Go ALL IN With Topics You Can’t Afford To Miss

June 16 & 17, 2026 – Grand Rapids, MI

From keynotes to breakouts, every session is laser-focused on the strategies, tools, and ideas that are working right now in independent retail – delivered by experts who truly understand your world.

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Agenda & Topics

Day 1 — Tuesday, June 16
Day 2 — Wednesday, June 17
8:00 AM
Arrival
Check-In & Name Tag Pick-Up
Main Entrance
8:30 AM
Keynote
ALL IN On Independent Retail
Main Stage · Bob Negen
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8:55 AM
MAIN STAGE
Summit Welcome & Orientation
Main Stage · Bob & Susan Negen
9:15 AM
Main Stage
The New AI Playbook for Brick & Mortar Retail
Main Stage · Bob & Susan Negen
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10:30 AM
Break
Break — 30 Minutes
Sponsor Spotlight · Payroc
11:00 AM
Breakout A
Selling on Shopify with Strategic Storytelling
Scott Cunningham, Merchant Mastery
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Breakout B
Balancing AI: Activate Your Human Advantage
Susan Negen, WhizBang! Retail Training
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12:00 PM
Lunch
Lunch
Explore Local Restaurants
1:30 PM
Main Stage
Rapid Fire Retail: Your Questions, Expert Answers
Main Stage · Bob & Susan Negen
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2:00 PM
Main Stage
Unforgettable: Crafting Extraordinary Customer Experiences
Main Stage · Bob & Susan Negen
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2:30 PM
Break
Break — 30 Minutes
Networking & Refreshments
3:00 PM
Breakout A
The Open-to-Buy You Know Is Dead: The Future of Inventory Planning
Dane Cohen, Management One
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Breakout B
Breakout Session: To Be Announced
Details coming soon
4:00 PM
Break
Break — 30 Minutes
Networking & Refreshments
4:30 PM
Main Stage
What's Working Now? Five Award-Winning Ideas from Your Summit Colleagues
Panel
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Evening
Social
Block Party on Main
Main lobby
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8:00 AM
Arrival
Morning Arrival & Coffee
Main Lobby
8:30 AM
Main Stage
Welcome Back & Takeaways
Main Stage · Bob & Susan Negen
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8:45 AM
Main Stage
Show Me the Money: 61 Ways to Grow Your Business
Main Stage · Bob & Susan Negen
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9:30 AM
Main Stage
Rapid Fire Retail: Your Questions, Expert Answers
Main Stage · Bob & Susan Negen
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10:00 AM
Main Stage
The Power of Visibility: How Social Media Is Rewriting Retail
Main Stage · Crystal Vilkaitis & Patricia Norens, IndERA
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11:00 AM
Breakout A
Breakout Session: To Be Announced
Details coming soon
Breakout B
Cash Is King — Here's Your Crown!
Dan Jablons, Retail Smart Guys
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12:00 PM
Lunch
Lunch
Explore Local Restaurants
Lunch
Platinum Mastermind Group Lunch
Separate dining
1:30 PM
Panel
Peak Promotions: Five Award-Winning Event Ideas from Your Summit Colleagues
Main Stage · Retailer Panel
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3:00 PM
Break
Break — 30 Minutes
Networking & Refreshments
3:30 PM
Main Stage
Made For This! Leading with Clarity, Competence & Confidence
Main Stage · Bob & Susan Negen
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4:30 PM
Closing
Rapid Fire Retail & End of Summit
Main Stage · Bob & Susan Negen
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Evening
Closing
End of Summit
Safe travels — see you next year!
Keynote
Breakout
Panel
Networking
Break / Lunch
What to Expect – RSS Section Preview
Your Summit Experience

Here's What to Expect at the Summit

Whether this is your first Summit or your fifth, here's a quick guide to how the two days are structured so you can get the most out of every minute.

Main Stage
Keynotes & Main Stage Presentations
Everyone's together in the main room. These are the big, energizing sessions that set the tone — expect bold ideas, real retail stories, and insights you can use immediately.
Your Choice
Breakout Sessions — You Pick
When you see Breakout A and Breakout B on the schedule, those run at the same time in separate rooms. You choose which one to attend — and don't worry, every session is recorded so you can watch the one you missed after the Summit.
Interactive
Rapid Fire Retail Q&A
This is one of the most popular parts of Summit — Bob & Susan take your live questions and tackle them on the spot. Bring your toughest retail challenges.
Build Your Network
Networking & Breaks
Breaks aren't just downtime — they're some of the most valuable moments at Summit. The retailers you'll meet and the conversations you'll have are worth the trip on their own.
Peer Learning
Retailer Panels & Award Winners
Hear directly from fellow independent retailers about what's working in their stores right now. Real businesses, real results — ideas you can steal and implement immediately.
Evening Event
Block Party on Main
Day 1 wraps with an evening social in the main lobby. Great drinks, great people, and a chance to keep the conversations going in a more relaxed setting.
Pro Tip: Plan Your Breakout Picks in Advance
There are two breakout slots across the two days, and each time you'll choose between two concurrent sessions. Review the agenda and decide ahead of time which topic fits your business best — so you're not deciding at the last minute in the hallway!
Every Session Is Recorded
All attendees receive access to the full recordings of every session after the Summit. So if you're torn between two breakouts, go with your gut — you'll be able to watch the other one from home at your own pace.

Nancy Guinn

Dog Krazy - Richmond, VA

“We saved over $30,000 a year just on one part of our business after attending the Summit. It motivates you, makes you stop and think, and opens your eyes to so many things you can make better in your business.“

Mark Turnbull

Turnbull's Northumbrian Food, Alnwick, UK

“I attended my first Retail Success Summit in 2019, traveling all the way from the UK (England) – it’s the best investment I could have ever made in my business! Not only did I pick up lots of great advice and ideas that have paid back my expenses many times over, I have also made some great, great friends!”

Nancy Boudreau

La Creme - Waterloo, ON

“I want to thank Susan and Bob for an absolutely amazing event filled with invaluable information as well as inspiration! I am now motivated to take my customer service, social media marketing, and staff training to a new level!”

Summer Allen

Valentine Footwear - Bangor, ME

“This will be my 4th Retail Success Summit. Each year I get so many ideas to implement, I make tons of new connections, and I get psyched about my business!”

Laura Oladokon

Sweet Boutique St. Albert, Alberta, Canada

“It’s an absolute game changer. I can see a huge shift in my business journey (for the better!) after attending my first Summit. I even met my retail-bestie at Summit and we talk and support each other several times a week. I couldn’t imagine life without her, and it was all because of summit!”

“I very much appreciate the resources that I’ve gained from WhizBang! Training and the knowledge that I’ve gained and the relationships that I’ve made in this community.“

Jaret Voce, Agape Christian Marketplace, Toronto, ON

Preferred Pricing Ends On May 15th, 2026

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