The 2024 Walmart Associate Celebration, held on June 7 at the Bud Walton Arena in Arkansas, was a star-studded event that brought together Walmart associates from around the globe to celebrate their hard work and the company’s achievements. The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the performance by the Backstreet Boys, who electrified the audience with their classic hits.
The celebration kicked off early in the morning with a performance by Lizzo, who energized the crowd with her hit song “Good as Hell,” adding a special shoutout to Walmart in her lyrics. Shortly after, NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning was revealed as the surprise host for the event. Manning, who spent most of his career with the Indianapolis Colts and later led the Denver Broncos to a Super Bowl victory, brought his charisma and charm to the stage.
As the day progressed, the audience was treated to a series of performances and appearances by various celebrities. Imagine Dragons took the stage at 8:45 a.m., delivering a powerful performance that set the tone for the rest of the day. Paris Hilton made a brief appearance to promote her new album and her cookware line available at Walmart.
Country music star Kacey Musgraves followed with a soulful performance, captivating the audience with her hits “Golden Hour” and “Slow Burn.” The excitement continued to build as the Backstreet Boys took the stage at 9:45 a.m., performing their iconic songs “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” and “I Want It That Way.” Their performance was a nostalgic trip down memory lane for many in the audience and was met with thunderous applause.
The celebration also featured appearances by other notable celebrities. Robert Downey Jr. joined Peyton Manning on stage, where they shared a light-hearted moment discussing Downey’s coffee product. Usher closed out the event with a high-energy performance, singing some of his biggest hits and even stepping off the stage to interact with the associates up close.
Throughout the day, Walmart’s leadership took the opportunity to reflect on the company’s journey and its impact on communities. CEO Doug McMillon spoke about Walmart’s humble beginnings and the accomplishments that have shaped the company into what it is today. He also shared inspiring stories of Walmart associates, highlighting their dedication and contributions.
The event was not just about entertainment; it was also a platform to recognize and reward the hard work of Walmart associates. Tony Gonino was awarded the “Sam Walton 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year” at 8:40 a.m., a moment that was met with cheers and applause from the audience. The celebration also included a special farewell to retiring board member Rob Walton, with a slideshow presented by Greg Penner, chair of the board, showcasing the company’s earnings and profits.
Associates from various parts of the world shared their excitement and pride in being part of the Walmart family. Megan Osborne, Bryan Mcaleer, and Aaron Frangakis traveled from Canada, while Penny Peng came from China. Adrienne Pargeter, who traveled from South Africa, expressed her joy at being recognized internationally and encouraged her children to aim for the stars.
The 2024 Walmart Associate Celebration was a testament to the company’s commitment to its associates and its culture of recognition and appreciation. The event brought together a diverse group of people, united by their shared connection to Walmart, and provided a memorable experience filled with music, laughter, and inspiration.
As the event came to a close, the associates left the Bud Walton Arena with a renewed sense of pride and motivation, ready to continue their journey with Walmart. The performances by the Backstreet Boys and other celebrities added a touch of glamour to the celebration, making it an unforgettable day for everyone involved.
