Retail Renaissance – Innovate. Integrate. Elevate.
The retail revolution is here. At the GDS Retail Summit, we bring together industry leaders and innovators to explore the transformative power of technology in retail. This summit will delve into cutting-edge advancements and trends in e-commerce while highlighting the importance of teamwork and collaboration. From AI, and machine learning, to digital transformation and change management, this summit spotlights strategies reshaping the retail landscape.
Attendees will gain insights into the latest trends in marketing, digital intel and leadership, equipping them with the tools to drive growth and innovation in their organizations. Additionally, the summit will highlight strategies for seamlessly bridging the digital and physical in-store experiences, ensuring a cohesive and engaging customer journey. Join us to discover how to innovate, integrate, and elevate your retail business in a tech-driven world.
Immerse yourself in thought-provoking insights
Exclusively curated from our previous
Retail Physical Summit
Core Themes
Ethical E-commerce: Sustainability, Transparency, and Social Responsibility
Examine the ethical considerations of e-commerce, including sustainable practices, data privacy, and fair labor standards. Discuss how retailers can build trust and loyalty by prioritizing ethical and sustainable business practices.
AI and Machine Learning: Driving Retail Innovation
Delve into the transformative impact of AI and machine learning on the retail industry. This theme will showcase how these technologies are being used to personalize customer interactions, optimize inventory management, and streamline operations, ultimately driving innovation and efficiency.
Digital Transformation and Change Management: Leading the Way
Focus on the critical strategies for successfully implementing digital transformation initiatives within retail organizations. This theme will cover best practices for managing change, fostering a culture of innovation, and ensuring that technological advancements are effectively integrated into business processes.
Seamless Synergy: Merging Digital and Physical Retail
Explore the art of creating a harmonious retail experience that seamlessly blends digital and physical environments. This theme will showcase pioneering strategies for integrating online and in-store interactions, ensuring a fluid and engaging customer journey. Learn how to leverage technology to bridge the gap between digital convenience and tactile in-store experiences, creating a unified brand presence that delights customers at every touchpoint.
Speakers
Jason Goldberg
Elina Vilk
Dominick Miserandino
Kristen Siemen
Dominick Miserandino
Kate Fannin
Heather Bernardo
Vidette Pires
Orlando Gadea Ros
Kacey Sharrett
Mark Yessin
Agathe Benoit
Mary Andrews Vidra
Abraao Torquez
Agenda
1:10 pm - 1:40 pm
Keynote
The Rise of AI Agents: The Disruption of Commerce
Imagine AI that doesn’t just respond to customer requests but anticipates them, transforming shopping from an explicit act, to something that implicitly happens with no conscious effort or thought on the part of the consumer. This has the potential to change everything about the path to purchase. This session will highlight the key disruptions that are coming to commerce, and what you can do to not only survive but thrive in the reality.
1:40 pm - 2:25 pm
Panel
The Digital Jungle: Navigating Transformation & the Retail Wild
Retail is a complex and ever-evolving ecosystem. To thrive in this digital jungle, retailers must be agile, innovative, and adaptable. This panel will delve into the challenges and opportunities facing retailers as they navigate the complexities of digital transformation in e-commerce. We'll explore the latest trends and technologies shaping the industry, such as AI and machine learning while addressing challenges leaders face getting their teams on board with ever-evolving digital needs. Our expert panelists will share insights on how retailers can leverage these innovations to create seamless customer experiences, optimize operations, and drive growth while guiding their organizations.
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Roundtables
Track 1: From Generic to Tailored: Personalization Across the Omnichannel Retail Experience
Customers expect a seamless, personalized experience regardless of how they shop. Join us as we discuss the integration of personalization strategies across in-store, online, and mobile platforms. How can retailers bridge the gap between digital and physical touchpoints to ensure a unified, tailored experience at every stage of the customer journey? Whether it is with catered product recommendations or personalized SMS/emails, customers expect content to reflect their specific wants and needs. Learn how to apply insights from multiple sources to drive real-time, context-aware personalization.
Track 2: Retail 4.0 - Driving the Next Wave of Post-Store Innovation
Retail is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by bridging the in-store and online experience. To stay competitive, retailers must leverage e-commerce insights to transform their customer experiences and create repeat shoppers. This roundtable will delve into the latest trends and innovations that are reshaping the future of retail. By harnessing the power of intel, retailers can create more engaging and efficient shopping environments that drive customer satisfaction and loyalty, to get them coming back. Join us as we discuss the latest technologies, best practices, and case studies.
3:00 pm - 6:30 pm
1:1 Meetings
4:10 pm - 4:40 pm
Masterclass
Unlocking Team Potential: Strategies for Low Turnover & High Performance
Dominick Miserandino, CEO of RetailWire, will share his leadership journey, highlighting the importance of empathy, vision, and empowerment in fostering high-performing teams. Drawing upon personal experiences and impactful stories, he will provide actionable strategies for building strong, loyal teams with low turnover and achieving sustained success.
