In today’s fast-moving, highly competitive market, retail practitioners are looking for ways to bolster their skills and broaden their knowledge of emerging trends and tech categories. Accomplishing both things require time and access to experts and high-quality education. Sometimes, this is easier said than done.
While executives have access to what feels like an endless supply of content around the web, high-quality learning experiences come from a collaborative approach that includes face time with educators and peers who are absorbing the content at the same time. That’s why the Retail Innovation Conference & Expo is launching Masterclasses, two-hour sessions dedicated to professional development in the retail industry. These intimate sessions will take place Thursday, June 15, 2-4pm (local time), and will only be available to a select group of retail and brand executives. Interested parties can request an invitation by completing a short form.
We have onboarded quality partners that have established credibility thanks to their quality research and first-hand industry experience. They include:
George Mason University – Center for Retail Transformation
If you’re an avid LinkedIn user, you’ve definitely seen research, virtual panels and thought leadership from Gautham Vadakkepatt, GMU’s Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Retail Transformation. He is not just a friend of others in the industry; he’s a student of the industry. That means he takes his research and conversations with practitioners and turns it into meaningful content and educational support for others.
He is an award-winning researcher, focusing a lot of his work on marketing strategy, emerging technologies and firm performance, and non-product market strategies (e.g, sustainability). He teaches courses at various levels on marketing strategy, marketing analytics, and emerging technology and marketing strategy, which is why we’ve brought him on board to teach the CX and Martech Sprint.
During this course, participants will learn how to assess technology and evaluate customer experiences from the shopper’s point of view; and learn how to gauge the benefits (and pitfalls) of innovative tech, from AI and machine learning to web3.
ThinkUncommon
Have big ideas you want to roll out, but not sure how to enforce them within your organization? This Masterclass is for you! The Retail Innovation Essentials Sprint will be led by Andrew Smith of ThinkUncommon.
Andrew knows better than most: innovation in retail is different. It can be slow and frustrating. They’ve seen the process supporting many retail organizations in their innovation strategies. They’re designing this Masterclass to support executives who want to understand how to plan the process and systems of innovation.
From setting the right foundations, choosing the best ideas, and adapting the way you work to innovate more and move faster, this two-hour session will cover it all! The session is based on material from the book Andrew wrote with his co-founder, Gareth Jude, titled: “Retail Innovation Reframed.” Attendees will receive a copy of the book as part of the session.
We’re excited to launch these Masterclasses and give our attendees more high-value opportunities for networking and learning. Remember, brand and retail execs: if you want to reserve a seat for these opportunities, fill out this form and one of our team members will get back to you! All ticketholders (Expo Only and All-Access) can request a seat for these sessions, so be sure to register now.
