2026 Agenda

A unique setting for a focused, high-level discussion among peers - concise, interactive, and entirely off the record. Participation is by invitation-only so please enquire for more details.

 

As AI accelerates and data becomes ever richer; retailers face a new challenge: ensuring technology enhances and doesn't replace the human understanding that drives great retail. This private breakfast workshop will unpack where data and predictive models can take you far, and where they can inadvertently lead you astray. 

Together, we’ll explore how to blend the power of analytics with the irreplaceable insights of real people: customers whose choices aren’t always rational and employees whose creativity, judgment and empathy shape the brand experience every day. Expect a candid conversation on how to build planning processes that are tech-enabled but human-led, and how to future‑proof decision-making by keeping humanity at the centre of innovation. 

 

Retail is experiencing unprecedented transformation. From AI-driven personalization and sustainability imperatives to shifting consumer behaviours and global economic pressures, the next five years will redefine what success looks like. In this opening panel, visionary leaders share their roadmap for navigating disruption, unlocking growth, and building resilient, future-ready businesses. Expect bold predictions, actionable strategies, and a candid look at the forces shaping retail's journey to 2030.

Top student teams from leading universities present their solutions to this year's real?world retail brief, showcasing bold ideas, fresh thinking and future?ready strategies. Watch them compete live for the coveted Future Retail Challenge Championship as a panel of industry leaders selects the winning concept shaping the next era of retail.

As global travel rebounds and passenger expectations shift, travel retail and duty free are entering a new era of opportunity and disruption. From the evolution of luxury in transit environments to new omnichannel models, and data‑driven retailing, this conversation looks at what the next decade will demand. A strategic deep dive into where growth will come from, and how brands and operators can capture it.

Discover how advanced AI is redefining personalisation at scale ' from sharper recommendations and better fit prediction to more intuitive, seamless customer journeys.

Be the first to hear the headline findings from the Global CEO Survey. This session reveals the priorities, pressure points and growth bets shaping boardroom agendas around the world — from investment hotspots and AI adoption to talent, profitability and geopolitical risk. A fast, data‑rich briefing on how the industry’s top leaders are steering their companies into the future.

Less Noise, More Growth: The Commerce Media Playbook. Hear from a leading retailer and Rokt on how they are going beyond “retail media” and building commerce‑led monetisation, where customer value comes first, and revenue follows.  

Private label is one of the most powerful strategic assets available to retailers, yet in many organizations it remains treated mainly as a purchasing tool or a price lever. This paradox reflects deeper organizational dynamics that shape how retailers think about brands, pricing, and value creation. 

Drawing on the experience of Coop Italia, this session explores how private label can evolve from “own label” into a true retailer brand.

What can global retailers learn from those supplying the world’s fastest‑growing Chinese marketplaces? This session will cover practical insights on speed, cost efficiency, product development cycles, and the operational discipline required to thrive in an ecosystem defined by data‑driven merchandising and relentless execution. A rare, inside look at how Chinese platforms operate — and the lessons retailers can apply to compete with their pace and precision. 

As digital takes an ever-greater share of customer attention, this panel explores why the craft of great shopkeeping ' human connection, sensory experience, and the theatre of the store ' still matters profoundly. Leaders will discuss how the most successful retailers are blending digital intelligence with physical creativity to elevate service, personalise journeys, and rediscover the magic that makes people fall in love with shopping all over again.

AI is fast becoming the most transformative force in retail; but the real question for leaders is how to stay visible and competitive as consumers shift to AI shopping journeys. Making the right strategic bets requires understanding how this shift changes competitive dynamics, customer behavior, and infrastructure priorities'and that's exactly what this panel will unpack.

With a growing number of consumers around the world feeling financial pressure, the value retail sector is forecast to grow faster than any other. But that momentum does not guarantee success as we have seen with some value players coming under pressure. So how is the value retail sector facing into the future to ensure it can win customers in an increasingly competitive sector. This panel brings together some of the key players in the sector to share their experiences.

