REGISTER TODAY & SAVE Early Bird Deadline is October 4!

Discover Industry Treasures

At this year’s A.R.E. Industry Summit, Nov. 6–8, 2013, you will discover all of

the right contacts and more in the exclusive private-island setting of the Ocean

Reef Club in Key Largo, FL. The Summit features thought leaders addressing

the future of retail, the impact of technology on retail, the implications of

the Affordable Care Act on your business, and an economic update from the

highly rated Dr. Jeff Dietrich of the Institute for Trend Research.

Additionally, there will be plenty of opportunity to share and network with

your peers. Discover some of the most successful solutions your fellow

members are using in the best practices presentations. Catch up with what’s

going on at A.R.E. during the Annual Meeting and Industry Update, and learn

from your fellow industry peers through numerous networking opportunities

including the association’s annual golf tournament benefiting PAVE,

networking luncheons, receptions, dinners, and optional group activities such

as fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, swimming with the dolphins, and more.

Meeting the right people is the key to business success. You need credible advisors who can provide accurate information, thought leaders to challenge the idea of business as usual, and treasured personal and business contacts who can direct you to ideas and projects that drive profits.

About Ocean Reef ResortThe Ocean Reef Club, a 60-year-old private membership club, is a rare setting

that will provide the opportunity to explore business insights and strategy

with the Atlantic Ocean at your doorstep. The resort, bordered on three sides

by water, also features golf courses, a salon and spa, restaurants, and a 175-

slip marina. Nearby activities include fishing excursions, snorkeling the coral

reefs, swimming with dolphins, and more. It’s a perfect opportunity to bring

your team or family and get away from the normal routine.

Located at the northern tip of Key Largo, Ocean Reef Club is approximately

one hour from Miami International Airport and one-and-a-half hours from

Fort Lauderdale International Airport.

Keynote: Forward Thinking— Seeing the Economic Future FirstDr. Jeffrey Dietrich, Senior Analyst, ITR EconomicsHave we put the recession behind us for good? The stock market is

rising. Business leaders project hiring additional workers in the second

half of this year. Housing starts and prices are beating expectations.

Consumer spending is rising after a sluggish first quarter of 2013.

Sequestration did not collapse the U.S. economy as the media and

politicians projected. And the Federal Reserve Board has reiterated

its intention to keep interest rates low through 2014. Jeffrey Dietrich,

senior analyst from ITR Economics, returns this year with his review of

current economic trends and reliable, understandable analysis of what

the leading indicators are telling us about where the U.S. economy

is headed in 2014. Dietrich will also focus on retail and construction

trends specifically as they relate to A.R.E. member companies. In short,

ignore the media hype. We will look at the good and the not-so-good

and determine the best course of action.

The Brave New World of Integrated Retail TechnologyBrian Dyches, Senior Digital Strategist and Retail PanelistsExplore how retailers are integrating technology into various retail

classifications as stores go where no retailer has gone before. Well-

traveled designer/consultant Brian Dyches and cutting-edge retailers

will share case studies demonstrating how RFID technology, iPads,

and digital signage are contributing to evolving retail environments.

Learn how suppliers can help retailers and gain market share by

adapting to the changing needs of retail planners and designers in

a connected world.

Keynote: The Retail Revival: Re-Imagining Business for the New Age of Consumerism Douglas Stephens, Retail and Consumer Futurist and Founder, Retail Prophet Doug Stephens, one of the world’s foremost retail industry futurists and author of

“The Retail Revival: Re-Imagining Business for the New Age of Consumerism,”

will share insights from his book, including possible retail growth opportunities,

why he views marketing to the middle-class as “competitive purgatory,”

and how the new competitive landscape makes equals out of all retailers

regardless of size. Stephens is founder of Retail Prophet, consumer technology

contributor on the acclaimed international television series App Central, and

retail contributor for CBC Radio. He speaks regularly to major brands and

organizations across North America and Europe.

Getting Ready to “Pay or Play”—What the Affordable Care Act Requires of EmployersJeffrey J. Bakker, Esq., Partner, Neal, Gerber, Eisenberg, Attorneys at LawThe Affordable Care Act (ACA) will require “large employers” to

provide affordable health care coverage to their full-time employees

or pay a penalty. This session will discuss which small and medium-

sized employers are considered to be “large employers” for ACA

purposes, what an employer health plan must cover, how much of

employee health costs employers must pay, and more. In addition, this

session will help provide guidance on the timing and implementation

of various mandates included in the law in response to the latest

pushback on the employer mandate from 2014 to 2015.

Best Practice Presentations and ConversationsSpend the afternoon with your peers exchanging ideas on technology, business strategy, sustainability, business valuation, and marketing during a new session

format. Several A.R.E. members have volunteered to speak about their business passions, best practices, and learning experiences in 5–10 minute presentations.

Following the member presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to discuss the topics in roundtable settings.

See the most up-to-date Summit schedule online at www.retailenvironments.org.

