NEW YORK —PLMA has announced that Bill Simon, former Walmart president and CEO will be a featured speaker at the Association’s first Virtual Washington Conference, to be held October 6-7.

Simon’s presentation will focus on Retailing and Economy, looking at the unprecedented challenges and opportunities facing retailers and their suppliers as they make their business plans for 2021.

Simon joins a group of government, industry and media professionals offering presentations focusing on the regulatory and industry issues that are likely to have an impact in the year ahead. Speakers and sessions include:

• Dr. Susan Mayne, director of the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition at the Food & Drug Administration, with an update on the agency’s regulatory agenda;
• U.S. Representative Ron Kind (D, Wis.), discussing the future of trade relations with China;
• Maureen Ohlhausen, former acting commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission, will give an insider’s perspective on the FTC’s activities, antitrust developments and e-commerce;
• Dr. Nada Sanders, professor of supply chain management, Northeastern University, who will look at vulnerabilities in the supply chain;
• Chuck Brooks, an industry consultant, will examine cyber threats to business and new developments in cybersecurity; plus
• Amy Walter, PBS contributor and correspondent with The Cook Politcal Report, and Nancy Cook, White House correspondent for Politico, will each offer news and analysis on the upcoming election.

PLMA presents the Washington Conference each fall to provide industry executives with insight and education regarding a wide range of public policy, legislative and regulatory decision-making processes in the nation’s Capital that have impact on their business. Conference attendees include store brands manufacturers, retailers, brokers and others who have responsibility for sales and marketing, regulatory, and legal affairs that pertain to private label food and beverage, household, and health and beauty products.

Conference registration is complimentary for recognized retailers, $250 for PLMA members. Non-members may register at $350, subject to availability.