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, Savillls
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