Blueprint Showcase
An Interactive Grocery Experience by Harvest Group
9.11.26
Friday, September 11, 2026
12:00 — 3:00 PM
Bentonville, AR
AC Hotel, Marriott
What is Blueprint Showcase?
An event designed for Harvest Group’s grocery clients featuring a 30-minute opening keynote with Walmart Executives followed by an interactive showcase where suppliers present their products and innovations while connecting with Walmart merchants, members of Walmart Connect, and fellow attendees.
Blueprint Showcase
Agenda
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Vendor Setup & Lunch
Check in, begin setup of your table, and enjoy lunch in the AC Kitchen.
Location: AC Kitchen
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Keynote Speakers
Opening remarks and keynote presentation by Walmart leaders.
Location: AC Ballroom
12:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Showcase Open
Experience innovation and explore products while networking.
Location: AC Ballroom & Lobby
Keynote Speakers
John Laney
EVP, FOOD | WALMART
John Laney is Executive Vice President of Food for Walmart US, where he leads the overall omni merchandising strategy and assortment across the company’s food business, including Fresh, Packaged Goods, Private Brands, and Snacks, Beverages & Convenience. During his more than 15 years with Walmart, John has held a variety of leadership roles across merchandising, store space, and design, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Center of Store. Throughout his career, he has focused on delivering customer-centric solutions while building strong partnerships with suppliers.
John Laney is Executive Vice President of Food for Walmart US, where he leads the overall omni merchandising strategy and assortment across the company’s food business, including Fresh, Packaged Goods, Private Brands, and Snacks, Beverages & Convenience. During his more than 15 years with Walmart, John has held a variety of leadership roles across merchandising, store space, and design, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Center of Store. Throughout his career, he has focused on delivering customer-centric solutions while building strong partnerships with suppliers.
Melody Richard
SVP, PANTRY | WALMART
Melody Richard is Senior Vice President of Pantry for Walmart US, where she leads the company’s shelf-stable grocery business, including dry grocery, baking, breakfast, commodities, snacks, and beverages. She is responsible for driving merchandising strategy and stewarding relationships with many of the nation’s largest food CPG companies. Prior to her current role, Melody led Walmart’s Pets and Baby businesses. Before joining Walmart, she spent 20 years with The Coca-Cola Company in leadership roles spanning operations, US sales, international commercial leadership, and emerging brands.
Melody Richard is Senior Vice President of Pantry for Walmart US, where she leads the company’s shelf-stable grocery business, including dry grocery, baking, breakfast, commodities, snacks, and beverages. She is responsible for driving merchandising strategy and stewarding relationships with many of the nation’s largest food CPG companies. Prior to her current role, Melody led Walmart’s Pets and Baby businesses. Before joining Walmart, she spent 20 years with The Coca-Cola Company in leadership roles spanning operations, US sales, international commercial leadership, and emerging brands.
Tasha Tandy
SVP, CHILLED, ALCOHOL & CONVENIENCE | WALMART
Tasha Tandy is Senior Vice President of Merchandising for Chilled, Alcohol & Convenience at Walmart US, where she oversees merchandising strategy, item development, supplier relationships, negotiations, and P&L management across the business. During her nearly 20-year Walmart career, Tasha has held various leadership roles across merchandising, store space management, process and strategy, assortment analytics, execution, and merchandising operations after beginning her career as a Buyer’s Assistant. Her broad experience and deep merchandising expertise have helped drive business growth, develop talent, and strengthen supplier partnerships across the organization.
Tasha Tandy is Senior Vice President of Merchandising for Chilled, Alcohol & Convenience at Walmart US, where she oversees merchandising strategy, item development, supplier relationships, negotiations, and P&L management across the business. During her nearly 20-year Walmart career, Tasha has held various leadership roles across merchandising, store space management, process and strategy, assortment analytics, execution, and merchandising operations after beginning her career as a Buyer’s Assistant. Her broad experience and deep merchandising expertise have helped drive business growth, develop talent, and strengthen supplier partnerships across the organization.
VENDOR EVENT GUIDE
For full details on schedule, hotel rates, what to bring/not to bring, food safety requirements, shipping instructions, setup/schedule and more, see the Vendor Guide.
VENUE INFORMATION
AC Hotels, Marriott
1201 SE 8th St, Bentonville, AR 72712
ACCOMMODATIONS
Harvest Group has secured corporate rates and discounts at Hotel Avail (Rogers), Motto (Bentonville), AC Hotel (Bentonville), and The Compton (Bentonville). Please check your invite email or the Vendor Event Guide for details and booking links.
QUESTIONS?
Reach out to your Harvest Group account team or email us at: blueprint@harvestgroup.com
FAQs
Yes, please refer to the Vendor Event Guide or in your invite email for discounted rates at Hotel Avail, AC Marriott, The Compton, or Motto.
A table (6-ft rectangular or high-top), black tablecloth, a printed sign with your logo, and disposable serving supplies (plates, cups, utensils, napkins, gloves). Electricity, refrigeration, and equipment can be requested during registration and coordinated with your Harvest Group contact.
Product samples, serving trays/utensils, and an extension cord if you’ve requested power. Table décor (runner, banner, tabletop signage) is welcome as long as it stays within your table footprint.
Please do not bring: tents/canopies, backdrop displays, oversized fixtures, floor displays, or balloons — anything beyond your assigned table space.
Join us 12:30–3:00 PM for the networking showcase (AC Ballroom & Lobby), where you can explore supplier products and innovations. (Note: the opening keynote is reserved exclusively for Harvest Group’s grocery clients.)
Yes — register through the sign-up form on this page to secure your spot.