By IRX - Thousands of industry professionals will gather for the UK’s premier digital retail show, IRX – which is free to attend

The InternetRetailing Expo (IRX), considered the UK’s premier digital retail show, returns to the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on the eve of summer. IRX and eDX (the eDelivery Expo) take place on May 24th and 25th. Registration is now open for the free, two-day event.

Although IRX has been running for 17 years, it has never been more relevant, arguably. According to the latest Office for National Statistics data, online sales in January 2023 accounted for precisely one-quarter of all retailing in Great Britain. Notably, pre-pandemic, in February 2020, the figure was 19.8% – but there are obvious reasons for the change.

The lockdowns implemented to reduce the spread of coronavirus forced retailers to shutter physical stores and triggered an e-commerce explosion. But now, post-pandemic, consumer trends are evolving, and those operating in this space must elevate their digital retail offering or miss out. Here’s where IRX and eDX can help. 

Networking and interaction at IRX

Attendees will be informed by the latest trends and innovations shaping the industry, influenced by talks from over 100 thought leaders and speakers – ranging from industry veterans to rising stars – and inspired by pioneering technology providers or solutions providers.

Thousands of industry professionals will participate in the must-attend event in the digital retail calendar. With “networking” and “interaction” as the watchwords, attendees are encouraged to listen, learn, and share. From 5 pm, directly after the formal agenda has been completed, on May 24th, things will become more relaxed. Free networking drinks will be poured at the IRX bar in the center of the exhibition floor until 6.30 pm (at least officially). This 90-minute informal session is ideal for unwinding and chatting with fellow retailers, sponsors, and exhibitors.

IRX is a unique event where people can catch up with old friends, make new contacts, and hear about the latest trends – plus find out how to make the most of them. By attending workshops, IRX visitors will gain valuable insights and hear applicable, practical advice to enable businesses to thrive.

IRX always attracts the biggest names, and the lineup for 2023 is no exception. For example, this year’s conference will feature various household brands, exhibitors, and sponsors, including Amazon Freight, Amazon Shipping, Worldline, GFS, and Checkout.com. Also present will be Wunderkind, Shopify, and Klaviyo, among many others.

Additionally, Claire Hennah, Unilever’s Global Ecommerce Director, Selfridges Head of Customer Data, Giles Smith, and Michelle Kearns, Head of IT for Boots, are just three of 100+ speakers sharing their insights on stage at the NEC. Anjali Subburaj, DCX Architect at The Very Group, Nick Bradford, JD.com’s Sustainability and Procurement Director, and River Island CIO Adam Warne will also speak. And these are just the confirmed brands and presenters – many more will be announced before May 24th.

Conference tracks at IRX

Sessions across four conference theatres include keynotes, panels, and fireside chats. Meanwhile, three workshop theatres will provide practical and applicable advice on a range of subjects.

The seven conference tracks reflect the most relevant topics for digital retail professionals. For 2023, these include Marketing, Digital Marketing, Customer Experience, Customer Obsession, and Omnichannel Innovation.

To provide prospective guests with an idea of what will likely be discussed in the four tracks, below is a selection of working-agenda items – please note that these are subject to change.

Digital Marketing

As well as providing the stage for the initial plenary sessions on May 24th, Theatre 1 will feature sessions on how to market during the downturn – to help customers make the right purchases during the cost-of-living crisis – and how to capitalize on consumer browsing trends and impulse purchases. Also, tips to succeed Gen Z and Gen Alpha markets – both essential customers today and tomorrow – will be offered, plus advice about how best to use machine learning to improve conversion rates. On May 25th, Theatre 1 will feature sessions looking at how to stay competitive by creating brand authenticity, and how to drive revenue through gamification, storytelling, and influencers, among other trends. Attendees will also learn about the benefits of investing in a data-driven loyalty strategy to improve conversion rates and boost customer satisfaction. 

Customer Experience

In Theatre 2, guests will discover insights about how to use gamification and immersive shopping in the metaverse to enhance customer experience and improve all-important loyalty. Here speakers will also shine a light on building and engaging online communities by investing in artificial intelligence on social media channels to boost brand awareness.

Customer Obsession

This track is sponsored by Amazon Shipping and Amazon Freight. Following a welcome message from Daniel Evans, CEO of Birmingham Enterprise Community, visitors to Theatre 2 on May 25th will learn how to sell during an economic downturn – specifically how to respond to changes in customers’ buying behaviour – and tips for creating personalised shopping experiences that improve loyalty. There are also sessions on optimising the checkout experience to reduce basket abandonment, capturing Gen Z and Gen Alpha markets, the pros and cons of subscription-based services, and the future of online shopping.

