DFW REA Presents: Is Loyalty Dead?

In an era of shrinking attention spans, skyrocketing acquisition costs, and endless brand choices, loyalty as we once knew it is being put to the test. Rewards points and punch cards no longer guarantee repeat business. Today’s consumers expect personalized experiences, emotional connection, and authentic value—or they’re gone with a single click.

Join Jenn McMillan, a respected voice in customer experience and retail strategy, as she tackles one of the most urgent questions facing retail and restaurants today: Is loyalty dead? With sponsorship from JCPenney and Nothing Bundt Cakes, this program will cut through the myths and deliver actionable insights on how brands can adapt, differentiate, and retain customers in 2025 and beyond.

Key Takeaways

By attending this event, you will learn:

• The State of Loyalty Today – What’s working, what’s not, and why old models no longer hold up.
• Redefining Retention – How personalization, storytelling, and emotional connection drive repeat business.
• Data-Driven Strategies – Using AI, segmentation, and analytics to understand—and anticipate—customer needs.
• Beyond Discounts – Innovative approaches to create real loyalty without racing to the bottom on price.
• Practical Roadmap – Steps you can implement immediately to keep your customers engaged and coming back.

Location:

SMU Collins Center (Auditorium) 3150 Binkley Ave., Dallas, TX 75205

Parking across the street at the Binkley Garage, free to attendees

Map included at the bottom of this page.

Parking access granted after registration.

Cost:

DFWREA Members - INCLUDED with Membership. Pre-registration Required.

Become a member to save over 35% on the entire year's worth of events!

https://dfwrea.org/membership/

Non-Members $65

Students FREE (registration required, present student ID at check-in)

About The Speaker:

Jenn McMillan is a nationally recognized & award-winning relationship marketing expert. Jenn builds kickass domestic & global loyalty programs, among other things! Currently she is the architect of Nothing Bundt Cakes' Bundtastic Rewards program.

McMillan is known to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue & sales by driving traffic, increasing average ticket & building customer relationships to ensure a quicker repeat visit. RFM is her love language! She thinks customer first & expects to deliver a great experience at all touchpoints.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

JCPenney

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Reap Commerce

2026 Events Calendar:

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

“The AI Mandate: How Retail Leaders Are Turning Data Into Dominance”

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

“The Modern Checkout Funnel: How Social Commerce Is Disrupting Retail Forever.”

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

“Retailtainment: Why Your Store Needs to Feel More Like Fun and Less Like a Store”

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

“Is Loyalty Dead? The Brutal Truth About Customer Retention in 2025”

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

“The Innovation Playbook: What Separates Products That Fly Off Shelves from Those That Flop”

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

"From Aisles to Alarms: The Battle Against Retail Crime"

Info: Complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres included with ticket price.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

James M. Collins Executive Education Center, 3150 Binkley Avenue, Dallas, United States