Serge Khalimsky serves as the Senior General Manager of Westfield Old Orchard. In this role, Serge is responsible for delivering Old Orchard’s long-term revenue growth for parent company Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW), in addition to leading the asset’s day-to-day business operations, managing complex tenant relationships with more than 150 property retailers and restaurateurs, overseeing taxation and land-use negotiations with relevant municipality and elected officials, as well as directing meaningful community relations initiatives alongside key philanthropic partners and local nonprofit organizations. Notably, Serge was also the driving force behind THE CUBE, Old Orchard’s architecturally stunning glass pavilion hosting dynamic events and activations for premier brand partners such as Samsung, Dyson, Nespresso and Kia. Serge is also proud to actively serve on the Board of Directors for several worthwhile local organizations including the Skokie Chamber of Commerce, the Skokie Economic Development Commission, and the ICSC Illinois Government Relations Committee.

Elizabeth Herbst-Brady is currently Head of Global Revenue & Client Solutions at Yahoo.

Bruce Winder a Toronto-based retail analyst, business instructor and author of the book, Retail Before, During & After COVID-19.

Steve Cook, business owner of Cook Feed and Outdoor and podcast host of The Better Business Podcast.

Helen Herrick is the Studio Director of MBH Architects in New York. She has a focus on cultivating a culture of creativity, engagement and connection for retailers, hospitality, and other commercial businesses.

Soon Yu is the former global VP of innovation officer at VF corporation home to over 30 global apparel companies. He advises startups how to grow and innovate. In addition, he is a popular speaker and the author of the new book Friction.

Howard Prager is a speaker, author and leadership consultant. He recently wrote a book about how you show up for others called Make Someone's Day: Becoming a Memorable Leader in Work and Life.

The be-back bus travels in one direction and it's not to your store. You have a choice every time someone comes in the door: There's a chance to just get a transaction on the register or to help someone improve their life. Although rooted in the mattress industry, this wide-ranging discussion has implications for all retailers.

What lens should retailers use when reading so many different messages about the consumer economy? With retail stores being vindicated as not just viable but critical in 2021, where should retailers look for 2022?

What does a consumer want when visiting a retailer? How can retailers hold onto employees? What can a guy who writes poetry tell us about physical retail?