Behind the Scenes at Walmart’s Annual Shareholder Meeting: A Day of Entertainment and Insights
On June 5th, I had the opportunity to cover the annual Walmart shareholders meeting as an editorial photographer, and as always, the experience was nothing short of spectacular. While it’s a long couple of days, I genuinely look forward to this event each year. The chance to witness world-class entertainers and see company executives in a more relaxed environment makes the long hours worthwhile. It’s fascinating to learn about Walmart’s initiatives, new developments, and the strides they’re making in the retail industry.
During my coverage, I had the chance to tour a Walmart Supercenter, which offered some unique photographic opportunities. My editor tasked me with capturing images of the dollar aisle—who knew they had one? Unfortunately, the store we toured only had a seasonal dollar aisle, and of course, it was out of season. While trying to find signage that indicated affordable items, I stumbled upon a vibrant display of toys.
As I waited for someone to pass by for a candid shot, a 12-year-old boy walked up, looked me square in the eye, and asked what I was doing. When I explained that I was photographing for Walmart, he questioned why anyone would want a picture of “that,” since it seemed so “common.” It made me chuckle! When I was his age, I would have never had the nerve to approach a stranger like that. Kids these days definitely have a boldness that can be amusing.
After the Walmart tour, we headed to the media hotel for lunch and a presentation. I was pleasantly surprised with the images I captured there, especially given the challenging lighting conditions.
Finally, it was time for the main event—the shareholders meeting itself. The entertainment lineup was incredible! Kris Allen, the American Idol winner, performed alongside the legendary Smokey Robinson, captivating the audience with his powerful voice.
Another unforgettable moment was when Ben Stiller, Kris Allen, and Walmart CFO Tom Schoewe struck their best “Blue Steel” poses for the crowd, adding a fun, lighthearted touch to the proceedings. The laughter and cheers from the audience made the atmosphere electric.
One highlight of the day was watching Susan Chambers, EVP of Global People Division, glowing with excitement as she spoke with her childhood hero, former NBA player Michael Jordan. It was evident that the influence of greats like Jordan still resonates, and I couldn’t help but think, “I want to be like Mike!”
The Walmart shareholders meeting is always a blend of business insights and entertainment, and I’m grateful to have a front-row seat as an editorial photographer. It’s an event that showcases not only the company’s achievements but also the spirit of fun and community that Walmart fosters.