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.
09.35am
The Global Economy
— Tanya Beckett, Financial Journalist & Broadcaster
10.00am
Different Perspectives -The Occupational Story — Tom Whittington, Director of Retail and Leisure Research, Savills
10.15am
Live Discussion – The Opportunity Engine: How Will Future Technology Transform Retail Destinations
- Host: Gareth Jordan, Director, Retail Advantage, ART Software Group
- Co-Host: Michael Elliott, 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
The Future Of Consumer Trust — Dr Amna Khan, Consumer Behaviour Expert, Manchester Metropolitan University
12.05pm
Using Data To Drive Change – Sam Fox, Founder, Fox Insight
12.25pm
Panel Discussion – Reimagining Retail Places: From Footfall to Fandom
- Claire Harper, Marketing and Retail Authority
- Dr Amna Khan, Consumer Behaviour Expert, Manchester Metropolitan University
- Sam Fox, Founder, Fox Insight
- Matt Baker, CEO, Destination Marketing
12.45pm
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.
1.50pm
Beyond Transactions: How Customer Experience Strategy Transforms Retail Destinations — David Woodman, Senior Customer Experience Strategy Director, Bewonder*, JLL
2.15pm
The Experience Advantage: Delivering Moments that Create Communities – Molly Orviss, Associate Director, Bewonder*
2.40pm
The Drive To Five – Mike Galea, Guest Experience Director, OCS Security Services
3.05pm
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.
3.35pm
Collaboration: A retailer’s view of post pandemic realities— Andrew Murphy, OBE, Group CEO, The Entertainer Group
3.55pm
Partnership as a Catalyst for Transformation – Alberto Esguevillas, CEO UK, Eurofund Group
4.15pm
The Manchester Miracle –(re)building the city through business partnerships – Vaughan Allen, CEO, CityCo Manchester
4.35pm
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
7.15pm
DRINKS RECEPTION, GALA DINNER & ENTERTAINMENT