
Susan Benjamin
Founder of True Treats Historic Candy, Former Communications Strategist, Author of 10 Books
A former college professor, Susan Benjamin was a marketing/communications researcher and strategist for places ranging from Fortune 500s to the White House and has written nine books on the subject. In 2010, she founded award-winning True Treats Historic Candy, the nation‘s only research-based historic candy company, selling wholesale, retail and online. In both capacities, has appeared widely in media such from NPR, PBS, and ABC News to the New York Times and Bon Appetit and gives talks at venues throughout the nation. Her tenth book, ‘Sweet as Sin’ (Prometheus, 2016), was on Smithsonian’s ‘Best of Books about Food.’
Session: Creating an Experience for Your Customer

Kelli Davis
Store Manager, Science Center of Iowa
Kelli Davis is currently the Gift Store Manager for the Science Center of Iowa She has been with SCI for seven years, and originated this role for SCI and is the only person to hold this position. Kelli studied International Business at Drake University where she graduated with her BSBA. During her time at Drake, she spent a semester at American University and traveled to Uganda for a summer class. She moved to China to teach English before completing her MBA in Shanghai and Florence, Italy. Outside of work, she enjoys life with her husband (Andy) and dog (Luna), all of them dreaming of travel and food.
Session: Mentorship – Find, Ask, Grow
Advanced Financial Assessment II: Using the MSA Retail Industry Report to Advocate for Your Store and Your Career