Pioneering progress for future success
In 2024, the retail sector is poised to continue navigating a complex landscape shaped by AI, inflation, and ESG considerations. The last few years have seen increasingly high levels of inflation emerging, but while things appear to be somewhat stabilizing, retailers will still grapple with the challenge of balancing costs. And all of this while adapting to an increasingly globalized marketplace, integrating sustainability practices following consumer pressures, and harnessing the power of AI for enhanced customer experiences. So, join your retail peers at this exclusive GDS Group summit where we’ll dig deep into the latest challenges, opportunities, and trends in this space for 2024 and beyond.
Immerse yourself in thought-provoking insights
Exclusively curated from our previous
Retail Physical Summit
Speakers

Ron Thurston

Glenda Light

Shireesh Annam

Agenda
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Registration
12:00 pm - 12:45 pm
Networking Lunch
12:45 pm - 1:15 pm
Day 1 Opening
1:10 pm - 1:35 pm
Keynote
1:35 pm - 2:15 pm
Panel
B2C tech time warp: Breaking free from legacy shackles
In an era marked by rapid technological advancement and innovation, many industries find themselves grappling with the challenges posed by reliance on legacy technology. These systems, entrenched in the infrastructure of retail operations, handle vital functions like inventory management and point-of-sale transactions. Yet, as the retail landscape evolves rapidly, legacy systems often struggle to adapt. Their lack of flexibility and compatibility with modern technologies like cloud computing and data analytics impedes retailers' ability to respond to shifting consumer preferences and market dynamics.
Retailers must navigate the delicate balance between maintaining operational stability and embracing innovation. Whether to overhaul legacy systems entirely or invest in incremental upgrades remains a critical decision.
Recent research underscores the critical role of customer experience (CX) in driving purchasing decisions, with 73% of consumers emphasizing its significance (PwC). Moreover, an impressive 80% are willing to pay more for an improved CX (Epsilon). In light of these findings, the integration of AI, data analytics, and digital tools emerges as a potential game-changer for brands aiming to enhance user engagement and overall business performance.
This panel discussion will delve into the real-world experiences of industry leaders who are leveraging technology to transform customer experiences. Panelists will showcase practical applications of AI, data-driven strategies, and digital solutions to overcome retail obstacles. We'll explore the challenges these innovators face and uncover the future aspirations driving the evolution of the retail landscape towards exceptional consumer experiences.
Retailers must navigate the delicate balance between maintaining operational stability and embracing innovation. Whether to overhaul legacy systems entirely or invest in incremental upgrades remains a critical decision.
2:15 pm - 2:45 pm
Diamond Keynote
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Roundtable Session
Track 1: Putting the AI in retail
AI has revolutionized the retail and consumer experience landscape, emerging as the most significant disruptor since the eCommerce inception. And leaders are harnessing generative AI in almost every area of business. It’s enhancing the consumer purchasing experience, advanced chatbots are ensuring efficient customer service, and AI-driven insights elevate the buyer’s full journey, fostering deeper loyalty and enhancing brand perception.
And personalization is key. Striving for hyper-personalization, brands aim to deliver relevance without intrusiveness, striking a balance crucial for consumer engagement. But you’re probably thinking ‘how do I get there?’, and you wouldn’t be alone. At our last GDS summit together 50% of you said extracting actionable insights from data was your biggest challenge. So join your fellow retail and consumer experience experts to hash out your challenges, and discuss the latest AI opportunities and best practices.
Track 2: Embracing creator commerce
With the rise of community experts - particularly content creators - consumer behavior has transformed, with customer’s increasingly relying on their recommendations and insights. The speed and ease in which anyone can now create content through online platforms has empowered individuals worldwide to share their expertise, providing organization’s with a vast pool of authentic voices to engage with their audience. And they often simplify the purchasing experience for consumers who are overwhelmed by choice, offering personalized and authentic recommendations that resonate on a deeper level.
By embracing creator commerce, consumer experience leaders can leverage these influential figures to connect with customers in a more meaningful way, driving sales and fostering brand loyalty in an increasingly competitive marketplace. So, join us to see how you can fully harness the power of creator commerce.
Track 3: Connecting beyond the screen: Cultivating unforgettable consumer experiences
