Retail Summit 21 - 23 May 2025
Ōtautahi Christchurch | New Zealand
Register Your Interest In Attending iMedia Retail Summit NZ
Please note that session details are subject to change and will be updated regularly. 

Sign up for our newsletter to receive all the latest 2025 agenda announcements.

2025 Agenda

Get ready for an insightful exploration into the world of Commerce. Our event features engaging keynotes, interactive panels, and fireside chats led by industry experts. Discover valuable insights and actionable strategies to boost your business success.

2025 Theme: Retail Unleashed: Own the Disruption, Lead the Future

Read more about our theme here

Day 2

22 May 2025

7:00AM - 8:25AM
8:25AM - 8:30AM
8:30AM - 9:05AM
9:05AM - 9:30AM
AI Unleashed: How Data is Transforming Retail from the Inside Out

AI is no longer a buzzword—it’s the driving force behind retail’s next big transformation. Learn how AI and data analytics are giving brands superpowers to predict, personalise, and thrive in an increasingly complex landscape.

9:30AM - 9:40AM
9:40AM - 9:50AM
Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage
An in-depth look at how sustainable practices can drive brand loyalty, reduce costs, and create meaningful differentiation in a crowded marketplace. This session will explore innovative approaches to sustainability in retail, including circular economy models, eco-friendly packaging solutions, and transparent supply chain practices. Our speaker will share real-world examples of how sustainability initiatives have positively impacted both brand perception and bottom-line results.
9:50AM - 10:20AM
10:20AM - 10:40AM
Breakout
Tech That Builds Real Connections with Customers
Creating human-centric retail experiences doesn’t mean ditching tech—it means using it to strengthen connections. In this session, senior leaders from top brands will share how they’re using AI and other tools to automate tasks, empower staff with insights, and build meaningful connections with customers.
10:45AM - 11:05AM
Breakout
Breaking Down Barriers in Omnichannel Retail
Seamless shopping shouldn’t be an aspiration—it should be the standard. This session examines how to integrate physical and digital channels to meet the expectations of today’s connected consumer. Explore practical strategies to deliver a frictionless experience every time.
The AI-Powered Retail Revolution
AI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s transforming how retailers operate. From predictive analytics to virtual assistants, discover how AI can enhance decision-making, streamline operations, and elevate the customer experience. This session is your guide to leveraging AI for growth.
11:10AM - 11:30AM
Breakout
Boosting E-Commerce Success Through Smarter Content Management

Explore how content can be the game-changer in turning browsers into buyers. With consumers navigating multiple channels, delivering the right message at the right time is key—but managing accurate, consistent, and up-to-date content across platforms can be a challenge. This session will showcase how AI, streamlined workflows, and centralised asset and product management can transform your e-commerce strategy. Discover innovative tools to enhance your operations and maximize conversions effortlessly.

Unlock Revenue Potential with Organic Search

How valuable is it for your business to claim the top spot on Google? This session will explore how enterprise retailers can uncover hidden revenue opportunities through strategic organic search efforts. Learn how to forecast potential revenue from keyword ranking shifts, reduce dependency on paid media, and maximize ROI with a data-driven approach. Discover actionable insights to prioritise high-impact keywords and transform your organic search strategy for long-term success.

11:35AM - 12:10PM
Retail Innovation Roundtables

Join us for a series of dynamic roundtable discussions where collaboration leads to innovation. In these 30-minute sessions, you’ll connect with industry peers to tackle common challenges, exchange success stories and explore cutting-edge strategies shaping the future of retail. Forge meaningful connections, explore best practices, and become an integral part of the retail community’s evolution.

12:10PM - 12:20PM
Beyond the Click
After the purchase, the journey continues. Discover how brands are transforming post-checkout moments into high-value growth opportunities through tailored offers and smarter personalisation. Learn actionable strategies to boost customer engagement, drive incremental revenue, and enhance lifetime value—all while keeping the user experience seamless and impactful.
12:20PM - 12:45PM
Customer At The Core
What role do personalisation, data insights, and seamless omnichannel strategies play in driving loyalty? Discover how top experts decode customer needs, behaviours, and preferences to thrive in a connected world. This session will reveal how to create deeper, more impactful relationships with customers while helping retailers embrace a customer-first approach across their business.
12:45PM - 1:30PM
1:30PM - 5:00PM
Activity
Go Karting

Get ready for the ride of your life at Christchurch’s top go-karting track! With the latest and greatest electric karts packing insane torque and power, you’ll feel your adrenaline hit the red zone as you race around the 260m track. Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned speedster, this track will challenge even the most skilled drivers. After 14 heart-pounding laps, it’s time to kick back and enjoy some pizza and drinks in the lounge—because you earned it (or at least survived it).