4:45 pm - 5:15 pm
Trivia Quiz
Retail Rewind: A Throwback Trivia Challenge
Get ready to step into a time machine and test your brand brainpower in Retail Rewind—the ultimate nostalgic trivia showdown! From iconic mall stores and unforgettable ad jingles to fashion fads and snack food crazes, we’re diving deep into the brands and products that shaped the last few decades. Think you remember the soda that vanished overnight or the sneaker that defined the ‘90s? Prove it! Join us for a fast-paced, fun-filled trip down memory lane—where the only thing more satisfying than getting the right answer is the nostalgia itself.
5:20 pm - 5:50 pm
Collaboration Corner
7:20 pm - 9:30 pm
Gala Dinner
8:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Dinner Keynote
Disrupting Without Disruption: Innovation Inside a Legacy Retailer
How might you transform a 75-year-old bridal retailer in a rapidly evolving market? By creating an innovation incubator within the company itself. Elina Vilk reveals how Pearl by David’s finally hit its breakthrough moment—by building a protected space for innovation inside David’s Bridal. With an “intrapreneurial” mindset, design thinking, and cutting-edge AI applications, Pearl by David’s isn’t just reshaping David’s—it’s creating a scalable blueprint for any organization looking to drive innovation from within.
8:00 am - 8:40 am
Panel
Virtual Worlds & Beyond – Cultivating Immersive Retail Experiences
Digital immersive experiences are emerging as groundbreaking platforms that are reshaping the future of retail. This panel will delve into the opportunities and challenges of building virtual stores and immersive shopping experiences in digital spaces. We'll explore the latest advancements in virtual and augmented reality technologies and discuss how retailers can leverage these innovations to connect with customers in new and exciting ways.
8:40 am - 9:05 am
Keynote
Every Gift Tells a Story: E-commerce Providing Real Experiences
"People don’t need more stuff—they need stories. Experiences create moments that leave lasting memories, building stronger connections and standing out in ways that things simply can't. This isn’t just about being thoughtful—it’s about being smart. Engaged employees stay longer, clients who feel valued stick around, and companies that give gifts people actually care about make a lasting impression. In a world where sustainability, emotional well-being, and meaningful relationships are top priorities, the best gifts are the ones that create real memories.
9:20 am - 12:10 am
1:1 Meetings
9:20 am - 10:20 am
Roundtables
Track 1: From Generic to Tailored: Personalization Across the Omnichannel Retail Experience
Customers expect a seamless, personalized experience regardless of how they shop. Join us as we discuss the integration of personalization strategies across in-store, online, and mobile platforms. How can retailers bridge the gap between digital and physical touchpoints to ensure a unified, tailored experience at every stage of the customer journey? Whether it is with catered product recommendations or personalized SMS/emails, customers expect content to reflect their specific wants and needs. Learn how to apply insights from multiple sources to drive real-time, context-aware personalization.
Track 2: Retail 4.0 - Driving the Next Wave of Post-Store Innovation
Retail is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by bridging the in-store and online experience. To stay competitive, retailers must leverage e-commerce insights to transform their customer experiences and create repeat shoppers. This roundtable will delve into the latest trends and innovations that are reshaping the future of retail. By harnessing the power of intel, retailers can create more engaging and efficient shopping environments that drive customer satisfaction and loyalty, to get them coming back. Join us as we discuss the latest technologies, best practices, and case studies.
10:30 am - 11:00 am
Future Focus Speakers
Future Focus: The Future of Fulfillment – Navigating & Meeting Consumer Demand
Consumer expectations for fast and convenient delivery are constantly rising. This panel will examine the future of retail fulfillment, discussing innovative strategies like micro-fulfillment centers, drone delivery, autonomous vehicles, and leveraging existing store networks for omnichannel fulfillment. We will discuss public perception of delivery as well as changes to laws and policies impacting fulfillment. Panelists will explore how retailers can optimize their customer experience, reduce costs, and create seamless delivery experiences while addressing sustainability concerns.
11:05 am - 11:35 am
Polling the pulse
Polling the Pulse: Consumer Edition
Retail professionals spend their days shaping consumer experiences—but what do they actually prefer when they step into the shoes of the shopper? This interactive session flips the script, giving attendees the chance to voice their own preferences as consumers. Through live polling, we'll uncover key insights about shopping behaviors, expectations, and emerging trends. Expect surprises, lively discussions, and valuable takeaways that could reshape the way you think about the modern customer.
12:35 pm - 1:00 pm
Closing Keynote
Fireside Chat: Driving Sustainability in Retail from Design to Store Shelves
Join us for a fireside chat with Kristen Siemen, former Chief Sustainability Officer at General Motors, as we explore the critical role of sustainability across the entire retail value chain. From design and sourcing to in-store operations and customer engagement, we will discuss how to integrate sustainability into every aspect of your business. We will also delve into the importance of cultivating a strong internal culture of sustainability, empowering employees, and setting ambitious goals to drive meaningful change.
1:05 pm - 2:10 pm
1:1 Meetings
1:10 pm - 1:30 pm
Beyond the Challenges
Fairmont Copley Plaza
Fairmont Copley Plaza is a luxury 5-star hotel, centrally located in Boston's historic Back Bay area. It’s been a downtown landmark and symbol of the city's rich history since 1912.
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.