In today's ever-evolving retail environment, staying ahead means truly understanding and predicting what customers want. The relationship between businesses and consumers has undergone a profound shift, emphasizing the importance of meeting customers on their terms to deliver a seamless retail experience.
Recent research underscores the critical role of customer experience (CX) in driving purchasing decisions, with 73% of consumers emphasizing its significance (PwC). Moreover, an impressive 80% are willing to pay more for an improved CX (Epsilon). In light of these findings, the integration of AI, data analytics, and digital tools emerges as a potential game-changer for brands aiming to enhance user engagement and overall business performance.
This panel discussion will delve into the real-world experiences of industry leaders who are leveraging technology to transform customer experiences. We'll explore the challenges innovators face and uncover the future aspirations driving the evolution of the retail landscape towards exceptional consumer experiences.
4:10 pm - 4:40 pm
Learning Lab
4:45 pm - 5:15 pm
Workshop
5:20 pm - 5:50 pm
Collaboration Corner
6:30 am - 7:30 am
Cocktail Reception
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Gala Dinner
8:10 pm - 8:30 pm
Dinner Keynote
7:00 am - 7:45 am
Breakfast
8:00 am - 8:40 am
Panel
Elevating employee experience and wellbeing
8:40 am - 9:10 am
Keynote
9:20 am - 10:20 am
Roundtable Session
Track 1: Putting the AI in retail
AI has revolutionized the retail and consumer experience landscape, emerging as the most significant disruptor since the eCommerce inception. And leaders are harnessing generative AI in almost every area of business. It’s enhancing the consumer purchasing experience, advanced chatbots are ensuring efficient customer service, and AI-driven insights elevate the buyer’s full journey, fostering deeper loyalty and enhancing brand perception.
And personalization is key. Striving for hyper-personalization, brands aim to deliver relevance without intrusiveness, striking a balance crucial for consumer engagement. But you’re probably thinking ‘how do I get there?’, and you wouldn’t be alone. At our last GDS summit together 50% of you said extracting actionable insights from data was your biggest challenge. So join your fellow retail and consumer experience experts to hash out your challenges, and discuss the latest AI opportunities and best practices.
Track 2: Embracing creator commerce
With the rise of community experts - particularly content creators - consumer behavior has transformed, with customer’s increasingly relying on their recommendations and insights. The speed and ease in which anyone can now create content through online platforms has empowered individuals worldwide to share their expertise, providing organization’s with a vast pool of authentic voices to engage with their audience. And they often simplify the purchasing experience for consumers who are overwhelmed by choice, offering personalized and authentic recommendations that resonate on a deeper level.
By embracing creator commerce, consumer experience leaders can leverage these influential figures to connect with customers in a more meaningful way, driving sales and fostering brand loyalty in an increasingly competitive marketplace. So, join us to see how you can fully harness the power of creator commerce.
Track 3: Connecting beyond the screen: Cultivating unforgettable consumer experiences
In today's ever-evolving retail environment, staying ahead means truly understanding and predicting what customers want. The relationship between businesses and consumers has undergone a profound shift, emphasizing the importance of meeting customers on their terms to deliver a seamless retail experience.
Recent research underscores the critical role of customer experience (CX) in driving purchasing decisions, with 73% of consumers emphasizing its significance (PwC). Moreover, an impressive 80% are willing to pay more for an improved CX (Epsilon). In light of these findings, the integration of AI, data analytics, and digital tools emerges as a potential game-changer for brands aiming to enhance user engagement and overall business performance.
This panel discussion will delve into the real-world experiences of industry leaders who are leveraging technology to transform customer experiences. We'll explore the challenges innovators face and uncover the future aspirations driving the evolution of the retail landscape towards exceptional consumer experiences.
10:30 am - 11:00 am
Future Focus Speakers
11:05 am - 11:35 am
Workshop
11:40 am - 12:10 pm
Testimonials
12:00 pm - 12:45 pm
Buffet Lunch
12:45 pm - 1:10 pm
Closing Keynote
1:10 pm - 1:30 pm
Beyond the Challenges

Westin Stonebriar - Dallas, TX
The Westin Dallas Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa offers laidback luxury within a tranquil oasis outside of the city.

Why attend?
Connect with like-minded senior leaders for a curated agenda, focused on tackling your current business critical challenges and driving industry forward.
Be a part of exclusive shared learning, horizon scanning and actionable insights enabling organizations to deliver transformative strategies.
Build meaningful relationships with solution providers matched to your business priorities to help accelerate your projects and deliver your objectives.