Wednesday, Nov. 69:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Registration open1:00–5:30 p.m. A.R.E. Golf Tournament benefiting PAVE Sponsored by Extrude-a-Trim and Wilsonart

Hole-in-one sponsored by Unigroup

1:00–4:00 p.m. Optional Activities6:00 p.m. First Timers Meet & Greet (by invitation only)

6:30 p.m. Welcome Reception and Recognition Dinner Reception sponsored by Flexecution; dinner sponsored by

Stiles Machinery

Thursday, Nov. 77:45 a.m. Continental breakfast Sponsored by Panel Processing

8:15 a.m. Association Annual Meeting and Industry Update9:00 a.m. Keynote: Forward Thinking—Seeing the Economic

Future First Speaker: Dr. Jeff Dietrich, Institute for Trend Research

Sponsored by VMSD

10:15 a.m. Refreshment break Sponsored by Phalanx Strategies

10:30 a.m. The Brave New World of Integrated Retail Technology Speakers: Brian Dyches, Designer/Consultant;

retail panelists11:45 a.m. Networking lunch Sponsored by Sherwin-Williams

1:15–4:15 p.m. Best Practice Presentations With refreshment break sponsored by Phalanx Strategies

6:30 p.m. Treasure Hunt and A.R.E. Island Invasion Treasure Hunt sponsored by Brown Wood; Island Invasion

sponsored by American Installation Co.

Friday, Nov. 87:45 a.m. Continental breakfast Sponsored by IMA Schelling

8:15 a.m. Keynote: The Retail Revival—Reimagining Business for the New Age of Consumerism

Speaker: Douglas Stephens, Retail & Consumer Futurist

Sponsored by VMSD

9:45 a.m. Refreshment Break10:00 a.m. Getting Ready to “Pay or Play”—What the

Affordable Care Act Requires of Employers Speaker: Jeffrey J. Bakker, Esq., Partner in Neal, Gerber, Eisenberg, Attorneys at Law

11:15 Closing comments11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Private appointments with Jeffrey J. Bakker (optional)

Saturday, Nov. 98:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Optional A.R.E. Fishing Excursion

RegistrationMembers Early Bird Rate (before Oct. 4), $899 | Members Regular Rate, $1,099 Spouses/Guests Early Bird Rate (before Oct. 4), $349 | Spouses/Guests Regular Rate, $449 Display Tables, $149 per company Register online at www.retailenvironments.org.

Guests: Bring your family or loved ones to share in the beautiful sights of Key Largo and the exclusive Ocean Reef Club. To help you make their experience unique, A.R.E. has coordinated a spouse/guest program. Guest registration also includes an invitation to all meals and receptions.

Display Tables: The value of A.R.E.’s Industry Summit definitely comes in the form of networking, however, there is an opportunity for associate member companies to display marketing materials and literature at the back of the general session room throughout the event. A limited number of display tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information or to purchase a display table, contact Debra Dean at 954-241-4819.

Schedule

Hotel 35 Ocean Reef Drive, Key Largo, FL 33037 | Phone: 305-367-2611 Reservations: 800-741-7333 | reservations@oceanreef.com Mention A.R.E. to receive the discount.

Deluxe Rooms and Junior Yachtsman Suites, $229 + daily room feesPremium Rooms and Suites, $259 + daily room fees

In order to receive these discounted rates, reserve your room at the Ocean Reef Club by Oct. 4, 2013. Space is limited and the rates will go up, so act early!

For transportation assistance to the property, contact the Ocean Reef Club at 305-367-5985 or learn more at www.retailenvironments.org.

A.R.E. Treasure Hunt and Island InvasionThursday, Nov. 7, 6:30–10:00 p.m. After a great day of discovery, join us for a unique treasure hunt that will allow savvy buccaneers to reap even more bounty at the evening’s networking reception. While we can’t give away all our secrets, suffice it to say there will be grog, a band, and yes, plenty of networking pirates. So grab your eye patch and bandana to dress the part for an evening of merriment. Attendees really get into the theme, but whether you choose to dress for the theme or not, casual, comfortable attire that is appropriate for outdoors is suggested. Participation is free for all registered attendees but please RSVP with your conference registration or you’ll have to walk the plank.

A.R.E. Golf Tournament Benefiting PAVE Wednesday, Nov. 6, 1:00–5:30 p.m. Pair up with your comrades on the unique and beautiful Hammocks course for a 1:00 p.m. shotgun start. The course is a par-71 (6,200 yards long) with several memorable holes. Holes 4 and 14 require blind drives over a

hammock of mangroves and true faith in the golf gods. The tournament is a scramble with a hole-in-one competition and closest to the pin prizes. Rental clubs can be reserved in advance. Golfers must adhere to the Club’s strict dress code. More information online at www.retailenvironments.org.

$249 per player before Oct. 4 $279 per player after Oct. 4 Fee includes cart, water, and boxed lunch.

Additional ActivitiesNot a fan of golf? That’s okay. The Ocean Reef has teamed up with A.R.E. to offer numerous additional activities—everything from relaxing in a cabana to kayaking to snorkeling to swimming with the dolphins. There’s something for everyone! Check out the networking and activities at www.retailenvironments.org.

Dress CodeThe attire for the resort is “Club Casual” and is appropriate as well as “Business Casual” for the A.R.E. events on property. However, there is a strict dress code for the golf tournament, and on Thursday, you’ll want to grab your eye patch and bandana to dress the part for an evening of merriment.

Questions?More information can be found at www.retailenvironments.org or check out the host property at www.oceanreef.com.

Still need help? Please contact Debra Dean at debradean@retailenvironments.org or 954-241-4819.

4651 Sheridan St. Suite 470, Hollywood FL 33021 USA, Tel: 954-893-7300

REGISTER TO ATTEND online at retailenvironments.org or call 1-954-893-7300, ext. 4819.