As we’re hard at work planning for the next Retail Innovation Conference & Expo, which is scheduled for June 13-15, 2023 at McCormick Place in Chicago, we thought you might like to get to know the people behind the curtain who are making the event magic happen. We have an amazing team across multiple disciplines, and we’re excited to showcase them in our new “Meet the RICE Team” Q&A series.
To kick off the series, we’re featuring our fearless content leader, Alicia Esposito!
Retail Innovation Conference & Expo (RICE): Who are you and what is your current role?
Alicia Esposito: My name is Alicia Esposito and I’m the Vice President of Content for Retail TouchPoints and the Retail Innovation Conference & Expo. I oversee our overall content strategy and positioning across media channels and platforms.
RICE: What do you love most about what you do?
Esposito: I will always be a journalist at heart, and I will always have a passion for storytelling. My work allows me to stay true to my roots and spotlight the incredible minds and brands that are making a positive impact on the industry — and even the world. In times of such constant change, I love educating our community and bringing people together based on their shared interests and passions. Our media portfolio and our events allow me to do just that and meet some incredibly smart people who I learn from with every interaction.
RICE: What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Esposito: I love to go on adventures with my husband and four-year-old son, who after COVID lockdowns is getting a bit of a travel bug. When we’re not out and about, I love to read and workout. Both help me center myself and manage my anxiety.
RICE: What’s the last TV show you binged or book you read?
Esposito: I just finished “A Visit from the Goon Squad” by Jennifer Egan so I could start her newest work, “The Candy House.” I love the way she weaves different decades and characters together to provide thoughtful commentary on everything from life to family to big tech.
RICE: What brand/retailer are you most loyal to?
Esposito: I’m a Target loyalist through and through and I treasure my Aerie athleisure, but one of my favorite things to do is visit the small businesses in nearby Jersey towns like Denville and Montclair.
Stay tuned to the blog as we spotlight more of the RICE team and be sure to sign up for updates on the 2023 show!