8.30 - 8.50 Microsoft Opening and Welcome Keynote - Amy O'Donnell, Director of Sales 

8.50-9.15 
Tech-Timid to Tech-Savvy: Embracing Innovation When It's Not Your Superpower  - Audra Lamoon Livewire Hospitality, eWire online learning, Author of Blondes in Business

The dust has settled on the initial hype phase around generative AI, and for savvy retailers, its benefits are finally starting to emerge. But it's now crystal clear that it isn't a silver bullet. The challenges of modern retail are complex - as are customers, whose habits, preferences and behaviours are more unpredictable than ever. This presentation will examine: Consumer trends - and how AI is fuelling a saturation of choice - Market trends - and how curation, supported by AI, is a huge opportunity for brands - Leading global examples of how AI is supporting bold and successful physical store strategies  - Why great retail will always be about finding the sweet spot between tech and human experience.

9.15 - 10.00 AI and stores: What customers want - and how you can move beyond hype - Jack Stratten Head of Trends at Insider Trends - Top Retail Rethink Expert 2024

Let’s face it, every retailer wants more footsteps through their doors. In this engaging keynote, Jack, a global retail expert, shares proven strategies to turn casual passersby into store visitors. With years of experience teaching retailers worldwide, Jack will show you how to maximize your storefront’s appeal and entice customers to step over the lease line and into your store. Learn the secrets to attracting attention, creating irresistible displays, and driving foot traffic that converts into sales.

10.00 - 10.20 Unlock Growth & Service Excellence – The Power of Customer Insights - Muhammad Khalid Head of Digital – Microsoft BU, Visionet

The Retail industry is a very competitive world, where every decision impacts the bottom line, delivering exceptional customer experiences is key to maintaining an edge. It’s not just about reacting to customer expectations—it's about predicting their needs, preferences, and behaviors before they even know them themselves. But without reliable, comprehensive data, how can you truly get there? In this session, we’ll dive into how Microsoft Customer Insights (CI) helps you transform fragmented customer data into actionable insights. Discover how CI empowers your business to create a 360-degree view of your customers, driving personalized engagements, optimizing service operations, and identifying growth opportunities. Learn how to leverage Customer Insights to enhance your bottom line while delivering unparalleled customer service and experience excellence.

10.20 - 10.30 Use this time to connect with your fellow attendees and panelists.

10.30-11.05 CIO Round Table - Where are you in your AI Journey? Hosted by Christine Russo
Leading Industry Voice | Key Opinion Leader. #MicrosoftAmbassador Creator and Host of Invite-only Executive Interviews on the What Just Happened Podcast produced by Marketscale. Moderator, Advisory Board Member.

Where industry leaders will explore the transformative impact of AI in retail. This insightful session, titled “Where Are You in Your AI Journey?”, will delve into the key AI business drivers, metrics for tracking success, and strategies for fostering adoption across the enterprise. Featuring Fabio Luzzi (Global Head of Data & Analytics Technology at Tapestry),  Hani Batla (CIO/CTO Adorama, Inc), Jacy Lally Head of Stores, eCommerce, Wholesale and Retail Operations Retail Sales MET, the discussion will provide valuable lessons from their own AI journeys. Attendees will gain actionable insights on how to leverage AI for competitive advantage and innovation, as well as peer-to-peer knowledge sharing from industry experts.

11.05 - 11.35 Revolutionizing Retail: Leveraging New Commerce Technologies - Argano

Explore the future of retail in this session, where we dive into the transformative power of AI, data analytics, and personalized shopping experiences. Gain actionable insights to adapt these technologies in your retail operations, ensuring you meet and exceed modern consumer expectations.

11.35 - 12.00 AI in Finance is no longer a concept on the whiteboard - Alpha Variance Solutions

AI’s integration into finance is crucial for enhancing efficiency, accuracy, security, and customer satisfaction while reducing costs and ensuring compliance. From increasing productivity in processes such as document handling and routing, to predictive analysis in fraud protection, cash flow Projection, AI has already made a significant impact across major Finance Business processes. Compliance /Regulation filing, reporting and reconciliation are other examples that cause a lot of headaches for most retailers. AI ensures adherence to regulatory requirements by continuously monitoring transactions and identifying compliance issues. Come join us to learn more about how to benefit from AI in Finance.

12.00 - 1.00  LUNCH and table topics / break out sessions. 
See topics below.

1.00 -1.35 Adopting AI with a Positive Mindset - April Sabral Top Leadership Coach to Retail Brands, Best Selling Author, Founder retailu, former retail store executive for multiple brands. Top Retail Rethink Expert 2024.

Successfully integrating AI into your operations requires more than just technology—it demands the right mindset. In this keynote, you'll learn how to develop a forward-thinking approach that embraces AI smoothly within your team. We’ll explore the six essential building blocks that foster positive change, ensuring your team remains open and receptive to new technologies, rather than resistant. Equip yourself with the strategies to lead your team confidently into the future of AI-driven success.

1.35 - 2.10 The Loving Leader - Jasmine Bellamy. Former Vice President of Merchandising, Planning, Allocation, Visual and Retail Marketing, and head of community and culture at Reebok, Sports Illustrated 100 Influential Black Women in Sports, Speaker.

Innovation thrives when leaders secure buy-in and align their teams toward a shared vision. This is where the concept of the Loving Leader' becomes essential. By combining human expertise with cutting-edge innovation, loving leaders inspire their teams to embrace change and work together to achieve common goals.

2.20 - 3.00  Product in the Digital Age with A.I. Kimberly Lee Minor -CEO Women of Colour Retail Alliance. Top RETHINK RETAIL EXPERT 2024. Former Retail Executive. 

In this sessions we will explore how artificial intelligence can revolutionize industries by enhancing human experiences and professional growth, while also boosting efficiency and quality in product development.

3.00 -3.45 - PANEL
Unlocking Customer Insights: A Panel Discussion on Boosting Engagement

Expert Panel hosted by Laura Ravo from Shine Strategy, Jason McNary CEO of PDPAOLA Jewellery, Emma Taylor Head of the Americas for Reiss, Starr Cumming Retail Director Hines and David Polinchock,Co-Founder/President Unified Brand Experience Lab (Top RETHINK RETAIL EXPERT 2023/24).
Here's what you will learn. "Lessons from the Pros," where industry leaders will share their experiences and insights on cultivating and building customer-focused teams and cultures that drive performance. Learn from their success stories and strategies to enhance your own team's effectiveness and customer engagement and how they are embracing A.I.

3.45 -4.15 Neudesic Driving Innovation in Supply Chain in the Retail Industry with AI

This session will cover retail solutions leveraging AI for inventory and supply chain management, focusing on predictive analytics, real-time insights, and dynamic customer engagement. Shannon Wu-Lebron (VP, Strategy and Growth) Sarrah Shah (VP, Strategy and Transformation) Pritraj Singh (Microsoft Principal Technical Specialist)