The 2025 Programme

REGISTRATION & NETWORKING

Chair's welcome and opening comments

Giles Smith, Independent Digital Product & Technology Advisor

Retail eComm Scene Setter: The future of eCommerce in retail - the key digital trends shaping 2025 and beyond

Digital initiatives and innovations to stay competitive in the eCommerce space, such as mobile commerce, AI-driven solutions, sustainability, and seamless checkout processes.

• Staying competitive – understanding tomorrows’ eComm customer
• Harnessing retail data to transform digital advertising
• Increasing buzz around the metaverse
• Tapping into new growth opportunities within eComm
• The role of AI in future-proofing brands
• Future innovations for enhancing digital CX

Olaf Akkerman, General Manager, Retail and Consumer Goods Industry, Microsoft UK

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK

Retail eComm Practical Insights: Using AI to simplify your entire eCommerce operation - reducing cost and improving efficiency

Latest insights into how to leverage new technologies, techniques and tools to attract and retain customers, while maximising your ROI on marketing spend. Access effective AI business strategies, tools and solutions for success. Taking a user-centric approach to your UX not only fosters customer satisfaction but also boosts engagement, resulting in better business outcomes.

• And what role can AI and emerging tech play in streamlining operations and enhancing experiences?
• Driving your tech strategy – where, why and what’s the point of using AI?
• Delivering a frictionless eComm experience with intelligent search and discovery capabilities
• Great innovations in conversion
• Digital retailing best practices to boost response
• How AI can act as a co-pilot for employees to help us work better and more effectively
• Overcoming legacy hurdles - how can retailers maximise their return on digital investments?
• What technologies are going to accelerate your digital strategy with transformative results?

Retail eComm Perspectives: The day-to-day benefits of a systemised approach to retail merchandising

In recent years, supply chain and operations have encountered a heightened array of challenges. This session will examine the key factors that impact supply chain performance, such as inventory management, demand forecasting, warehouse optimisation, and lastmile delivery.

• What do you need to do to deliver a winning online experience for your shoppers?
• Challenges and opportunities associated with managing returns and exchanges across different sales channels
• Utilising data analytics, automation, and software solutions to drive decision-making - respond swiftly to changing customer demands
• Unparalleled inventory control with tech-powered fulfilment solutions

NETWORKING LUNCH BREAK

eComm Retail Learning Labs 1: Marketing personalisation through automation - enhancing customer engagement

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. With brand loyalty fast fading how do you use data to engage – and re-engage – consumers for long-term success? Get greater insights into your customers’ needs and expectations with AI, stand out from the crowd and offer a personalised experience.

• How AI can help you automate the mundane
• Using AI for personalisation (UX) - top tips to nail it
• Personalising messages based on their interactions and previous purchases
• Data, analytics and personalisation
• New opportunities and challenges in customer retention - can emerging tech save loyalty?
• The benefits of hyper-personalisation in driving customer retention

Nick King, Insight Director, AutoTrader

eComm Retail Learning Labs 2: Social selling - top tips to optimise social eCommerce

Join our panelists, as they discuss the ever evolving landscape of social media in eComm. Professionals will discuss driving traffic and sales through social channels, and tracking campaigns.

• The latest trends in social media marketing
• TikTok strategy and the potential for eComm success
• Converting customers – use of social media
• Reaching new buyers through social commerce
• How to make your social media strategy truly commercial

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK

eComm Tech Perspectives: What retailers need to know about AI and beyond- the transformative power for eComm professionals

Explore the latest trends in AI - discover the exact solutions you are looking for and the benefits, know where to focus your business efforts and plan for the future of AI.

• Should retailers invest now - what’s holding them back?
• The spotlight on tech spend and ROI
• What is the potential of AI?
• Empowering eComm teams to elevate CX
• Leveraging new technologies like AI, AR and VR to attract new customers
• What are the risks that need to be considered before adopting AI?

Chair's closing comments