We answer all the questions about this special week for associates!
Have you heard about Associates Week? Or the Shareholders Meeting? We’ve got the answers to any questions you might have about these upcoming events!
What is Shareholders?
The annual Shareholders Meeting is exactly what it sounds like: a meeting for shareholders — people who own Walmart stock. Read about Walmart’s very first Shareholders Meeting here.
This year’s Shareholders Meeting will be held virtually at 10:30 a.m. CDT on Wednesday, June 5. No entertainment or other activities take place at this event — but the Associate Celebration that takes place on Friday is another matter entirely!
What is the Associate Celebration?
This event is a celebration of all associates — from around the world. It’s hosted on June 7 at 8:00 a.m. CDT at the Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It features music, entertainers and messages from senior leaders like Walmart President and CEO Doug McMillon, who highlight the achievements of our associates and our business units.
No matter where you are, you can join the celebration: Tune in at 8 a.m. CDT.
What does Associates Week have to do with Shareholders Meeting?
While the Shareholders Meeting focuses on shareholders, the week surrounding it is all about celebrating associates, customers and our brand. If you want to mark your calendar, it’s always the week that holds the first Friday in June.
Associates who get to attend in person are selected by their store, club, supply chain or business unit leadership. They have the honor of representing their facility — and even their home country — in Arkansas during Associates Week.
What do attendees get to do?
Associates flood in from all corners of the globe for a fast-paced week of all-day activities. They even get a chance to meet with Doug McMillon in his office.
The week also includes meetings for Walmart U.S. associates, international associates and Sam’s Club associates. When they aren’t in meetings, attendees will:
- Visit the Expo where they can enjoy activities and games from hundreds of our vendors and partners.
- Check out the souvenir shop.
- Enjoy a free concert (Did you hear the news? We’re bringing award-winning artists Natasha Bedingfield, Andy Grammer and Leon Bridges!).
- Go to the Friday Associate Celebration and see all of the celebrities who show up to celebrate Walmart.
- Meet literally thousands of associates from around the world.
- Tour the original Walton's 5 & 10 in Bentonville.
Sounds great! How can I go?
First things first: Tell your manager you are interested in attending! They will help you understand if you meet the criteria.
Am I eligible to attend?
Even-numbered stores are invited to send one hourly associate during even-numbered years. Odd-numbered stores send associates during odd-numbered years. (That means odd-numbered stores will attend the next Associates Week in 2025.)
Associates are chosen early in the year. To be eligible for selection, associates must:
- Have worked for Walmart or Sam’s Club for at least one full year (excludes recent grand openings).
- Have no active coaching on file.
- Be a great representative of our culture, with dedication to improving the customer and associate experience.
- Follow the core values.
- Be well respected in their facilities.
Managers consider tenure and associate performance in the selection too.
What if I won’t be attending but I want to take part?
We’ll get you as close to the action as we can! Follow @WalmartWorld on social media. Look out for special updates on Walmart.workplace.com. And visit WalmartWorld.com often to check out the latest news from Associates Week and Shareholders.
