IFA Retail Leaders Summit

Speakers:

• CEO, IFA
• Managing Director, Euronics International

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.

• Global Sector Leader, Consumer Durables, Oliver Wyman
• Chief Commercial Officer, MediaMarktSaturn 
• President & Chief Business Officer, Reliance Digital Retail 

• 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.

• Senior Representative, AMD 

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.

• Global Practice Lead Data & AI, Avanade 
• Senior Representative, AMD 
• Senior Executive, Microsoft 

Speakers:

• CEO, Coolblue

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 

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?

"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)

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
  

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 
  

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?