and they lack focus. It’s understandable when decision-makers are hesitant to commit resources to attending “yet another conference” that costs time, money, and labor. That’s not the kind of conference we’re hosting.
Attending Ignite means investing in yourself, your colleagues, and your company to improve your bottom line, build your network, and bolster business efficiency. After you’ve put your sales skills to the test and won your boss over, we encourage you to register today and secure your spot!
See you in Nashville!
“ECRS offers something pretty unique where so many different functions of your business can be under one umbrella, and what Ignite has so far shown to me is that big picture. It’s how all these things can interact with each other or interact under that umbrella to improve business. And it’s pretty inspiring to see how many different things you can accomplish under that one umbrella.”
Colonial Spirits of Acton | Acton, MA
ECRS President and CEO
I think I can convince the boss, but they’re going to ask about travel expenses. What do I do?
So you’re over the first hurdle, selling your boss on attending. But there’s still the question of getting there and dealing with trip costs. Your boss wants to sign up but how much does the company need to budget?
Here’s a quick look at various expenses to help determine your budget, and examine where you might be able to cut costs.
Flights
Flying to Ignite is easier than ever before, now that we’ve chosen a conference venue within a stone’s throw of the Nashville International Airport. In addition, Nashville International Airport is served by 12 airlines, which allows for several price and flight options.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided for the duration of the conference. It would be tragic not to enjoy some of the amazing beer and fantastic food that our host city has to offer. If you have time and the budget, aim for Wednesday night, after the conference wraps up.
Cost-cutting tip: For fiscal hawks who opt to dine on the dollar menu, you can rest easy knowing that a per diem of $20 should be more than enough to cover you or a colleague, for any meals outside of the conference. If you choose to eat at the conference, you won’t need more than $40.00 per person. We’ll keep you fed!
Lodging
The Nashville Airport Marriott has given us special pricing of $159.00 per night using the Ignite 2019 room block. (Rooms fill up quickly, so make sure to book your room before the deadline.)
Ground Transportation
The Nashville Airport Marriott offers a free shuttle from the airport. For all conference events outside of the main venue, we will have a complimentary shuttle service.
| Ignite Pass | CATAPULT® PASS | Success Pass | ||||
| Conference Fee | $495 | |||||
| Estimated Transportation Costs |
$300 | $300 | $300 | |||
| Estimated Lodging Costs |
$540 | $540 | $720 | |||
| Estimated Meal Costs |
Mon. Lunch & Wed. Dinner $40 |
Mon. Lunch & Wed. Dinner $40 |
Wed. Dinner $20 |
|||
| $1,375 | $1,025 | $1,435 |