On 26 & 27 April 2022 at London’s Olympia, the Retail Technology Show will reunite the retail industry at one of the first large-scale industry events taking place in the UK since the pandemic. With 1,090 days having passed since Olympia hosted the last large-format, face-to-face retail trade show in 2019, Retail Technology Show’s mission is to drive the industry forwards through innovation, by bringing together the brightest minds in retail and future-forward technology providers.
Here, we catch-up with Event Director, Matt Bradley, to find out what’s not to be missed at Retail Technology Show.
The new flagship event for retail
When we relaunched Retail Technology Show we wanted it to be the event that brings together Europe’s most forward-thinking retailers and leading tech innovators, with a world-class expo and an industry-defining conference programme – all under one roof – across the two-day event. Our aim was to make the show the foremost platform to help fast-forward retailers’ digital transformation strategies, empowering retail businesses to thrive and disrupt, powered by technological advancements and innovation, post-pandemic.
“With the significant disruption and seismic shifts retail has experienced during the pandemic, never before has an event that showcases the innovation to drive retail businesses forwards been as needed by the industry. As a first opportunity for many to enjoy the benefits that only face-to-face networking can deliver, we can’t wait to reunite the industry’s retailers and innovators.”
A spotlight on innovation
We’re delighted to welcome over 170 innovators who will be exhibiting across the two days, showcasing the latest cutting-edge technologies to digitally transform retailers’ businesses, from established enterprise technology solutions – including Amazon Just Walk Out, Toshiba, HP, WorldPay and Zebra – to new disruptors, fast growth up-starts and start-ups. The breadth of innovation on display means retailers can explore the full spectrum of retail technology for every part of their business and operations, all under one roof at the Retail Technology Show – with tech providers showcasing next-gen ecommerce capabilities and new solutions to power payments, future-proof supply chains, optimise operations and empower the retail workforce.
As part of our commitment to show-casing the latest tech that can give retailers the edge they need to create first-mover advantage, we have curated a dedicated Discovery Zone that champions the newest innovations on offer to the market. We’ve also brought back the popular Baringa Start-Up Safari, which offers a curated tour of the hottest next-gen tech from retail disruptors, giving retailers a first-look at some of the most future-forward innovations set to shake up the industry from the vibrant, high-octane start-up community scene.
Innovation sits very much at the heart of the show, and to recognise and celebrate that, we are bringing back the Retail Technology Show’s Innovation Awards, which will celebrate and commend the best examples of future-forward technology on display at the event.
“Technology has always been mission critical for retailers. But now, innovation is the central cornerstone that will drive retail businesses forwards as they build back better and stronger, and evolve to meet the new needs of a changed post-pandemic consumer.”
Bringing the leading lights of retail to the stage
We knew that in order to meet the new needs of the retail industry, we’d need to bring the brightest minds in retail to the stage of Retail Technology Show’s conference programme – and we’re hugely excited to welcome New Look’s chairman and ex-Sainsbury’s CEO, Mike Couple, former Dreams CEO Mike Logue, and Deliciously Ella’s founder, Ella Mills as our headliners. They will be joined by Gener8 founder Sam Jones and its investor and international rap star, Tinie Tempah, who complete the headline line-up.
They’ll join over 70 retail visionaries, leaders and luminaries on the conference programme stages, including Very Group, M&S, Morrisons, Fat Face, The Body Shop, Coty, Curry’s and Amazon to name just a few.
Working with our Retail Advisory Board and having undertaken extensive consumer research of 2,000 shoppers in our Retail Revolution Report to build the conference programme, our speakers will be covering the key topics that are shaping and setting the retail agenda across six key tracks, tackling the most pressing issues and industry trends. From the pain points keeping retailers awake at night to forward-looking trends and future-gazing predictions to practical hacks and tips, each session offers unparalleled, ‘no holds barred’ insight to drive maximum value to the brands and retailers attending the show.
“Retail Technology Show is all about helping retailers unlock the innovations that will power future business performance. We’re not just talking next-generation tech, we’re talking the next dimension of retailing – and that means bringing the brightest minds covering the hottest topics, with an event format that makes those disruptive discussions accessible to the entire industry.”
Unrivalled networking
And, of course, that’s not forgetting the unrivalled face-to-face networking opportunities at the show – something I think we can all agree we’ve all missed over the past two years and something we all quickly leant simply can’t be recreated effectively on digital formats like Zoom or at virtual events; nothing quite beats the benefits of networking in person.
As well as networking opportunities on the showfloor and in the Retailers’ Lounge, Mastercard will be hosting a private lunch on Day 1. We will also host the ‘Big Retal Reunion Party’, taking place at the Champagne Bar at the end of Day 1, which gives retailers the chance to catch up and raise a glass with peers, suppliers and industry influencers.
Don’t miss out – register for free:
Registration to the event that brings together Europe’s leading tech innovators and most forward-thinking retailers and brands is now open. To register to attend and start planning your visit, go to: https://bit.ly/RTS22prreg
