Discover the key themes shaping the future of retail destinations. Our agenda brings together fresh insights, practical strategies, and forward-thinking ideas to help you navigate change and unlock new opportunities for growth. 

 

*Subject to change*

08.30am
REGISTRATION OPENS
09.30am
WELCOME BY THE CHAIR

Session 1 – Entering the Era of Opportunity

This opening session introduces how rapid global change is turning challenges into new possibilities. It sets the stage for participants to explore emerging opportunities and envision bold, forward-looking paths in a transforming world.
09.40am
Different Perspectives — Tom Whittington, Director of Retail and Leisure Research, Savills
09.50am
Economic Overview — Speaker TBC
10.15am
Live Discussion – The Opportunity Engine: How will Future Technology Transform Retail Destinations
  • Host: Gareth Jordan, Director, ART Software Group
  • Co-Host: Michael Elliot, CEO & Founder, RiskTech

10.45am
BREAK

Session 2 – Riding the Wave: Turning Trends into Advantage

This session examines how today’s rapidly evolving trends can be turned into strategic opportunities. Its aim is to equip participants to leverage emerging shifts and channel them into momentum for growth and innovation.
11.15am
KEYNOTE. Marketing and branding: An insight into the essential tools to succeed in capturing the hearts and minds of new and loyal customers — Claire Harper, Marketing and Retail Authority
11.45am
Consumer Behaviour — Dr Amna Khan, Consumer Behaviour Expert, Manchester Metropolitan University
12.05pm
Session TBC
12.25pm
Session TBC
12.45pm
Panel Discussion
  • Claire Harper, Marketing and Retail Authority
  • Dr Amna Khan, Consumer Behaviour Expert, Manchester Metropolitan University
  • Further panellists TBC

1.05pm
LUNCH

Session 3 – Designing Moments That Matter

This session focuses on the importance of prioritising customer engagement for long-term success. It will guide delegates on creating meaningful interactions that build lasting relationships and drive sustained growth.
2.15pm
Customer Experience Excellence in Retail Destinations — David Woodman, Senior Customer Experience Strategy Director, Bewonder*, JLL
2.35pm
Session TBC
2.55pm
Session TBC

3.15pm
BREAK

Session 4 – Collaborative Power: Partnerships That Unlock Growth

This session highlights the value of working with other stakeholders and organisations. It will demonstrate how strategic collaboration can drive innovation, create new opportunities, and accelerate growth.
3.45pm
Session 1 — Andrew Murphy, OBE, Group CEO, The Entertainer (Amersham) Limited
4.00pm
Session 2 — Alberto Esguevillas, CEO UK, Eurofund Group
4.15pm
Session 3 — Vaughan Allen, CEO, CityCo Manchester
4.30pm
Panel Discussion
  • Tom Whittington, Director of Retail and Leisure, Savills
  • Andrew Murphy, OBE, Group CEO, The Entertainer (Amersham)
  • Alberto Esguevillas, CEO UK, Eurofund Group
  • Vaughan Allen, CEO, CityCo Manchester
5.00pm
CONFERENCE CLOSES
5.30pm
EXHIBITION CLOSES
7.30pm
DRINKS RECEPTION, GALA DINNER & ENTERTAINMENT