SLR’s ground-breaking tech, data, digital and customer engagement conference exclusively for the UK convenience retailing trade returns – and #ThinkSmart2 is set to be a must-attend event for forward-thinking local retailers.
When SLR first launched its #ThinkSmart conference for the UK’s convenience retailers in 2014, the event was – and remains – the only tech, data, digital and customer engagement trade conference created exclusively for the local retailing community right across the UK.
It was our strong conviction that in-store technology, data capture and manipulation, digital communications and next generation customer engagement strategies would become core to the management of a modern convenience store. History has proven us to be correct on that front with new tech and customer engagement now in the front line for most progressive retailers.
With that in mind, SLR has recently launched the follow-up #ThinkSmart2 event, once more held at the Glasgow Science Centre, a highly appropriate venue for a targeted conference like this. The event will attract retailers from across the UK. For once they will come to us, rather than the usual trips down south that Scottish retailers typically have to make to attend major events and learning forums.
#ThinkSmart2 will once again offer an exciting, engaging experience mixing on-stage presentation, focused smaller format breakout streams and a ‘Test & Learn’ experiential chamber where attendees will be able to get their hands on some of the latest tech available, from virtual reality store management software to the latest digital signage communications equipment, from next generation analytics solutions to in-store robotics.
The event takes place on March 19, 2018 and we have already confirmed two fantastic speakers:
Tom Hall
Retail Analytics and Consulting Practice Team Leader, IRI Worldwide
Tom Hall is a recognised global thought leader in the world of retail analytics and heads up the Retail Analytics and Consulting team at research and data giants IRI Worldwide.
Tom has worked across the globe in both developed and developing markets dedicated to helping retailers and manufacturers optimise their price, media, promotion and ranging strategies. He has a wealth of experience and has specialised in rolling out data analytics to new markets, working on convenience business optimisation across Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe.
At the moment, Tom is driving the development of tailored business optimisation packages for the UK convenience sector following the launch by IRI of a new ‘supermarket-style’ analytics solution created specifically for the convenience sector. The solution offers local retailers the same insights the supermarkets have had access to for years.
Enda McShane
CEO, Velocity Worldwide
Also confirmed is New York-based Irishman Enda McShane, CEO and founder of customer engagement gurus Velocity Worldwide. Enda will by flying across the Atlantic to discuss the role that customer engagement can – and must – play in modern convenience retailing. A renowned tech visionary, he will also discuss some ground-breaking work that Velocity is undertaking on both sides of the Atlantic, including some next generation huge scale projects in NFL stadiums across the US.
The event is taking shape very nicely and is set to be true highlight of next year’s local retailing calendar. If you are interested in attending, exhibiting, speaking or wish to explore commercial opportunities, contact Antony at abegley@55north.com
Visit thinksmart.slrmag.co.uk for more information.
