The messages started rolling in before we even left Nashville. Then the LinkedIn posts. Then the texts and emails. I’m sitting here reading through feedback from APEX, and honestly, I’m a little overwhelmed by the response.
Chris Nelson from Gap called the environment “unmatched” and said he’s “leaving with tons of intel and ideas.” Mitchell Jacobs from Walmart talked about being “honored to highlight the important work” his teams are doing while connecting with industry leaders to “share best practices and benchmark across the field.” Tim Bartlett from Dollar General called it “a great gathering of LP leaders and service providers.” Millie Kresevich from Luxottica said the content was “relevant, timely, and engaging” and thanked us for “always listening to the industry leaders on what is important for today.”
What It Means
Here’s what gets me about this feedback. It’s not just nice words. These are executives who could spend their time and budget anywhere. They chose APEX, and more importantly, they walked away feeling like they got something they couldn’t get anywhere else.
That matters to me personally because it validates what we set out to do when we created this conference. We saw an industry that was hungry for real conversations, real solutions, and real connections. We believed that if we could create the right environment, these brilliant professionals would do what they do best: solve problems together.
Edward Gonzalez from Northgate Markets talked about how the technology panel “truly highlighted how innovation continues to reshape our field.” Victor Gomes mentioned the “smart, passionate people in the security community” and how the “conversations, shared experiences, and collaboration were truly inspiring.” Randy Stallard from Ulta captured the balance we try to strike between serious content and the relationships that make this industry work.
Why It Matters
These responses tell me we’re hitting something the industry was missing. When executives say they’re leaving with “tons of intel and ideas” or that the experience was “inspiring,” that’s not conference politeness. That’s people who found what they were looking for.
It also reminds me why we do this work. Our industry faces real challenges every day, and the solutions come from bringing the right people together in the right way. When Mitchell talks about being able to highlight Walmart’s work while learning from others, that’s exactly the exchange we hoped to create.
Motivated for More
Reading these messages reminds me that we’re onto something important with APEX. We’re providing something this industry needs and deserves. These professionals are doing critical work, and they deserve a conference that matches their commitment and intelligence.
Thank you to everyone who attended, participated, and shared their feedback. You’re the reason APEX works, and you’re already making me excited about what we’ll build together next year.