Launching a new retail brand that will attract consumers-–and keep them coming back-–is no easy task. But Steve Ryder, store design and planning director, Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, and Kevin O’Donnell, founder, thread collaborative, have done it. They'll discuss the retailer's unique approach to building a complete brand experience in a keynote address at PACK EXPO (Oct. 5-7; Las Vegas Convention Center; www.packexpo.com). They will deliver the address Wednesday, Oct. 7.

In “Day One to Doors Open and Beyond–Fresh & Easy Builds a Totally Branded Experience,” Ryder and O’Donnell will share a behind-the-scenes look at how the company established itself in the United States and its commitment to engage consumers in new ways. Covering everything from architecture to packaging, labeling and signage, the discussion will detail the importance of unifying a variety of design elements and the role each played in helping mold the Fresh & Easy brand.

Ryder’s career began with Tesco, the parent company of Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, nearly 30 years ago. Before assuming his current role in the United States, Ryder led Tesco's UK Store Design and Planning team and was influential in many store format and design developments, including Tesco Metro and Tesco Extra. Ryder also spent 18 months supporting store format and design development in Asia and Central Europe.

O’Donnell recently launched a new design firm, thread collaborative, and leads a diverse team in creating sustainable and environmentally favorable building development strategies for large retailers. In addition to working with Fresh & Easy, he has collaborated on projects with Whole Foods Market, Wegmans, Kroger, Harris Teeter and SUPERVALU.

“Leading retailers like Fresh & Easy are redefining how consumers shop by focusing on the important role personal experience plays in communicating brand value,” says Charles D. Yuska, president and CEO of PMMI. “Ryder and O’Donnell will demonstrate how a holistic approach to planning–from packaging to point of purchase to store design – can result in a unique experience for consumers and ultimately shape their purchasing behavior.”

Joining Ryder and O’Donnell on the keynote schedule are Doug Palmer, vice president, Own Brands, The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co.; and Mike Witynski, group vice president, Our Own Brands, SUPERVALU.

Palmer will open the keynote programming on Monday, October 5, with “The Future of Retailer Packaging and Branding–the A&P Story," and on Tuesday, October 6, Witynski will challenge packaging suppliers, contract packagers and designers to bring innovative technologies and concepts to the burgeoning private label sector.

Visitors can register for the keynote addresses and the entire Conference at PACK EXPO program at www.packexpo.com. The fee for registrations received on or before September 15, 2009, will be $55 per session. After Sept. 15, 2009, and onsite, the cost will increase to $75. Registration for the exhibits at PACK EXPO is required to register for conference program sessions.

To register for PACK EXPO or obtain more information, visit www.packexpo.com or contact PMMI’s show department at 703.243.8555 or [email protected].