The History of the Marcum Consumer Products and Retail Symposiums (Now CBIZ)
By Ronald S. Friedman
The Consumer Products and Retail Symposium, which you’ve come to know as a Marcum event, is continuing under a new name. Now, hosted by CBIZ, the seventh CBIZ Consumer Products and Retail Symposium will take place on April 24, 2025, at the E-Central Hotel in downtown Los
Angeles.
CBIZ, one of the largest public accounting and advisory services firms in the United States, recently acquired Marcum LLP, bringing together two industry leaders. While the symposium’s name has changed, it remains the premier gathering for industry leaders, experts and businesses to explore key trends shaping the consumer products and retail sectors.
This article will examine the symposium’s history and evolution, its impact on the industry and what to expect in its next chapter under the CBIZ banner.
Beginnings and Vision
The inception of the Marcum Consumer Products and Retail Symposiums can be traced back to 2016 when Ron Friedman and Jeff Mann (Fashion Mannuscript) met in New York to create something meaningful for the industry. Recognizing the rapid changes and challenges in the consumer products and retail sectors, Marcum and Fashion Mannuscript sought to create a forum where industry professionals could collaborate, exchange ideas and stay ahead of trends. The goal was to bring together thought leaders, executives and experts from various industry segments to foster an environment of learning and innovation.
The first symposium was modest in scale but ambitious in its vision. It featured Robin Lewis as the keynote speaker and panel discussions focusing on pressing issues such as supply chain management, consumer behavior and technological advancements. The panel included Debra Gunn
Downing, Louis Mastrianni and Andrew Rotondi. The initial success and positive feedback from participants set the stage for future events.
Growth and Expansion
As the consumer products and retail sectors continued to evolve, so did the Marcum Consumer Products and Retail Symposiums. Over the years, the symposiums grew in both size and scope, attracting a wider audience and featuring a more diverse range of topics. Each year, the event lineup expanded to include more keynote speakers, panel discussions and Q&A sessions covering various aspects of the industry.
One key factor contributing to the symposium’s growth was its ability to attract high-profile speakers and industry experts. These individuals brought valuable insights and expertise, making the events more informative and engaging. Notable speakers over the years have included CEOs of
major retail companies, leading economists and influential thought leaders in consumer behavior and technology. A special thank you must go to Jeff Mann for his relationships with industry leaders and his ability to provide many of our speakers and panelists.
Key Themes and Topics
Throughout its history, the Marcum Consumer Products and Retail Symposiums have addressed numerous key themes and topics that reflect the industry’s dynamic nature. Some of the recurring themes include:
Technological advancements: With the rapid rise of e-commerce, digital marketing and data analytics, the symposiums have consistently explored the impact of technology on consumer behavior and retail strategies. Sessions on artificial intelligence, big data and omnichannel retailing have been particularly popular.
Consumer trends: Understanding consumer preferences and behavior is crucial for success in the retail sector. The symposiums have featured discussions on changing consumer demographics, the shift toward sustainability and the influence of social media on purchasing decisions.
Supply chain management: Efficient supply chain management is vital for the success of consumer products companies. Topics such as logistics optimization, inventory management and the impact of global trade policies have been central to many symposiums.
Economic outlook: The symposiums often feature sessions on the economic factors affecting the consumer products and retail sectors. This includes discussions with Marshal Cohen, Circana’s chief industry advisor, on macroeconomic trends, inflation and the impact of global events on
consumer spending.
Innovation and entrepreneurship: Companies must innovate continually to stay competitive. The symposiums have highlighted the success stories of innovative startups and provided a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and products.
Impact on the Industry
The Marcum Consumer Products and Retail Symposiums have significantly impacted the industry, serving as a catalyst for knowledge sharing, networking and collaboration. Several key aspects of this impact include:
Knowledge sharing: By bringing together experts and industry leaders, the symposiums have facilitated the exchange of valuable insights and best practices. Attendees gain a deeper understanding of emerging trends, challenges and opportunities, helping them make informed business decisions.
Networking opportunities: The symposiums provide a unique platform for professionals to connect and build relationships. This networking aspect has led to collaborations, partnerships and business opportunities that might not have been possible otherwise.
Thought leadership: The symposiums have elevated the conversation around critical industry issues through keynote speeches and panel discussions. Marcum’s ability to attract high-caliber speakers has ensured attendees receive cutting-edge information and thought-provoking perspectives.
Industry recognition: The success and influence of the Marcum Consumer Products and Retail Symposiums have solidified Marcum’s, and now CBIZ’s, reputation as a thought leader in the industry. The firm is recognized not only for its accounting and advisory services but also for its commitment to advancing industry knowledge and innovation.
Looking Ahead
As the consumer products and retail sectors continue to evolve, the CBIZ Consumer Products and Retail Symposiums are poised to remain a vital platform for industry professionals. The symposiums will continue to explore emerging trends, such as the impact of artificial intelligence, sustainability’s role in consumer decision-making and the integration of new technologies into retail strategies.
Furthermore, the symposiums will continue to serve as a barometer for the industry’s health and direction. By addressing current challenges and forecasting future developments, the events will help attendees stay ahead of the curve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape.
Conclusion
The Marcum Consumer Products and Retail Symposiums have a rich history of fostering collaboration, innovation and knowledge-sharing within the industry. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a premier industry event, the symposiums have played a crucial role in
shaping the consumer products and retail sectors. As Marcum and CBIZ have come together, they will continue to provide valuable insights and facilitate connections. The future of the symposiums looks promising, with the potential to drive further advancements and growth in the industry.
Ronald S. Friedman, CPA, is an advisory and assurance partner in the Los Angeles office of CBIZ (formerly Marcum LLP) and a retail practice leader in the firm’s Consumer and Industrial Products group. Contact him at ronald.friedman@cbiz.com.
