Future Consumer Debate Running Order
Tuesday 14 May
11:30-12:30
Registration & BrunchJail house bar12:30-12:35
Welcome From Retail GazetteDelivered by Gemma Goldfingle, editor, Retail Gazette12:35-13:10
Opening Scene SetterEmbracing the Future Consumer: a new era of omnipresence
Human interactions, behaviours and demands are constantly shifting. How can retailers prepare for - and embrace - the future consumer? When digital meets physical meets demographic demands, where do you focus? Drill down into the needs, behaviours and values of the future consumer, and ensure your brand and business align with this new era13:10-13:50
The Big DebateThe next shiny thing: should retailers adjust their demographic focus, or stick to what they know?
We’ve asked two leaders within the industry to take a side in our debate, and stick to it - and we’ve chosen the question on everyone’s lips. Can any retailer afford to ignore the younger consumer: Gen Z, Gen Alpha and beyond? They will argue their case, and vie for your vote.
Featured speakers:
Fiona Harkin, director of foresight, The Future Laboratory
Amy Harman, head of customer marketing, Hotel Chocolat13:50-14:20
Networking & Refreshments14:20-15:00
Retail Rules RoundtablesDeep dive into the future consumer
Join peers for our expert-led roundtables; drill down into the future consumer and what they are looking for, and share insights into how retailers can deliver. Zoned focus areas to choose from include:
- Data and AI-led innovation
- Digital transformation
- Next-gen omnichannel.15:00-15:40
Panel DebateTech of the future: what’s relevant for retail?
Diving into the tech and data that will allow retailers to operate differently and attract future loyalty. We’ll explore innovative ways that retailers are working (from AI-led personalisation to gamification, immersive experiences and beyond), as well as discussing what’s emerging, and how this will continue to evolve across both digital and physical platforms in the future.
Featured speakers:
Paul Hornby, digital customer experience director, The Very Group
Paul Sims, chief architect, Primark
Nick Bamber, digital director, Domino’s
Andrew Goulton, head of product, retail and mobile, Trust Retail15:40-16:15
Networking & Refreshments16:15-16:40
In ConversationRetail’s tech transformation - but make it consumer-led16:40-17:20
Closing Panel DebateEverything, everywhere, all at once? Building retail resilience and captivating an omnipresent customer
Digital disruption, changing demands and consumption patterns, and challenging economic times call for an agile approach to business:
- How do you ensure you shape - and transform - your retail business to captivate your consumer?
- Continuous improvement in a continuously changing environment: from new products and platforms to harnessing data-led opportunities, or refining what you do best
- Connecting on a deeper level: exploring and optimising the importance of storytelling and brand values to the future consumer
Featured speakers:
Asif Aziz OBE, head of retail, EE
Ron Sachs, commercial director - shopping, Deliveroo17:20-17:25
Closing RemarksDelivered by Gemma Goldfingle, editor, Retail Gazette17:25
Drinks & Networking
Wednesday 15 May
09:30-10:00
Registration Tea & CoffeeJail house bar10:00-11:00
Future Consumer Think TanksKick off the day by picking one of our unique Chatham House rules sessions: deep dive; real talk; real insights, all off the record. Our speakers will share their expert insights for 20 mins. Attendees will then connect with speakers around tables to discuss further.
Think Tank 1
Gen Z: Future-proof and diversify your business by bringing Gen Z into your teams
Featured speakers:
Sara Brennan, positive business director, Pentland Brands
Kian Bakhtiari, founder, The People
Think Tank 2
The Mid-Lifer: no longer an overlooked demographic?
Featured speaker:
Lina Chan, director of women’s health, Holland & Barrett
Think Tank 3
The future of consumption: a mindset shift?11:00-11:30
Networking & Refreshments11:30-12:15
Panel DebateChallenger insights: building retail’s gamechangers
Take the chance to gain insights into the brands, retailers and consumer approaches that break the mould in terms of passion, product and proposition, and leave with insights that can help you capture the attention of a future consumer - as well as the challenges inherent in doing so.
Featured speaker:
Shani Oslerne, international expansion director, Astrid & Miyu12:15-12:55
The Big InterviewElevating experiences and disrupting expectations: meeting the future consumer
The unforeseen move back into physical retail has coincided with elevated consumer expectations. Join us as we explore what captivates today’s in-store consumers; uncover a localised, consumer-led, collaborative approach to retail, and share insights that are driving growth.
Featured speaers:
Andrew Harrison, managing director, WHSmith Travel12:55-13:00
Closing RemarksDelivered by Gemma Goldfingle, editor, Retail Gazette13:00-14:00
Lunch & NetworkingConnect and close the day with your peers
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