Retail Digital Summit:Transforming the customer experience
NG Retail Digital Summit
From Malls to Marketplaces – How shopping centers are the future of Retail. You’ll be in great company at this year’s NG Retail EU Summit, joining speakers from Footlocker, Harbor Retail, and Near.co to name just a few. Join your peers in sharing knowledge on the current and future state of the Retail industry. We’ll discuss some key industry topics including:
•Online stores in offline spaces, offline stores with digital faces
•Navigating the road to a more sustainable Retail landscape
•The future of retail in a postcovid world
•Leadership innovation: People, process and technology
Why Attend
New connections
Build new connections with likeminded senior leaders
Business trends
Stay current with emerging business trends
Key takeaways
Downloadable and actionable takeaways
New partnerships
Accelerate key projects through meaningful new partnerships
Insights
De-risk new projects by gaining a broad range of insights
New technologies
Understand the impact new technology can make
Trusted by
We host global organizations with the conversations that matter. That’s why we’re trusted by these top brands.
Past Programme
09:00 - 09:15
Opening Remarks
Intro & Diamond Commentary
09:15 - 09:45
Keynote
Pre-Game Talk: Influence Your Outcome By Reimaging Your Beginning
09:45 - 10:25
Panel Discussion
Unified Commerce: Creating a seamless omnichannel experience
Today’s consumers demand cross-platform engagement. In order to create a consistent, on-brand experience from start to finish, organisations must deliver a frictionless omnichannel strategy. It’s more important than ever that retailers provide consistent, streamlined experiences across channels throughout the customer journey, that serve customers where they are and when they’re in need.
10:25 - 10:35
Insight Break
10:35 - 11:25
Roundtables
Track 1: The next horizon for e-commerce: Fine-tuning your digital strategy
Today, ecommerce is valued at around $4.2 trillion (Statista 2021). The accelerated shift in online is here to stay and there is a renewed importance to an organisation’s need to adapt and keep pace with improving technology and evolving consumer expectations in the online space.
Choice, convenience, price, experience, all play a part in online conversions and that’s not limited to a single digital channel. It’s predicted that mobile sales will account for 73% of all ecommerce sales by the end of 2021, and whilst 37% of users use social media to research products the rise in direct social shopping is set to take the biggest bite of the eCommerce pie by the end of year (Global Web Index). Platforms introducing features that manage everything from in-app purchasing to customer management are gaining maximum exposure for retailers. Not only are customers more receptive to buying products via a brand’s social channel but they’re also becoming more reliant on it as part of their omnichannel journey where choice is paramount.
The scope for growth in the online space is not just exciting, it’s necessary for retailers that want to survive. During this roundtable session the group will explore some of the following challenges and opportunities:
This roundtable will explore the following key questions:
• How do you align your digital strategy to your business strengths?
• What experiences are affecting conversion and how do we resolve these blockers?
• What customer insights do you need to optimize your digital presence and offer personalised experiences?
• How can stores support eCommerce acceleration?
• Are you making the most of social?
• What role does eCommerce fulfilment and returns play in online conversion?
• What transformative tech will enhance your digital commerce roadmap?
Track 2: Transforming Retail Supply Chain: The Race to meet rising consumer demand
Nearly all retailers are planning to invest to make their supply chains more agile (96%) and resilient (90%) by 2022, according to research by Gartner. It’s now a sprint to get product from manufacturer to customer, but a nationwide shortage of truck drivers, a lack of available warehouse space, and rising demand means leaders must be flexible and innovative in their approach to operational challenges in order to reap the rewards.
This roundtable will explore the following key questions:
•How does a supply chain operation need to change its mindset to prepare to meet hyper-local fulfilment needs?
•How is automated technology helping retailers manage labour shortages?
•What impact is the “everything is convenient” expectation of shopping having on business operations and the omnichannel journey?
•What are the biggest drivers of customer satisfaction online?
•Is your organisation exploring highly connected supply networks that can be dynamically planned, tracked and directed?
•What does the future hold in terms of fulfilling customer demand?
Track 3: Mapping out new and emerging technologies shaping the retail landscape
A new era of digital, technology-driven retail is fast emerging. From till-free checkouts to inventory forecasting, fulfilment to in-store facilities, retailers must adopt bold digital transformation strategies to succeed in a competitive landscape. Providing a frictionless retail experience across multiple platforms is key and cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain are aiding this transition.
This roundtable will explore the following key questions:
•What digital technologies have you implemented successfully across your organisation and what business value have seen as a result?
•Cashierless shopping and “beacon network” technology is on the rise. How is in-store technology helping to remove friction throughout the bricks and mortar shopping experience?
•The latest breakthroughs in NLP (Natural Language Processing) have made it possible for voice assistants to become a great ally for retail. In what way is this assisting customers in finding products and making purchases?
•What are the key challenges retail organisations faces in adopting new technology? What strategies can they put in place to overcome these?
11:25 - 11:30
Short Break
11:30 - 12:10
Masterclass Breakouts
12:11 - 12:41
Headline Keynote
A new era for consumer commerce – Meet your customers where they are
09:00 - 09:10
Opening Remarks
09:10 - 09:40
Keynote
09:42 - 10:22
Panel Discussion
Next-level customer experience in a changing world
As we rebound from a disruptive couple of years and transition into a new era of consumer commerce, customer experience needs to evolve. Retailers must consider and create messages, experiences, and offers that resonate with individuals’ unique needs and expectations – whether that’s online, in-store or through social. A successful pivot to an agile customer experience channel strategy is key to meet customer needs as they unfold.