Do not miss this practical masterclass giving CEOs the tools to build a confident 2030 strategy. This session translates real consumer forecasts into clear decisions leaders must make now: which markets to prioritise, where to invest and how to spot early indicators of risk or opportunity. Attendees walk away with a usable forecasting toolkit, actionable next steps, and the insight required to steer their organisation toward sustained growth through 2030.

Retail innovation is alive and well ' and this session showcases the standout new stores setting the benchmark worldwide. From immersive brand experiences and next?level service concepts to bold design, tech integration and hyper?local relevance, we spotlight the openings that truly raised the bar this year. A fast, inspiring tour of the ideas, formats and store strategies defining what 'great' looks like in 2026.

Retail Media has evolved from a simple advertising channel into a powerful engine for customer-centric growth. But as the industry matures, the critical question remains: How do we move beyond the hype to create lasting value for everyone involved? This presentation highlights how data-driven insights can be transformed into seamless customer experiences that bridge the gap between intent and purchase. Through the lens of two distinct success stories—one endemic and one non-endemic—this session reveals how to turn retail data into a competitive advantage.

What does it take to build a brand that endures ' and grows ' in a world defined by rapid shifts in culture, commerce and consumer expectation? A forward?looking view on the models, mindsets and brand architectures that will shape the next generation of retail success stories.

Retailers are awash with data but only a few are turning it into clear, actionable decisions that drive growth. This session explores how leading organisations are building the right data foundations, applying advanced analytics 

The 'grab and go' store that attracted headlines when Amazon moved into the space faced a set back when Amazon pulled back last year. But behind these headlines, the 'grab and go' autonomous store is not going away and are growing around the world. Hear from one of the world's leading experts in this sector on why consumers are looking increasingly to this ultimate convenience store format.

Luxury is being redefined as new generations, shifting global wealth and rapid technological change reshape what customers value. This session explores how brands can balance heritage with innovation, from hyper?personalised experiences and phygital retail to the rising importance of sustainability and cultural relevance. Leaders from across the sector share where growth will come from next'and what 'luxury' will mean by 2030.

Significant growth opportunities lie in the consumer groups that retail has historically overlooked; audiences with distinct needs, high spending power, and rising expectations for products and experiences designed with them in mind. This session explores how retailers can unlock new demand by identifying unmet needs, designing inclusive propositions, and innovating with sensitivity and authenticity.

Front-line teams aren't there to execute tasks; they're there to create value ' for customers, for the brand, and for the bottom line. The future of retail belongs to the people who can personalise, problem-solve, and humanise an experience technology can't. This expert panel will explore how the most high-performing retailers are shifting from process-led to people-led environments.

AI is fast becoming one of the most powerful levers for advantage in retail and beyond, redefining how businesses grow, compete and serve customers. Yet for many CEOs, the gap between AI's promise and its proven value remains wide and the future is uncertain. This panel will explore the strategic choices CEOs must make to ensure innovation becomes a source of sustained advantage and the leadership steps necessary to take us there, beyond technology.

The existential question that weighs heavily on retail CEOs' minds is: how do we grow like-for-like sales volumes when consumers are spending less, costs are rising, and competition is at an all-time high?

 

Customer expectations are shifting faster than ever ' reshaped by technology, culture, economics and a new definition of value. This session examines the behaviours, motivations and decision drivers redefining how people shop today, and what retailers must adapt to stay relevant. From demand for personalisation to new loyalty dynamics and emerging lifestyle priorities, gain a clear view of the consumer forces that will matter most through 2030.

Today’s standout retailers don’t just market — they build communities. This session brings together leaders across brand, CX, product and strategy to explore how shared values, smart storytelling and meaningful experiences create deeper connection and long‑term loyalty. Hear practical insights on how retailers turn community into commercial impact and build brands that people genuinely want to belong to.

