The Retail Conference 2012 Agenda

We will publish the final agenda by 1st September 2012, to view the outline agenda for the day see the link on the right.

The Retail Conference asks registered delegates to personalise their own agenda for the day, based on the options offered. This means you can create a day uniquely tailored to your interests and objectives, making best use of your time.

You will have the opportunity to participate in:

• Up to 5 of 15 Workshops - to delve a little deeper into specific topics
• Up to 15 Keynote Seminars - to hear from retail expert speakers sharing insights and real-life case studies from their own experiences.
• An Interactive Panel Discussion - exploring relevant, current issues with the expert panellists

The Retail Conference 2012: Agenda Template

Global Retailing - The theme for The Retail Conference 2012

As 2012 is the year when London hosts the Olympics we've chosen the theme of 'Global Retailing'. On their registration forms many of the 2011 delegates stated that their biggest challenge was international expansion. As a result The Retail Conference 2012 will focus on this as our main theme for the day.

We will focus on 3 topics:

1. Global Expansion: How retailers from the UK are looking to other markets for growth; how retailers from overseas have expanded into the UK. How to become an effective global retailer, considering practical, operational risks and opportunities from overseas expansion.
2. Global Consumers: The importance of international customers to UK retailers, the impact of the Olympics on London retail specifically, the 'globally connected consumer' - how mobile commerce fuels consumer access to social media, connecting consumers who can talk about your brand any time, any place, anywhere. Also, considering how Global is the sum of many locals and the challenges of balancing being a retailer in a global economy and yet still presenting a relevant local offer in each community you service.
3. Global Supply Chains: Retailers have long taken advantage of global supply chains, but with rising raw materials, labour, and shipping costs, will that continue to be viable? How can retailers secure supply sources at best price, best quality, most flexibility and with least environmental impact?