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The IFA Retail Leaders Summit is an exclusive, invite-only event welcoming over 100 C-level and senior retail executives.
Thursday, 4 September 2025
Palais, Messe Berlin – North Entrance
The IFA Retail Leaders Summit is an exclusive, invite-only event welcoming over 100 C-level and senior retail executives.
Thursday, 4 September 2025
Palais, Messe Berlin – North Entrance

IFA Retail Leaders Summit

Shaping the future of commerce
At the IFA Retail Leaders Summit, the movers and shakers of the global retail industry come together with senior executives from the world’s leading home & consumer tech brands. They’re joined by respected industry analysts and pioneering technology leaders – all ready to share insights, spark ideas, and shape the future of connected commerce.
Key objectives of the IFA Retail Leaders Summit
Driving collaboration, sparking insight, and delivering strategic impact across retail, technology, and consumer innovation.
C-level collaboration & innovation

Fostering peer-to-peer collaboration among the brightest minds in retail and tech.

Matchmaking & facilitating business

To support new connections between international retailers, manufacturers, and groundbreaking tech providers.

Who will be invited?
All attendees will be senior decision makers and thought leaders within their organisation.
Strategic leaders

· Presidents

· CEOs

· Managing Directors

Procurement, sales & supply chain leaders

· Heads of Retail Operations

· Heads of Supply Chain

· Chief Customer Officers

· Heads of Procurement / Sales

· Heads of Category Management

Key advisors & enablers

· Senior Industry Analysts

· Technology Evangelists

What makes IFA’s Retail Leaders Summit unique?

As the world’s leading platform for home & consumer tech, the IFA Retail Leaders Summit brings together more senior retailers, industry executives and key opinion leaders than any other event.

This invite-only programme is carefully curated to meet the specific needs of senior retail and tech leaders. Each guest receives a personalised agenda, including high-level content, focused roundtables and strategic 1:1 meetings, designed to maximise time and impact.

IFA attracts 12,000+ international retailers
IFA attracts 1,800+ home & consumer tech brands
IFA attracts political, regulatory & economic leaders
Join the IFA Retail Leaders Summit.
What to expect?
Valuable connections with the world’s most forward-thinking retailers, leading manufacturers and bold tech innovators.
Round table discussions
Join the conversation on the hottest topics in retail and tech alongside peers and the industry’s sharpest minds.
Round table discussions
Visionary keynotes & presentations
Hear directly from C-level and senior executives as they share their vision for the future of retail and technology.
Visionary keynotes & presentations
VIP tours & invitations
Enjoy exclusive VIP experiences at IFA, from private gala dinners and behind-the-scenes tours to premium access at the IFA Sommergarten music festival.
VIP tours & invitations
Networking & 1:1 meetings
Meet the people and companies that will elevate your professional network and your next big opportunity.
Networking & 1:1 meetings
Visionary keynotes & presentations
Hear directly from C-level and senior executives as they share their vision for the future of retail and technology.
Visionary keynotes & presentations
Networking & 1:1 meetings
Meet the people and companies that will elevate your professional network and your next big opportunity.
Networking & 1:1 meetings
Round table discussions
Join the conversation on the hottest topics in retail and tech alongside peers and the industry’s sharpest minds.
Round table discussions
VIP tours & invitations
Enjoy exclusive VIP experiences at IFA, from private gala dinners and behind-the-scenes tours to premium access at the IFA Sommergarten music festival.
VIP tours & invitations
Connecting the global retail landscape in home & consumer tech
IFA strategic retail partners in 2024:
IFA draws more retailers and buying groups than any other event in the sector:
Join the IFA Retail Leaders Summit.
IFA Retail Leaders Summit – Preliminary Agenda
Sep 4, 2025
08:00 - 18:30
Palais, Messe Berlin
08:00
Registration & breakfast
08:45
Welcome address

Speakers:

  • CEO, IFA
  • Managing Director, Euronics International
09:00 - 09:30
Opening keynote Panel:

Unlocking growth – Getting Ahead of Economic Trends and Consumer Demand 

The consumer electronics industry is facing a rapidly evolving landscape marked by economic shifts, technological advancements, and shifting consumer preferences. This opening keynote and panel will explore how companies can navigate these challenges while positioning themselves for growth and competitive advantage.

