CNN commentator and motivational speaker, Mel Robbins, and technology ethnographer Dr. Tricia Wang, will headline the GS1 Connect 2018 conference and exhibit. The annual event hosted by GS1 US will be held June 5-7, 2018 at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge in Phoenix, Arizona. 

The theme of the conference, “Accelerate,” reflects the urgency and velocity of change needed to evolve at the pace of the consumer, technology and business models. GS1 Connect content will showcase how companies and industries can leverage GS1 Standards to speed business process transformation, collaboration and innovation.

Robbins helps global brands stimulate organizational change, challenge thinking and accelerate personal and professional growth. In addition to contributing for CNN, she provides motivational expertise for multiple broadcast programs, including Good Morning America, Dr. Oz, and Fox News. Additionally, her latest book, “The 5 Second Rule,” is a business bestseller. 

During her keynote address, Robbins will inspire attendees to embrace innovation by avoiding key mistakes that could be holding them back. After the session, attendees will have the tools to become agents of change to effectively move their ideas and organizations forward. 

Wang, a technology ethnographer interested in exploring the intersection of data, design, and marketing, helps companies achieve growth by scaling and extracting insights from data about their customers through her consulting firm, Sudden Compass. She is a pioneer in popularizing the need for companies to integrate Big Data and what she calls, Thick Data—unquantifiable human insights. 

Wang will share the importance of making customer-responsive investments in data to spot opportunity, power informed decision-making and achieve organizational growth. She will provide real-world examples of how companies can identify Big Data pitfalls and achieve digital transformation by exploring the human side of data. 

“Today’s fast-paced, digitally-dominated environment is creating new business opportunities for organizations globally,” said Bob Carpenter, president and CEO of GS1 US. “Mel and Tricia will energize attendees to embrace potential challenges and motivate them to stimulate innovation personally and within their own organizations to drive growth.” 

GS1 Connect 2018 will also feature experts from the healthcare, retail, foodservice and grocery industries who will share GS1 Standards implementation best practices to address today’s most pressing business challenges. Brand, retailer and distributor hosted “How to Do Business With” sessions, Trading Partner Roundtables, the “Standardsville” exhibit area, Tech Track, various networking opportunities provide numerous opportunities for attendees to connect and learn. GS1 US University certificate courses and workshops are offered for those looking to build their GS1 Standards foundational knowledge and maximize the conference program. To learn more about GS1 Connect 2018, visit www.gs1us.org/conference.