10:22 - 10:32
Insight Break
10:32 - 10:40
Short Break
10:40 - 11:30
Roundtables
Track 1: The next horizon for e-commerce: Fine-tuning your digital strategy
Today, ecommerce is valued at around $4.2 trillion (Statista 2021). The accelerated shift in online is here to stay and there is a renewed importance to an organisation’s need to adapt and keep pace with improving technology and evolving consumer expectations in the online space.
Choice, convenience, price, experience, all play a part in online conversions and that’s not limited to a single digital channel. It’s predicted that mobile sales will account for 73% of all ecommerce sales by the end of 2021, and whilst 37% of users use social media to research products the rise in direct social shopping is set to take the biggest bite of the eCommerce pie by the end of year (Global Web Index). Platforms introducing features that manage everything from in-app purchasing to customer management are gaining maximum exposure for retailers. Not only are customers more receptive to buying products via a brand’s social channel but they’re also becoming more reliant on it as part of their omnichannel journey where choice is paramount.
The scope for growth in the online space is not just exciting, it’s necessary for retailers that want to survive. During this roundtable session the group will explore some of the following challenges and opportunities:
This roundtable will explore the following key questions:
• How do you align your digital strategy to your business strengths?
• What experiences are affecting conversion and how do we resolve these blockers?
• What customer insights do you need to optimize your digital presence and offer personalised experiences?
• How can stores support eCommerce acceleration?
• Are you making the most of social?
• What role does eCommerce fulfilment and returns play in online conversion?
• What transformative tech will enhance your digital commerce roadmap?
Track 2: Transforming Retail Supply Chain: The Race to meet rising consumer demand
Nearly all retailers are planning to invest to make their supply chains more agile (96%) and resilient (90%) by 2022, according to research by Gartner. It’s now a sprint to get product from manufacturer to customer, but a nationwide shortage of truck drivers, a lack of available warehouse space, and rising demand means leaders must be flexible and innovative in their approach to operational challenges in order to reap the rewards.
This roundtable will explore the following key questions:
•How does a supply chain operation need to change its mindset to prepare to meet hyper-local fulfilment needs?
•How is automated technology helping retailers manage labour shortages?
•What impact is the “everything is convenient” expectation of shopping having on business operations and the omnichannel journey?
•What are the biggest drivers of customer satisfaction online?
•Is your organisation exploring highly connected supply networks that can be dynamically planned, tracked and directed?
•What does the future hold in terms of fulfilling customer demand?
Track 3: Mapping out new and emerging technologies shaping the retail landscape
A new era of digital, technology-driven retail is fast emerging. From till-free checkouts to inventory forecasting, fulfilment to in-store facilities, retailers must adopt bold digital transformation strategies to succeed in a competitive landscape. Providing a frictionless retail experience across multiple platforms is key and cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain are aiding this transition.
This roundtable will explore the following key questions:
•What digital technologies have you implemented successfully across your organisation and what business value have seen as a result?
•Cashierless shopping and “beacon network” technology is on the rise. How is in-store technology helping to remove friction throughout the bricks and mortar shopping experience?
•The latest breakthroughs in NLP (Natural Language Processing) have made it possible for voice assistants to become a great ally for retail. In what way is this assisting customers in finding products and making purchases?
•What are the key challenges retail organisations faces in adopting new technology? What strategies can they put in place to overcome these?
11:32 - 12:02
Innovation Exchange Keynote
12:05 - 12:35
Closing Prime Keynote
09:00 - 09:10
Opening Remarks
09:10 - 09:40
Keynote
The future of retail in a post-COVID world
09:45 - 10:25
Panel Discussion
Retail Innovation: Leveraging the power of new technology
As technology advancements thrive in the retail industry, robots, automation and augmented reality are driving major shifts in both front-end and back-end processes. How is the implementation of new retail technologies disrupting the future of commerce and how can businesses prepare for this tech revolution?
10:27 - 10:37
Insight Break
10:37 - 11:27
Roundtable Leaders Panel
11:27 - 11:37
Short Break
11:37 - 12:07
Innovation Exchange Keynote
12:10 - 12:40
Closing Keynote
12:40 - 12:50
Insight Break -Closing Comments
Previous Speakers
Gilles Morel
Tom Donaldson
Jodie Tate
Turgut Cankor
Arnaud Ameline
Christina Fontana
An immersive
event experience
interactive features including:
Audience Interaction
Engage with a virtual live audience just as you would at a physical event and create meaningful conversations.
Interactive Live Polling
Keep engaged through interactive live polling and gamification tools.
Direct connections
Ask your questions face-to-face with the speakers via our leading stage technology.
Relationship building
Build stronger connections with leading executives that you will take with you through your career
Thought Leadership
Content and insight from industry experts when it matters most
Intelligent interaction
Interactive quizzes gamify your experience
Related events
Have a question…
There is no cost associated with attending a GDS Summit. In return, we ask that all senior executives in participation attend for the full duration to ensure that all attendees get maximum value and insight from the interactive roundtables, live Q&As and breakout networking sessions.
Our digital summit portfolio is designed to bring together senior decision makers from large global businesses and innovative disruptor brands to drive industry forward through addressing business critical challenges collaboratively.
If you’re keen to build new connections with likeminded leaders, de-risk your projects through new insight and establish new partnerships that can accelerate your projects then apply to attend today.
Complete our form below if you’re interested in attending the summit and you meet our application criteria. A member of the GDS team will then reach out to run you through the programme and event format and discuss your participation.
On stage: co-host a panel discussion with a group of likeminded senior executives or host a solo keynote presentation. Both slots include elements of interactive audience Q&A
Off stage: become a roundtable moderator, leading the discussion with the same cohort of executives for the duration of the summit around a specific topic you’ve agreed to focus on during the roundtable session.
We can tailor a partnership package to help meet your business objectives. This might include brand awareness, driving traffic to your site or quality editorial content via exclusive interviews and Q&As with our executive audience. Enquire today for more information.