  • Navigating economic shifts: Inflation, supply chain disruptions, and changing global trade policies have created both challenges and opportunities in the consumer electronics market. Experts will discuss how companies are adapting to these shifts, optimizing their supply chains, and planning for resilience in an unpredictable global environment. 
  • Anticipating consumer demand: The ability to predict consumer demand has never been more critical. We explore how data analytics, AI, and advanced market research tools are helping companies forecast trends, understand consumer behaviour, and develop products that meet emerging needs.
  • Innovating for competitive advantage: Innovation in sustainability, smart technologies, and ecosystem integration will be key to staying ahead. We share how leveraging these innovations, alongside cutting-edge software and hardware, can drive future growth and improve market positioning in a competitive landscape.
Speakers
  • Global Sector Leader, Consumer Durables, Oliver Wyman
  • Chief Commercial Officer, MediaMarktSaturn 
  • President & Chief Business Officer, Reliance Digital Retail 
09:30 - 09:45
How AI Innovation is Transforming Retail and OEM Opportunities
As AI reshapes every touchpoint of the customer journey, innovation in opening new doors for OEM partners and retailers alike. This session offers a forward-looking perspective on the evolving role of AI in creating richer user experiences and redefining how brands engage consumers. From personalizing interactions to reimagining product discovery, we’ll explore whether today’s brands are truly leveraging AI’s potential—and what’s next on the horizon. Discover how advancements in AI compute from industry leaders are setting the stage for smarter, more dynamic, and responsive retail experiences.

Key Takeaways:
  • Understand how AI compute advancements are powering next-gen consumer experiences.
  • Learn how OEMs and retailers can leverage AI to personalize and differentiate their offerings.
  • Gain insights into future trends shaping smarter, more responsive retail environments.
Speakers:
  • Senior Representative, AMD 
09:45 - 10:10
How AI, software, and computing power are shaping the future of retail

The retail landscape is rapidly evolving. In this impact panel, industry leaders will discuss how advanced AI, cloud computing, and software solutions are revolutionizing retail operations and customer experiences, paving the way for a new era of intelligent, data-driven retail.

  • AI-Driven Retail Innovation: AI-powered analytics and automation are radically transforming how companies manage inventory, personalize shopping experiences, and enhance customer engagement. Panelists will explore how they are using AI to optimize retail processes, boost operational efficiency, and deliver personalized experiences at scale.
  • The Power of Cloud and Compute: Cloud and computing solutions are enabling retailers to operate with greater scalability, security, and intelligence. This discussion will focus on how cloud technologies are empowering retailers to harness vast amounts of data, streamline operations, and build robust, future-proof retail infrastructures.
  • Future of Smart Retail: The panel will look ahead to the next generation of retail, where predictive analytics, generative AI, and automation play a pivotal role in shaping customer interactions, supply chain management, and product development. Learn how these emerging trends are creating new opportunities for innovation in the retail space.
Speakers:
  • Global Practice Lead Data & AI, Avanade 
  • Senior Representative, AMD 
  • Senior Executive, Microsoft 
10:10 - 10:25
Coolblue Scene Setter on Omni-Channel

Speakers:

  • CEO, Coolblue
10:25 - 10:45
Mastering Omni-Channel Panel: How to Become a Best-in-Class Retailer

In today’s fragmented retail landscape, delivering a seamless, unified customer experience across digital and physical channels is no longer optional—it’s essential. This session dives into what it takes to become a best-in-class omni-channel retailer, combining data-driven insights, integrated platforms, and customer-centric strategies. We'll explore key omni-channel trends—from real-time inventory visibility to hyper-personalized marketing—and unpack go-to-market strategies that bridge the gap between online and in-store. Learn how leading brands are building resilient, agile models that meet customers wherever they are—and wherever they're going.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Identify the latest omni-channel trends, including unified commerce, mobile-first strategies, and AI-driven personalization
  • Learn go-to-market strategies for aligning digital and physical touchpoints to improve loyalty and conversion
  • Discover tools and best practices for streamlining operations, from inventory synchronization to cross-channel fulfillment

 

Speakers:

  • Retail, NiQ / GfK 
  • CEO, CoolBlue 
  • CEO, Fnac Darty 
10:45 - 11:00
Morning Break, Coffee & Refreshments
11:00 - 12:00
Retail & Industry Roundtable Discussions
  1. Mastering Omni-Channel: (NIQ/GfK): What are the key challenges and opportunities for Retailers and Industry with Omni-Channel
  2. DTC - Taking consumer activation to the next level – digital, social and interactive (Oliver Wyman): How do the winners in consumer electronics set themselves apart from everybody else, winning in mature markets
  3. AI & Data-Driven Retail: Personalization, Automation, and the Next Generation of Shopping Experiences (Avanade / Microsoft): How are retailers using AI and analytics to improve personalised customer experience and improving staff engagement at the point of sale
  4. How will AI influence future buying behaviour? (AMD): How are technology advancements influencing buyer behaviour and driving new business models
  5. Sustainability & Circular Economy in Consumer Electronics (Cradle-to-Cradle): How can retailers and manufacturers reduce e-waste and make sustainable choices profitable?
12:00 - 13:15
Networking & 121 Meetings
12:10 - 12:30
Lunch & Learn

