Conference Overview

Get a front row seat to what’s trending in the retail industry! With an emphasis on the evolved customer journey, where content, community and commerce converge, the Retail Innovation Conference is known for curating thought-provoking sessions and conversations that reflect the industry’s most pressing topics. 

This year’s event will have a more streamlined agenda with three highly focused conference tracks:

  • Content, which will provide insights from digital, marketing and content leaders on the tactics that are driving creative storytelling methods and business outcomes.  
  • Community, which will highlight how brands and retailers are building and nurturing communities in stores and online. 
  • Commerce, which will dig into the platforms, technologies and services driving next-gen commerce experiences. 
 

You’ll learn from top-tier retailers and brands in the conference sessions and innovative solution providers in the Expo Hall. The best part? Conference sessions and Expo Hall sessions will not overlap this year, making it easier for you to experience and digest all the tactical and actionable content we’ll have available! 

Senior Retail Leaders Speak at #RICE24

Come to Chicago during the best time of year (summertime!) to learn from 80+ of the most influential leaders in the retail industry, revealing forward-thinking strategies to bring back to your business. You’ll hear from innovative leaders who will share their experience and knowledge to equip business leaders like you with the information you need to drive growth and reimagine retail innovation in store and online. VP level and above executives will dive deep into how they are leveraging new marketing channels, community platforms and commerce technologies to provide an optimal customer journey. Heritage retailers and emerging brands you’ll learn from include Michaels, Liquid Death, Petco, Babylist, The Home Depot, American Girl, Pinterest, Walgreens, Roku, CVS Media Exchange, Spotify, Sweet Loren’s, Branch Basics, IKEA and many more!

Fresh Look at Timely Topics

Tired of attending conference sessions with no substance or practical takeaways? Us too! The #RICE24 agenda is carefully curated to provide you with actionable strategies from industry leaders. 

You can expect to get your questions answered on trending topics such as:  

  • Next-Gen Customer Experiences 
  • Practical Use-Cases for AI in Retail 
  • Frameworks for Measuring Retail Media 
  • The Cultural Impact on Shopper Behaviors 
  • Mitigation Plans to Reduce Shrink and Loss 
  • The Evolving Role of Technology in Stores 
  • And more!

Already registered? Download the official event app here, and start building your #RICE24 agenda with sessions you’d like to attend! 

Agenda At-A-Glance:

(Note: the agenda is subject to change)

Tuesday, June 4: "Pre-Conference"

8:00 AM

6:00 PM

Registration & Check-In

1:00 PM

5:30 PM

Chicago Store Tours

2:00 PM

3:15 PM

Workshops - Open to Qualifying Retail/Brand Execs Only

2:00 PM

2:40 PM

Roundtables

2:50 PM

3:35 PM

Roundtables

3:30 PM

4:45 PM

Workshops - Open to Qualifying Retail/Brand Execs Only

3:40 PM

4:20 PM

Roundtables

5:30 PM

6:30 PM

Welcome Reception

Wednesday, June 5

7:00 AM

6:00 PM

Registration & Check-In

8:00 AM

9:00 AM

Press Breakfast (Invite Only)

9:30 AM

10:00 AM

Track Breakouts

10:15 AM

10:45 AM

Track Breakouts

11:00 AM

11:30 AM

Track Breakouts

11:45 AM

12:15 PM

Track Breakouts

12:30 PM

1:45 PM

Lunch & Networking

2:00 PM

2:05 PM

Welcome Remarks

2:05 PM

2:50 PM

Keynote & General Session

3:00 PM

EXPO HALL OPENS

3:30 PM

4:00 PM

Expo Stage Sessions

4:15 PM

4:45 PM

Expo Stage Sessions

4:30 PM

6:00 PM

Networking Cocktail Reception

6:00 PM

EXPO HALL CLOSES

Thursday, June 6

8:00 AM

4:00 PM

Registration & Check-In

9:10 AM

9:15 AM

Welcome Remarks

9:15 AM

10:00 AM

Keynote Session

10:00 AM

EXPO HALL OPENS

10:30 AM

11:00 AM

Expo Stage Sessions

11:15 AM

11:45 AM

Expo Stage Sessions

12:00 PM

12:30 PM

Expo Stage Sessions

12:30 PM

1:15 PM

Lunch & Expo Exploration

1:30 PM

2:00 PM

Track Breakouts

2:15 PM

2:45 PM

Track Breakouts

3:00 PM

3:30 PM

Track Breakouts

4:00 PM

EXPO HALL CLOSES

The Special Programming

Included w/ All-Access Pass

Decentralization Deciphered, the ultimate educational platform that connects businesses with Web3 content and insights, is coming back to RICE! Discover how retail is undergoing a revolutionary transformation and hear how leading brands and tech experts converge to unravel the best practices for Web3 success. Don’t miss your chance to be at the forefront of innovation!

Deep-Dive

Workshops

Included w/ All-Access Pass

Looking for a more collaborative environment to get deep-dive learnings with fellow retail/brand peers? We’ve curated distinct programming for retail/brand executives only to engage in interactive and solutions-oriented workshops. Be part of the knowledge-exchange, make new connections and walk away with playbooks tailored to your needs! Note: If you’re a retailer or brand with an All-Access or Conference Track Pass, you have FREE access to the workshops!

Store Tours

Included w/ All-Access Pass

Explore buzzing neighborhoods in Chicago with Insider Trends! Get a firsthand look at some of the most innovative store concepts in the city and examine how you can apply them to your brand experiences. Be sure to secure your spot ASAP! The tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and will sell out.

*Additional fee required.

Roundtables

Included w/ All-Access Pass

Connect with your peers and discuss the latest trends in retail in an intimate roundtable setting. During these 40-minute interactive sessions, you’ll participate in a guided, theme-based discussion led by an executive thought leader. Our #RICE24 roundtables are a great way to build your network and dive deep into relevant topics for your business in an authentic and collaborative environment.

Request to be invited to join us for the #RICE23 Masterclasses!

Which MasterClass are you interested in attending?