iMedia is getting ready to tackle the biggest challenges in Retail in 2025. 

Through insightful panel discussions, expert keynotes, and interactive roundtable discussions, we’ll explore the key challenges and opportunities transforming the retail landscape in 2025. With guidance from our Advisory Board members, we've designed a program that tackles the critical forces driving change—from navigating economic pressures and embracing AI-powered retail solutions, to crafting seamless omnichannel experiences and enhancing customer loyalty. Throughout the summit, we’ll dive into how retailers can adapt to shifting shopper behaviours, leverage innovative technologies, and drive sustainable growth, all while staying connected to the evolving needs of today’s consumers.

The Retail Reality Check: Managing Economic Pressures & Changing Shopper Behaviour
Rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and shifting consumer behaviours are forcing retailers to rethink their strategies. Explore how businesses are adapting to economic uncertainty, balancing profitability with customer expectations, and implementing cost-effective models without compromising value.

The Power of Partnerships: Collaborating for Retail Success
The retail ecosystem is more interconnected than ever, making strong partnerships key to success. Learn how brands and retailers can work with technology providers, marketplaces, and even competitors to drive growth, innovate, and enhance customer experiences.

The Omnichannel Balancing Act: Online, In-Store & Everything In-Between
Consumers expect seamless integration across physical stores, eCommerce, and mobile platforms. Delve into building a frictionless omnichannel experience, real-time inventory visibility, hybrid shopping models, and AI’s role in optimising the customer journey.

AI’s Role in Retail: Smarter Operations, Smarter Customer Experiences
AI is driving everything from predictive analytics to customer service automation. Explore how retailers are using AI to improve efficiency while keeping the human touch intact, addressing ethical concerns, and advancing AI-powered personalisation and workforce augmentation.

AI Agents: The Future of Customer Interaction & Support
AI-driven virtual agents are revolutionising customer service, sales, and marketing. Discuss how retailers can use AI assistants to personalise shopping experiences, streamline operations, and engage customers in real-time while balancing automation with human interaction.

Personalisation at Scale: The Key to Winning Customer Loyalty
Consumers expect hyper-relevant experiences, but delivering personalisation at scale is a challenge. Discover how brands are using AI, data, and automation to create tailored interactions, increase engagement, and drive customer lifetime value, without crossing into invasive targeting.

Winning Over Gen Z: What’s Changing & What Still Works
Gen Z’s shopping habits are unique—they demand hyper-personalisation, shop through social media, and expect brands to align with their values. Learn the best strategies for engaging this generation, including influencer marketing and the rise of social commerce.

Social Commerce & The New Digital Storefronts
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are reshaping the shopping journey. Uncover how social commerce is driving conversions, the role of live shopping, the influence of micro and nano-influencers, and how to integrate social commerce into a broader retail strategy.

Rethinking Loyalty: Beyond Discounts & Points Programs
Traditional loyalty models are becoming less effective. Explore how brands are evolving loyalty programs through subscriptions, exclusive experiences, and AI-driven personalisation to build stronger customer relationships.

The Future of Payments: Removing Friction & Boosting Conversions
As payment methods evolve, from BNPL to digital wallets, consumers expect seamless transactions. Delve into how frictionless payments are improving conversion rates, the future of digital transactions, and how retailers can balance security and compliance with a smooth checkout experience.

Retail Media Networks: The Next Big Opportunity for Brands & Retailers
Retailers are becoming media owners, offering brands new ways to connect with customers via first-party data. Learn about the emerging retail media networks, how they’re reshaping digital advertising, and what success looks like for both retailers and brands in this space.

The Role of AR, VR & Immersive Tech in Shopping Experiences
AR and VR are transforming retail with interactive and immersive experiences. Explore how these technologies are enhancing virtual try-ons, experiential retail, and digital storefronts, and how they’re impacting conversion rates and customer satisfaction.

Sustainability in Retail: How to Make It Profitable & Authentic
Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s expected by consumers. Discover how retailers are embedding sustainability into their business models, ensuring supply chain transparency, and leveraging green initiatives to drive brand differentiation and long-term customer loyalty.