This session explores how store‑based digital technology is reshaping frontline work by automating routine tasks and enabling teams to focus on higher‑value service. Drawing on latest innovations such as smart shelf systems that deliver real‑time pricing, faster task execution, improved stock accuracy and data‑driven store operations, the session will examine how in‑store digitisation can boost productivity, enhance decision‑making and create more responsive, efficient retail environments.

This session explores how confidence shapes whether people engage, decide or opt out of spending; especially in moments that feel high?risk or uncertain. As AI transforms search and advice into more conversational, personalised experiences, it is increasingly influencing these hesitation points by building trust and clarity. This session examines how AI?led design and behavioural insight can reduce friction at key decision moments and unlock new growth for retailers and brands.

Loyalty is shifting from points and perks to dynamic, data‑driven relationships. This session explores how The Central Group, one of Asia’s leading retailers, is reinventing their loyalty model to deepen engagement, personalise value, and build longer‑term connection in an era of rising expectations and shrinking margins. It is Thailand’s biggest loyalty programme with over 22 million members. Discover the strategies reshaping loyalty and what it takes to stay relevant to the modern customer. 

Where will the next wave of retail expansion come from — and what does it take to win there? This session highlights the regions and customer segments showing the strongest growth potential, and the strategic playbooks retailers are using to enter new markets with speed and confidence. From localisation and partnerships to supply‑chain agility and digital‑first routes to scale, discover the models delivering sustainable, profitable growth in high‑opportunity markets. 

What does it take to turn a bold idea into a global movement? In this session, we explore how founder-led brands are rewriting the rules of retail - starting with underserved communities and scaling to partnerships with some of the world's biggest names. Discover how resilience, purpose, and innovation can transform niche markets into mainstream success stories and how the future of retail is being defined by consumer choice.

Slow planning and disconnected decision-making have a hidden cost — up to 5 cents for every dollar earned, according to new survey findings. Join Anaplan and research partner Incisiv for the WRC-exclusive reveal of The Race to Act, a global study of retail and CPG executives across North America and Europe. We'll go beyond the data to give attendees concrete strategies for turning volatility into decision confidence — the ultimate competitive advantage. 

Social platforms are becoming full?funnel commerce engines ' reshaping how customers discover, evaluate and buy. This session explores the models driving growth in social commerce, from creator?led selling to in?app checkout and shoppable video, and the tactics retailers can use to turn engagement into sales. Clear insights on what's working now, where the biggest opportunities lie, and how to build a social commerce strategy that scales.

Retail’s roadmap to 2030 will be defined by two transformations happening at the same time: AI changing how work gets done, and customers changing what they value. At the center of this shift is a critical talent question and a potential looming pipeline risk: as AI compresses traditional career paths, how will boards and CEOs build the next generation of leaders? Drawing on global executive insights, this session shares an emerging leadership model for the Retail CEO of 2030, rooted in curiosity, digital fluency, cross functional collaboration, and the ability to balance innovation with operational discipline.

What separates the breakout retailers that sustain momentum from those that stall? In this fast‑paced panel, founders and leaders of the world’s most dynamic high‑growth businesses reveal the cultural foundations, leadership behaviours and operating models that enable scale. From embedding an entrepreneurial mindset at every level, to building teams that can handle rapid growth, to developing the resilience needed for international expansion, panellists share hard‑won lessons from taking their brands to the next stage. Expect real talk on navigating hyper‑growth, maintaining brand integrity under pressure, and knowing when—and how—to go global. 

As retailers and brands drive for growth in an ever-more challenging retail landscape, international expansion is back on the agenda. But what sets apart successful international expansion in today’s world compared with ten years ago is that it is now dependent on forming the best and most appropriate partnership with a franchise or wholesale operator rather than with owned expansion.

