The Invitation-Only Forum For IT Leaders from the UK’s Top Retailers
Retail IT Connect is the invitation-only forum for IT leaders from UK’s Top Retailers. We provided high-level networking through a VIP, closed-door experience, supplemented by pre-qualified 1-1 meetings with hand-picked solution providers.
In June, over 2 days we brought together senior-level IT decision-makers to the luxury venue of Sopwell House! We hosted 15 engaging sessions to encourage benchmarking and learning from these senior peers. In addition, we offered 9 stand-alone 1-1 meeting slots: resulting in a total of 221 pre-qualified 30 minute meetings. Not just this, we also had networking experiences from our Networking Bingo & Sicilian Soiree Drinks Reception and BBQ.
Our senior attendees represented some of the UK top retailers, such as:
Ann Summers, URBN, The White Company, Applegreen, Superdrug, Kingfisher, Costa Coffee, Sainsbury’s, Sweaty Betty, The Works, White Stuff, Simply Cook, The Entertainer
The audience breakdown at Retail IT Connect read as follows:
View the full list of attendees here.
“Great event with a broad range of retail tech leadership in attendance. An excellent opportunity to make sure you’re keeping up with the latest technology and navigating adversity!” - Rosie de Boer, Head of Technology, URBN
Our Retailers Investment Priority
The senior IT leaders from the UK’s Top Retailers at Retail IT Connect were the top decision makers and budget holders who are actively seeking new solutions. All our attendees had a minimum annual revenue of £10 million, with 74% of these having annual revenue of more than £500 million. Each attendee has a minimum personal budget of at least £1 million, with 70% having a personal budget of £5 million+.
With the extensive profiling and marketing campaign that happens in the lead up to the event, you can guarantee that deals are made across the 2 days.
Here is a look at the solutions our senior IT leaders were looking to invest in, within the following 12 months:
An Unrivalled Speaker Faculty
Under Chatham House Rule, our speakers hosted a mix of high-level strategic case studies and interactive discussions focused on the industries biggest growth priorities. Our audience were able to engage in high-level strategic case studies and interactive discussions to benchmark their retail technologies and digital strategies.
Our packed agenda of 23 sessions covered pressing industry topics, from Embracing AI & Tech Modernisation to Accelerating Data Modernisation & Prioritising Security.
- Jeannette Copeland, Technology Director, Ann Summers
- John Mason, Head of Technology Services and Operations, The Works
- Reuben Nelsen Cofie, Technology Director – Europe, URBN (Urban Outfitters)
- Miren Pau, Head of Technology, The White Company
- Nikesh Gohil, Group IT Director, Applegreen
- Jacqueline Joel, Head of Customer and Digital Transformation, Superdrug
- Tom Betts, Group Data Director, Kingfisher
- Ben Briden, Head of Architecture, Costa Coffee
- Varun Kakaria, North America CIO, Reckitt Benckiser
- Jad Freiha, Head of Analytics and Insights, Sweaty Betty
These are just a handful of the brilliant speakers we heard from at Retail IT Connect.
Take a look at the full speaker line up and topics discussed by downloading our agenda here.
“Thank you Retail IT Connect for putting on such a fantastic event and ensuring brilliant diversity in the panels and talks.” – Jade Jones, Metadata & Data Quality Manager, Sainsbury’s Digital Tech and Data
Social Media was Buzzing
There was a great buzz on social media whilst Retail IT Connect was taking place. Here’s a look at some of our favourite posts on LinkedIn:
Melanie Bonilla, Marketing Communication Manager, DAC - “I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Retail IT Connect 2024 in London this week. The event was filled with insightful presentations and panels exploring the intersections of Retail, Marketing and Technology. Looking forward to see how these trends will redefine the future of retail!”
Richard Lim, Chief Executive, Retail Economics - “Retail IT Connect was a tremendous success, attracting an enthusiastic audience eager to engage in meaningful discussions. A big thank you to the organising team for their exceptional work in hosting such a stellar event. Thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to the vibrant conversations. I am already looking forward to the next one!”
Save The Date
Retail IT Connect 2025 – 10 – 11 June 2025, Twickenham Stadium
Retail IT Connect 2025 is already starting to take shape. Sponsorship opportunities are available now. If you want the chance to be introduced to your next client – get in touch with our team!
Get in touch here.