Dress code alert: Closed flat shoes only—leave your flowing capes, dresses, and scarves at home

Pinot & Picasso
Ready to unleash your inner Picasso? Join us for a 3-hour paint and sip session at the Chateau on the Park, where you'll get to sip wine, snack on nibbles, and (attempt to) create a masterpiece. Our team of expert artists will walk you through everything from beginner brushstrokes to advanced techniques, but don’t worry—we’ll leave plenty of room for you to go rogue. By the end of the day, even if your “abstract” art looks like a toddler’s masterpiece, you’ll still leave with something you can proudly hang on your fridge.
5:00PM - 6:30PM
Free time
6:30PM - 9:30PM
Celebratory Dinner

Day 3

23 May 2025

7:00AM - 8:45AM
8:45AM - 9:00AM
9:00AM - 9:35AM
Leading Retail in a Disrupted World
Get ready for an insightful keynote from a global industry expert with decades of experience in transforming retail. This speaker has worked at the forefront of some of the world’s biggest retail brands, navigating complex challenges and driving innovation in a rapidly changing market. They’ll share invaluable insights on how to adapt to the shifting retail landscape, leverage emerging technologies, and create a future-ready strategy. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the industry's most respected voices on what’s next for retail in a disrupted world.
9:35AM - 10:00AM
Redefining Digital Teams in the Era of Unified Commerce
As unified commerce reshapes the retail landscape, digital teams are under the microscope like never before. With the rise of technologies like generative AI and shifting business priorities, companies are rethinking how they structure digital roles and the skills needed to stay competitive. In this session, seasoned e-commerce leaders will dive into the latest strategies for building resilient, future-proof teams, sharing insights on organisational changes, talent development, and the evolving demands of a unified commerce world.
10:00AM - 10:20AM
Redefining Brand Partnerships in the Age of Digital Creators
In a world where social media and influencer culture are ever-changing, how do brands ensure their creator partnerships stay relevant? This session explores effective strategies for evaluating creator partnerships, identifying the right talent to represent your brand, and navigating the evolving landscape of digital influence. Key takeaways will include actionable insights on building authentic collaborations, measuring impact, and adapting to new trends.
10:20AM - 10:55AM
Retail Innovation Roundtables
Join us for a series of dynamic roundtable discussions where collaboration leads to innovation. In these 30-minute sessions, you’ll connect with industry peers to tackle common challenges, exchange success stories and explore cutting-edge strategies shaping the future of retail. Forge meaningful connections, explore best practices, and become an integral part of the retail community’s evolution.
10:55AM - 11:25AM
11:25AM - 11:50AM
Sustainability in Retail: Turning Green Goals into Growth Strategies
Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a business imperative. But in today’s economic climate, achieving green goals while staying financially strong can feel like an uphill battle. This session explores how retailers are rethinking supply chains, adopting circular models like resale and refurbishment, and leveraging technology to reduce costs and environmental impact. Discover real-world strategies to overcome the challenges of balancing purpose and profit, while building customer loyalty and future-proofing your business. 
11:50AM - 12:25PM
The Next Generation of Retail
As retail continues to evolve, understanding the generational shifts at play is more important than ever. From the tech-savvy Gen Z to the rising influence of Gen Alpha, consumers are demanding more personalised, immersive, and socially-conscious experiences. This panel will explore how these shifts are reshaping the retail landscape, from how brands engage with younger shoppers to the ways they adapt to meet the needs of older generations. We’ll dive into how generational preferences are influencing everything from product choices to brand loyalty, and what it means for retailers looking to stay ahead. Join us for a panel discussion on how to connect with the next generation of consumers and what it takes to lead in this rapidly changing retail environment.
12:25PM - 12:40PM
12:40PM - 1:40PM

Day 1

21 May 2025

9:00AM - 11:30AM
Welcome Lounge
Join us for some snacks & refreshments before a big day of networking.
11:30AM - 1:30PM
12:00PM - 1:30PM
1:30PM - 1:40PM
1:40PM - 2:10PM
2:10PM - 4:45PM
4:45PM - 6:30PM
Free Time
6:30PM - 7:00PM
7:00PM - 9:30PM

Follow us on LinkedIn for event updates

#iMediaRSNZ

Click here