Retail Summit 21 - 23 May 2025
Ōtautahi Christchurch | New Zealand
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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.

* Please note that session details are subject to change and will be updated regularly. 

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

Read more about our theme here

Day 2
Day 3
Day 1

Day 2

22 May 2025

7:00AM - 8:25AM
8:25AM - 8:30AM
8:30AM - 9:05AM
9:05AM - 9:30AM
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
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
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
Stay tuned for more details!
C-Suite Executive & Board Advisor
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
From Transactions to True Loyalty: How Animates Keep Customers Coming Back
Loyalty programs are everywhere, but what actually drives repeat purchases? In this session, Juanita Neville-Te Rito and Nathalie Moolenschot share how Animates cracked the code. By layering their PETPOINTS program with FREQUENT FEEDER, they moved beyond discounts to create a loyalty strategy that keeps customers engaged—and always coming back. The secret? Smart data use that delivers the right offers to the right people at the right time.
GM Marketing
Animates Vetcare NZ
12:25PM - 12:40PM
12:40PM - 1:40PM

Day 1

21 May 2025

9:00AM - 12:00PM
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
Day 2
Day 3
Day 1

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