Tailored, Senior-Level Content and 1-1 Meetings that Generate Value


Connect. Benchmark. Evaluate. Faster.

At Retail CIO Connect, you’re in control. Your schedule is customised so you can cut through the noise and get your strategic benchmarking and vendor evaluation needs covered within days, not weeks.

As attendance is restricted to senior-level budget holders from the top UK retailers and a select group of best-of-breed vendors you will:

  • Brainstorm real and practical ideas to transform your business through private, closed-door sessions led by market leaders
  • Efficiently evaluate the leading service offerings during conveniently arranged 1-1 meetings with vendors that you select based on your current investment priorities.

It’s a Platinum Members’ Club offering a bespoke experience for those shaping the future of retail technology. It’s where you make the connections you need to make, when you want to make them.

Why did VMware sponsor Retail CIO Connect in 2023?

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“Having pre-assigned 1-1 meetings of this quality is rare, and that’s really impressive, so well done.”

Read VMware's Success Story Here

What our VIPs say about Connect

“Inspirational stories from a fascinating group of retail leaders.”

Technology Director
Screwfix

“A brilliant experience, lots of learnings and take aways.”

Head of Customer and Digital Technology
AS Watson Health and Beauty UK

"The best retail conference for technology leaders in the UK.”

Technical Director
GuitarGuitar

Shape the industry. Drive Transformation with:

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Christopher Blatchford

Chief Technology Officer
Kingfisher

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Gary Ellwood

Chief Information Officer
FGH
(Freemans Grattan Holdings)

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Reuben Nelsen Cofie

Technology Director - Europe
URBN
(Urban Outfitters)

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Bob Holt

Head of Digital Product
N Brown

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Nikesh Gohil

Group IT Director
Applegreen

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Craig Pearce

Head of Technology
Liberty

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Rebecca Pate

Head of Product, International
M&S

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Sunil Patel

Information Security Officer
River Island

The Connect Difference

Transformative Content

We only cover strategic content and hand-pick senior-level speakers and attendees. And because we pre-qualify based on decision-making responsibility and budget, you get invaluable peer-to-peer information and take-aways.

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Personalised Connection

Because you tell us your priorities, we create closed-door tailored interactive sessions and connect you with the right solutions partners in 1-1 meetings, saving you time on competitor benchmarking and vendor evaluation.

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A Luxury Experience

We only select luxury venues in a captive location, a perfect environment for quality learning and networking with no distractions. Plus, we pick up the tab for your pass, hotel stay, including various drinks and dinner experiences!

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Connect

Be Among the Leaders. Join exclusive VIP attendees from UK leading Retailers

Highest Priority Content. Created for Decision-Makers.

Harnessing the power of AI to build smarter retail operations and enhance your customer experience

Implementing a unified commerce platform to leverage valuable insights that improve your customer engagement

Leveraging advanced security systems to better protect your data and build customer trust

Deploying the latest AR and VR capabilities to provide more immersive and interactive shopping experiences

Migrating to an AI-powered cloud operating model to scale your IT operations during peaks and boost efficiencies

A Unique Experience

Retreat and Relax at the 5-Star Venue
Get Inspired in Small Group, Interactive Formats
Handpick Solution Providers Through 1-1 Vendor Meetings
Unwind at the Sopwell House Drinks Reception
Speak Freely Under Chatham House Rules – Media are not Invited
Network Informally During Coffee & Lunch Networking Breaks

What our VIPs say about Connect

“A rare opportunity to discuss new ideas and share common challenges with a variety of different retailers.”

Head of Customer Experience Tech
The Body Shop

“A thought-provoking event that enabled Retail Tech leadership to share best practices, challenges and fuel the blue sky thinking!”

Omnichannel Product Owner
Sweaty Betty

How it Works

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A Bespoke, Senior-Level Experience

If you qualify to attend, we’ll ask you about your strategic priorities and we’ll build your personalised agenda and meeting schedule. You’ll have your hotel stay, including drinks and dinner experiences, covered by us too!

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Connect with Hand-picked Solutions Providers 1-1

Based on your profile we’ll match you with leading solution providers, assisting with the vendor selection process. You are in full control as you will only meet with the providers you are interested in evaluating.

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Speak Freely in Interactive Formats

Sessions are not recorded or covered by press. The ‘closed-door’, interactive discussions encourage openness, so you get more detailed information and takeaways than at any other event.

Interactive Learning & Networking

Get ideas from all the great minds in the audience through a variety of small working group discussions.

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Network with the leaders of the Retail CIO community

We’ve created a haven for leading minds in the UK retail community to reconnect in-person again. With 90+ senior executives attending, from leading companies, and 13 hours of pure networking scheduled, Retail CIO Connect is an unrivalled opportunity to make connections that will help you address your challenges and capitalise on opportunities.

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Women in IT Boardroom

Collaborate with your peers to discuss how we can join forces to dive overcome the barriers facing women in IT leadership positions and encourage diversity in the boardroom.

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Oxford Style Debate

Walk away with a fresh mindset and better prepared to deal with a burning issue. Witness industry leading figures pitting themselves against each other to deliver a knockout argument.

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Interactive Roundtables

A problem shared is a problem halved. Join a small group of 8-10 delegates to learn from your peers facing the same obstacles and dig down into the problems to see if, together, you can find some solutions

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Think Tank

Led by an exciting vendor, work together with your peers to tap into their knowledge and challenge each other to find a new way forward!

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Dragons’ Den

Find the next big start up that can help you innovate fast and stay ahead of the curve. Assess each start-ups benefit to your business and the likelihood of their future success.

Relax, Reflect and have a Productive Stay in St Albans

11-12 June 2024

Our Sponsors: