2016 RetailTechCon: New Retail Experience: Predictive, Personal, Memorable

The 10th annual RetailTechCon brought together over 100 retailers and industry leaders to discuss the changing retail experience and how the novel use of technology can help retailers connect with shoppers like never before. The conference was held March 30 – April 1 at the Ritz Carlton in Orlando, FL and the agenda was packed with educational sessions and valuable networking opportunities.
The event kicked off on Wednesday March 30 with an afternoon round of golf and an evening welcome reception to get everyone acquainted and ready for the killer content to come.
The conference kicked into high gear Thursday morning with an inspiration keynote address from Canadian Tire SVP and CTO Eugene Roman who discussed the retailer’s numerous innovative initiatives. Kevin Ertell, SVP, digital, Sur La Table was next to the stage and he laid out how the home goods retailer is supercharging the shopping experience by making its website the hub of the brand. Other sessions from the day included: Robert Krohn, Walt Disney Company; Troy Brown, Zumiez; Rory Hudson, Zumiez; and Randy Cucerzan, Genesco.
The event came to an end on Friday May 1 with another full docket to educational sessions. To kick off the day Robert Hetu from Gartner shared the results of RIS News’ “26th Annual Retail Technology Study.” Up next was Amit Bhardwaj, Marsh Supermarkets who discussed the customer journey and Peter Gold, marketamerica/Shop.com who presented on making your customers your one true channel. The event drew to a close with a RIS News’ editorial advisory board panel discussion on the new retail experience. 

Scenes for RetaiTechCon 2016: A) Kevin Ertell discussed making the website the brand’s hub; B) Robert Krohn shared some of that Disney magic; C) Structured networking provided meaningful peer-to-peer interaction; D) Joe Skorupa and Randy Cucerzan explored retail’s future; E) The evening cocktail reception; F) EAB panel discussion closed the show.