"Cradle to Cradle: Designing a Circular Future for Home and Consumer Electronics"

This session offers a forward-looking vision for a sustainable and circular consumer electronics industry, grounded in the Cradle to Cradle (C2C) research. We'll explore what a truly circular economy demands in terms of product design, resource use, and supply chain transformation. Attendees will gain insight into current industry initiatives, the systemic shifts required to close material loops, and the role of political frameworks in enabling scalable change.

 

Speakers:

  • Co-Founder, Executive Director, Cradle to Cradle (C2C)
12:30 - 13:30
Lunch
13:30 - 13:40
Afternoon Scene Setter

Managing Director, Expert International

13:40 - 13:50
Decoding India: A spotlight on the world’s biggest opportunity

President & Chief Business Officer, Reliance Digital Retail

    13:50 - 14:10
    Know your future customer: How to stay relevant and anticipate change

    As consumer behaviour evolves in the digital age, go-to-market strategies for brands and retailers in home and consumer tech must transform to stay competitive. This session explores what’s driving the change, from demand for personalization to the rise of omnichannel experiences—and how brands can respond with agility and innovation.

    Key Takeaways:

    • What innovation is required to meet future consumer needs?
    • Understand the latest shifts in consumer expectations and tech buying journeys
    • Explore how data, AI, and digital experiences are reshaping retail strategies
    • Learn practical steps to future-proof your brand for the next generation of shoppers

     

    Speakers:

    • Director of Consumer, WGSN
    14:10 - 14:50
    Industry Perspective: Balancing Retail Partnerships, eCommerce, and DTC

    As consumer demand for home and consumer electronics evolves, manufacturing brands must strike the right balance between traditional retail partnerships, eCommerce, and direct-to-consumer (DTC) models. This session will examine how leading brands are adapting their go-to-market strategies to drive growth, increase margins, and deliver a consistent brand experience across every channel.

     

    • Channel Integration for Electronics Brands: How top manufacturers are aligning in-store retail, online marketplaces, and DTC platforms to expand reach and maintain control over brand and pricing.
    • Future-Proofing Sales Strategies: Navigating rapid technological innovation, shifting consumer habits, and competitive pressure with flexible, omnichannel strategies tailored for the electronics market.
    • Smart Use of Data & Technology: Harnessing AI, predictive analytics, and real-time data to fine-tune product availability, dynamic pricing, and personalized consumer engagement across channels.

     

    Speakers:

    • Moderator: Head of Customer Success, NiQ/ GfK
    • Group Director DACH, Meta 
    14:50 - 16:30
    Networking & 121 Meetings
    16:30 - 17:30
    Sundowner Roundtable Discussions

     

    1. Understanding Consumer Demand: How to Stay Ahead of Economic & Market Trends (WGSN): What data sources and methodologies can brands use to anticipate shifts in consumer behaviour?
    2. Unlocking Growth: How Retailers Can Win with Direct-to-Consumer Strategies (Meta): This roundtable will explore how Meta’s platforms (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.) can be leveraged to power successful DTC strategies
    3. The Future of Consumer Electronics Retail: Balancing In-Store, eCommerce & DTC (NiQ / GfK): How can brands optimize their omnichannel strategy to meet evolving consumer expectations?
    17:30 - 18:30
    Closing Remarks and Networking Drinks Reception
    Frequently asked questions
    • 1. Who can attend?
      Attendance is by invitation only and reserved for C-level executives, Heads of Department, and Senior Directors. If you meet the criteria, you can apply for your place via this link – please note, places are limited.
    • 2. Where will the event take place?
      The Retail Leaders Summit will be hosted in the iconic Palais building at Messe Berlin. Access is via the North Entrance.
    • 3. Will the event follow Chatham House Rules?
      Yes – after the opening keynote and panel (which are open to press and media), the summit will switch to Chatham House Rules from 10:30 onward. This ensures all comments made by senior leaders remain off the record and confidential.