Wednesday, July 27, 2022 - Eastern Standard Time
*Note that this agenda is not 100% confirmed. Session times are subject to change based on speaker availability as we continue to flush out the agenda. Stay tuned to this page and your email for updates.
Welcome - Let's Network!
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
10:30 AM
11:00 AM
Welcome Remarks
11:00 AM - 11:05 AM
11:00 AM
11:05 AM
Moving Forward: Creating the Sustainable Supply Chain of Tomorrow
11:05 AM - 11:35 AM
11:05 AM
11:35 AM
<p>This session will focus on the steps in place and the forthcoming changes across the supply chain that will make the movement of products from suppliers to retailers more Earth-friendly.</p>

Jeff Pepperworth
President & CEO
iGPS
Jeff Pepperworth is responsible for overall operations and strategy development for the continued growth and profitability of iGPS Logistics. Since joining iGPS in 2019, he has spearheaded a company-wide drive for increased sustainability and environmental stewardship. He brings more than 20 years of senior executive experience at successful global companies, serving in diverse roles that span supply chain, transportation, manufacturing, product innovation, and healthcare. Prior to joining iGPS, he held senior positions at CSafe Global, where he served as CEO; Inmar, Inc, where he served as President; Cleveland Clinic where he modernized delivery, procurement, and material handling systems; and UPS Supply Chain Solutions, where he was SVP of Global Logistics.

John Gehre
Chief Merchandising Officer
The Container Store
John Gehre is Chief Merchandising Officer of The Container Store and joined the
company in 2018 as Executive Vice President of Merchandising and Planning. In his role,
John leads a diverse team that includes merchandising, planning, allocation, global
sourcing and end-to-end supply chain management.
He has played a key role in strategic initiatives including the company’s growing private
label products, sustainability, expansion of its custom closets business, COVID-19
management and supplier relationships. John also helped spearhead the launch of
exclusive product collections with organizing guru Marie Kondo and celebrity organizers
The Home Edit.
Prior to joining The Container Store, John gained extensive experience leading multi-
billion dollar retail businesses in merchandise planning, product development, omni-
channel marketing, and supply chain with some the retail industry’s most successful
companies, including H-E-B, BJ’s Wholesale, Linens ‘n Things, Saks Fifth Avenue and
Federated.
He is also involved in philanthropic endeavors as a member of the board of directors of
Global Market Development Center (GMDC), a trade association serving more than
600 retailers, wholesalers, suppliers and service/solution member companies; and
Mission Road Ministries, which aides adults and children with intellectual development
disabilities.
John is a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in
economics. He is celebrating his 20th wedding anniversary this year. In his spare time, he
enjoys spending time with his daughter, Abbey, renovating houses, and running half
marathons.
Networking Break
11:35 AM - 11:45 AM
11:35 AM
11:45 AM
Earth-Friendly Packaging
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM
11:45 AM
12:15 PM
<p>Plastic containers remain an important delivery vehicle for a broad range of products. This session will focus on new product development of Earth-friendly plastic containers, the role retailers and consumers can play in reusing and recycling products, how retailers can avoid green-washing and the importance of keeping up with ever-changing regulations.</p>
Pitch Theater
12:15 PM - 12:25 PM
12:15 PM
12:25 PM
<p>Looking for new products? Check out the cutting-edge innovations from several leading companies.</p>
Climavores: Who are they? What do they want to buy?
12:25 PM - 12:55 PM
12:25 PM
12:55 PM
<p>
Consumer food and beverage consumption habits are evolving. A growing number are paying more attention to not just what they eat, but how the food they consume impacts the environment. In this session, we’ll get into the mind of the climavore and how retailers and product suppliers alike can meet the needs of this growing consumer base.</p>
Networking Break
12:55 PM - 1:05 PM
12:55 PM
1:05 PM
The Sustainability Trifecta: Advancing ESG through Sustainable Sourcing, Packaging, and Production
1:05 PM - 1:35 PM
1:05 PM
1:35 PM
<p>Consumers today are paying greater attention to not only the quality of food and beverages they purchase, but also if the products were grown and sourced sustainably. This session will focus on the changes taking place on the farms related to eliminating the use of pesticides and other chemicals, water management and how farms are adapting to changes in climate. </p>

Solange Ackrill
VP of Marketing and Corporate Strategy
Club Coffee
Solange Ackrill has built a reputation as a brand strategy innovator with a deep understanding of the food retailing environment, with some of the giants of the industry including Walmart, Loblaw and Maple Leaf Foods. Solange has led teams and contributed to major strategic initiatives that have generated profitable results by anticipating and aligning effectively with rapidly-changing shifts in the market. She is currently applying her wide range of marketing, research, and analytical strengths at Club Coffee in Toronto.
As the VP of Marketing and Corporate Strategy, and part of the Executive Leadership team, Solange is playing a central role in focusing the company’s resources towards driving sustainable growth.
With Club Coffee’s launch of the world’s first certified 100% compostable coffee pod (Purpod100®), and paper-based roast and ground coffee packaging (AromaPak™), Solange is helping connect consumers with the innovation they seek, while building partnerships with a diverse array of innovative coffee brands across North America.
End of Day
1:35 PM - 1:35 PM
1:35 PM
1:35 PM
Want to join the speaker lineup for this event?
Contact John Schrei at jschrei@ensembleiq.com.