The 2026 Programme

REGISTRATION & NETWORKING

Chair's welcome and opening comments

Giles Smith, Independent Digital Product & Technology Advisor Consultant

Retail Opening Fireside Chat: Reducing cost and improving efficiency - using tech to simplify and optimise your online eCom operation

Our speakers will discuss the latest insights into how to leverage new technologies, techniques and tools to maximise your ROI on your online business operations. Learn how to create efficiencies, streamline processes through automation and legacy system integration.

• What tech to focus on with a limited budget
• What role can AI and emerging tech play in streamlining operations and enhancing experiences?
• Overcoming legacy hurdles - how can retailers maximise their return on digital investments?
• What technologies are going to accelerate your digital strategy with transformative results
• Lessons learned from real-life digital transformation projects

Retail Spotlight Fireside Chat: Cyber risk management - mitigate risk and control cost within your business

Cyber threats are rising and retail businesses are prime targets as we have seen in the press recently. Join this dynamic Fireside Chat to explore how to understand and manage cyber risk, control costs, and protect your brand without overspending. Hear from retail and cyber insurance speakers as they share real-world strategies, cost-effective solutions, and lessons learned from the front lines. You’ll walk away with practical insights to strengthen your security posture and align risk management with business goals.

• Learn how to prioritise and mitigate cyber risks to your organisation
• Understand the cyber insurance market’s views on retailers following the incidents over the last 12 months
• Know what a cyber Insurance policy can offer
• Gain insights from industry experts and case studies

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK

Retail Mega Panel: Delivering significant tech and business transformation - bringing your people on the journey with you

This session will look at how roles and team compositions for retail professionals will change hugely in the next few years – and how people transformation will be essential to driving growth and empowering teams.

• The skills / roles that are emerging or may emerge
• How AI can act as a co-pilot for employees to help retail work better and more effectively
• Agentic models - how they can power more effective pre and post sales customer connections

Retail Deep Dive Panel: Social commerce - how to click with your customers and make conversions

In this panel, our speakers will discuss the ever-evolving landscape of social media in eCom and what is driving traffic and sales through social channels, and tracking campaigns.

• The latest trends in social media marketing - how social platforms are shaping retail
• TikTok strategy and the potential for eCom success
• Reaching new buyers through social commerce
• How to make your social media strategy truly commercial

NETWORKING LUNCH BREAK

Retail Strategy Panel: Building a resilient brand in 2026 - why multichannel selling Is the future of eCom

With customers shopping in more locations than ever before, it is vital for brands to connect with customers in a personalised manner and create a consistent brand experience across all channels. Get greater insights into your customers’ needs and expectations with AI, stand out from the crowd and offer a personalised experience.

• Staying competitive - understanding tomorrows’ eCom customer
• Multi-channel marketing orchestration
• Maintaining a customer centric approach to measuring success
• API-first architecture - seamless integration with existing eCom platforms

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK

Retail Marketing Insights: 'From onsite to offsite’ – using AI and data to engage for long-term success

• How can AI support customer loyalty?
• New opportunities beyond AI in customer retention - a unified view of operations and customer interactions
• Leveraging zero and 1st party APP data to drive real time experiences
• AI's transformation of customer retention and operations
• Challenges whilst measuring success in AI-enhanced unified operations

Retail Closing Fireside Chat: The future of eCom in retail - the key digital trends shaping 2026 and beyond

Our last session of the day will look at digital initiatives and innovations to stay competitive in the retail eCom space and what retailers need to know about AI to succeed.

• eCom innovations - AI, AR/VR, voice commerce, and chatbots
• Understanding the increasing buzz around the metaverse
• Tapping into new growth opportunities within eCom
• The role of AI in future-proofing retail brands
• Trends in conversational AI in eCom

Chairs' Closing Comments