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september 06, 2019 - Starbucks

12,000 Starbucks partners gather in Chicago for transformative leadership experience

CHICAGO – The Windy City is a place of firsts for #starbucks. In 1987, when the company was looking to open its first U.S. store outside of its home base of Seattle, it picked #chicago – a successful experiment that helped give the company confidence to grow across the country and around the world.

Now, more than 30 years later, #chicago is the setting for another first – #starbucks largest-ever employee conference. This week, 12,000 store managers and field leaders are gathering for the #starbucks Leadership Experience, a three-day event designed to help transform leaders and solidify the foundation of an enduring company. It began Wednesday (Sept. 4) with a community service expo at McCormick Place Convention Center, engaging with more than 35 community service organizations like #chicago Cares, the American Red Cross and Feeding America.

The event officially kicks off today (Sept. 5) with the opening general session at United Center for more than 10,000 store managers from company-operated and licensed stores from across the United States and Canada – plus 2,000 regional leaders, the senior leadership team and staff. It marks the first such gathering since its 2012 Global Leadership Conference in Houston, and the first under the leadership of #starbucks chief executive officer Kevin Johnson.

“This is the largest partner experience in our company history, and a signal of our commitment to store managers and field leaders who are well positioned to lead us forward,” said Johnson in a letter to partners earlier today. 

After the general session, attendees will take part in a series of interactive leadership sessions at McCormick Place over the next two days, with topics that include customer service, partner development, growing your business, and mental health awareness. Participants will also immerse themselves in the #starbucks story at the Experience Hall, which will follow the journey of coffee and #starbucks from bean to cup. The event will conclude Friday night with an inspirational closing general session at United Center.

“At this transformative time for the company, we must continue to have the wisdom to honor our heritage and stay true to Our Mission and Values, while at the same time have the courage to boldly reimagine the future of #starbucks,” said Johnson.

Further information in the press release to download

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