 

 

In today’s AI era, some of the most transformative retail innovations aren’t coming from legacy platforms; they’re being built inside fast, focused, hyper-specialised start-ups. These companies are redefining what’s possible across procurement, finance, supply chain, compliance and operational decision-making. But the retailers gaining the biggest competitive edge are the ones who know how to deploy start-up technology at scale. 

Expect a practical, behind-the-scenes conversation on how to evaluate start-up partners, integrate new tools into complex environments, and build operating models that allow innovation to take root and deliver impact. 

Fresh thinking often comes from beyond your own sector. In this panel, leaders from hospitality, media, and FMCG share the consumer behaviours, experience innovations, and brand strategies reshaping their industries ' and what retailers can learn from them.

Sustainability may have dropped lower down many agendas, but retailers in all key sectors from fashion to food have come to see that there are real business benefits to be delivered by being more innovative in areas such as the supply chain or production. But the real benefits will be unlocked if retailers collaborate and partner in areas such as the financing of decarbonisation of supply chains. This session brings together some of the biggest retailers and brands to show what has already been achieved and what can be achieved by working together to benefit businesses, customers and the planet.  

As resale moves firmly into the mainstream, customers are driving explosive growth in pre‑loved fashion and consumer goods — and retailers are rethinking their role in the circular economy. This session explores where resale is heading next — and what it means for retailers now 

Online shopping has become part of everyday life for nearly eight in ten Europeans, with expectations rising fast around convenience, trusted delivery and seamless digital journeys. This session take's finding from the latest E‑shopper Barometer, drawing on more than 31,000 consumer interviews, to explore major shifts retailers must respond to. 
This session distils the key attitudes shaping the modern e‑shopper and explores how retailers can meet their evolving expectations to deliver a genuinely world‑class online experience.

Retail's future talent is entering the workforce with new priorities, values and expectations. In this candid panel, Gen Z students share what they're looking for in employers from meaningful work, skills development and career mobility to culture, flexibility and purpose. Hear directly from the next generation about what attracts them, what turns them away, and how retailers can build workplaces that inspire, retain and empower tomorrow's leaders.

Who's redefining what exciting retail looks like today? This fast?paced session spotlights the most original, high?energy retail concepts emerging around the world ' from breakthrough formats and bold brand worlds to inventive use of tech, community and culture. A curated look at the retailers raising the bar for creativity and relevance, offering fresh inspiration and practical ideas for every leader shaping the future of retail.

Does customer experience mean something different in today’s digital age when consumers have access 24-7 to the latest trends, brands and influencers? How can retailers ensure that they remain at the centre of attention? More importantly, what does experience mean both online and within the physical store? Sephora has built its reputation on being one of the most loved brands around the world. Hear from Sephora’s top expert in omnichannel retailing on how they combine creativity with data to deliver exceptional brand experiences. 

Why will “trust” in brands matter even more by 2030? Global communications firm, Brunswick Group, have conducted a major consumer research programme to understand how retailers can build direct relationships with consumers when consumers have more power than ever over retailers’ reputations. The necessity of having a strong social media strategy and personality isn't anything new - but the social platforms they rely on are fragmenting, politicising and losing trust. How can retailers build and maintain trust in this shifted dynamic? A vital, thought-provoking presentation of this exclusive and timely research. 

The retailers winning today are those building for tomorrow. This keynote panel brings together the innovators already reshaping the future through new operating models, breakthrough technology and radical customer‑centricity. Leaders will share the capabilities they’re investing in now, the shifts transforming how and where people shop, and the practical actions every retailer must take to secure relevance and growth in the decade ahead. 

The Otto Group is one of the world’s leading international retail and services groups, employing around 35,000 people worldwide. In her keynote, Petra Scharner-Wolff outlines how the Group is strengthening its resilience in an age of overlapping global crises — through consistent action, clear strategic focus, and innovation as a mindset. From rigorous financial discipline to a sharpened portfolio and strong investments in AI and robotics, she shows how the Otto Group is positioning itself to remain future‑ready and sustainably successful.