If 8.30am on Wednesday March 4 is not marked in your diary then it should be. That’s because it’s the date for Retail Destination Live 2026, which will be held at The Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester
At Retail Destination Live 2026, delegates will discover the key themes shaping the future of retail destinations. Our agenda brings together fresh insights, practical strategies, and forward-thinking ideas to help you navigate change and unlock new opportunities for growth…
Agenda
08.30am: REGISTRATION OPENS
09.30am: WELCOME BY THE CHAIR
Session 1 – Entering the era of opportunity
This opening session introduces how rapid global change is turning challenges into new possibilities. It sets the stage for participants to explore emerging opportunities and envision bold, forward-looking paths in a transforming world.
09.35am: Different Perspectives – Tom Whittington, Director of Retail and Leisure Research, Savills
09.50am: Economic Overview – Speaker TBC
10.15am: Live Discussion – The Opportunity Engine: How Will Future Technology Transform Retail Destinations
Host: Gareth Jordan, Director, Retail Advantage, ART Software Group
Co-Host: Michael Elliott, CEO & Founder, RiskTech
10.45am: BREAK
Session 2 – Riding the Wave: Turning Trends into Advantage
This session examines how today’s rapidly evolving trends can be turned into strategic opportunities. Its aim is to equip participants to leverage emerging shifts and channel them into momentum for growth and innovation.
11.15am: KEYNOTE. Marketing and branding: An insight into the essential tools to succeed in capturing the hearts and minds of new and loyal customers — Claire Harper, Marketing and Retail Authority
11.45am: The Future Of Consumer Trust — Dr Amna Khan, Consumer Behaviour Expert, Manchester Metropolitan University
12.05pm: Using Data To Drive Change – Sam Fox, Founder, Fox Insight
12.25pm: Panel discussion
• Claire Harper, Marketing and Retail Authority
• Dr Amna Khan, Consumer Behaviour Expert, Manchester Metropolitan University
• Sam Fox, Founder, Fox Insight
• Matt Baker, CEO, Destination Marketing
12.45pm: LUNCH
Session 3 – Designing Moments That Matter
This session focuses on the importance of prioritising customer engagement for long-term success. It will guide delegates on creating meaningful interactions that build lasting relationships and drive sustained growth.
1.50pm: Beyond Transactions: How Customer Experience Strategy Transforms Retail Destinations — David Woodman, Senior Customer Experience Strategy Director, Bewonder*, JLL
2.15pm: The Experience Advantage: Delivering Moments that Create Communities – Molly Orviss, Associate Director, Bewonder*
2.40pm: The Drive To Five – Mike Galea, Guest Experience Director, OCS Security Services
3.05pm:BREAK
Session 4 – Collaborative Power: Partnerships That Unlock Growth
This session highlights the value of working with other stakeholders and organisations. It will demonstrate how strategic collaboration can drive innovation, create new opportunities, and accelerate growth.
3.35pm: session 1 — Andrew Murphy, OBE, Group CEO, The Entertainer Group
3.55pm: session 2 — Alberto Esguevillas, CEO UK, Eurofund Group
4.15pm: session 3 — Vaughan Allen, CEO, CityCo Manchester
4.35pm: panel discussion
• Tom Whittington, Director of Retail and Leisure, Savills
• Andrew Murphy, OBE, Group CEO, The Entertainer (Amersham)
• Alberto Esguevillas, CEO UK, Eurofund Group
• Vaughan Allen, CEO, CityCo Manchester
5pm: CONFERENCE CLOSES
Running alongside the conference sessions there is an exhibition that showcases the latest in products and services tailored specifically for shopping centres.
The conference and exhibition are followed by a drinks reception and Gala Dinner.
Get your tickets here https://www.retaildestinationlive.com/