Omnichannel Innovation

Theatre 3’s topics include maintaining a consistent experience when shifting from a multichannel to an omnichannel approach, tips to build a marketplace strategy into a business model and increase customer reach, and tapping into the circular economy.

IRX & eDX takes place on May 24th and 25th at the NEC, Birmingham. 

🔥Register for free here now. #IRX23 #eDX23🔥

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The latest experts to join the impressive list of speakers at IRX @ DTX+UCX, with CTO, CIO, eCommerce Director, and Head of Solutions Marketing among their titles, reflect how the event’s wide-ranging conference sessions will cover eCommerce in many dimensions, from technology and data to marketing.

Taking place on 12 & 13 October at London’s ExCeL, the event has recently added presentations by senior executives from Kellogg’s, River Island, Adobe, Bloom & Wild, Salesforce, and Sweaty Betty to those from Mars, BBC, HSBC, Lounge Underwear and Dr. Martens already featuring in its conference program. 

In addition, former F1 champion Jenson Button will be one of two keynote interviewees along with Pulitzer-nominated journalist Carole Cadwalladr while Georgie Barratt from the Gadget Show will explain how the metaverse will impact the retail landscape. 

Re-platforming, marketing, and growth

The sessions have been tailored to address the needs of retail professionals, covering re-platforming, marketing, growth, delivery, customer engagement, omnichannel innovation, and fulfillment.  

The show is set to bring together thousands of senior tech and digital decision-makers, marketers, eCommerce heads, developers, and architects to explore the rapidly changing landscape and discover new tech, new ways of working, and the very latest in modern commerce. 

A comprehensive exhibition at IRX will showcase the latest technologies and solutions to transform digital offerings, and improve functionality and customer experience. Retailers can also catch up with their peers through dedicated networking opportunities, curated conversations, and learning.  

There will also be a complete program of workshops, and practical, training-focused sessions delivered by leading companies in the industry about the latest technologies and how to use them more effectively to drive sales. In addition, boardroom roundtables, created for retail and brand decision-makers and by invitation only, will address topics such as the charge towards headless commerce and driving customer lifetime value with personalization at scale.

IRX @ DTX+UCX takes place on 12 & 13 October at ExCeL London, just 10 minutes from Liverpool Street on the new Elizabeth Line. 🔥Register – for free – here.🔥  

#IRX22   

For further information contact:  Emma Blake: emma.blake@cigroup.co.uk / Chris Lewis: chris.lewis@cigroup.co.uk

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By IRX - Former F1 champion Jenson Button and experts from Mars, Trinny London, River Island, and Lounge Underwear will be among the many engaging speakers when senior-level retail technology experts gather to collaborate, meet suppliers and expand their network at IRX this October.

For the first time ever IRX, the leading eCommerce event, will be at ExCel London, close to the offices of many retail organizations when it is co-located with DTX + UCX which is taking place on 12 & 13 October. 

🔥 Registration is now open.🔥

The show is set to bring together around 5,000 senior tech and digital decision-makers, eCommerce heads, developers, and architects to explore the rapidly changing landscape and discover new tech, new ways of working, and the very latest in modern commerce.

A comprehensive exhibition at IRX will showcase the latest technologies and solutions to transform digital offerings, and improve functionality and customer experience. Retailers can also catch up with their peers through dedicated networking opportunities, curated conversations, and learning. 

Alongside practical workshops and boardroom roundtable is a conference with top-level speakers from global heavy hitters including Mars, the Co-op, Dr. Martens, River Island, the BBC, and Lounge Underwear. Former F1 champion Jenson Button will be one of two keynote interviewees along with Pulitzer nominated journalist Carole Cadwalladr while Georgie Barratt from the Gadget Show will explain how the metaverse will impact the retail landscape.

Stuart Barker, Portfolio Director at Clarion Events, organizers of IRX, explains why a visit to the show is a ‘must-do’ for retail technology leaders:

“This is a superb opportunity in London for everyone engaged in the retail world to discover all about the latest developments in eCommerce and customer experience. The retail environment is evolving at an incredible rate with convenience, value, and customer demands driving developments. 

New channels and competitors are disrupting the market and retailers face the dual challenge of keeping one step ahead, but also evolving in a way that’s relevant and sustainable for their business. We’ve carefully created our show to put retailer needs front and center with a global range of suppliers and experts who can support retailers on their digital journey.”

Stuart Barker, portfolio Director at Clarion Events, organizers of IRX

IRX & eDX takes place on 12 & 13 October at ExCeL London. Register – for free – here.  

For further information contact: 

Emma Blake: emma.blake@cigroup.co.uk / Chris Lewis: chris.lewis@cigroup.co.uk  

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How can the retail industry survive (and overcome) the new customers’ demands? In a decade of digital transformation, customer behavior has dramatically changed. In 2017 nearly 20% of UK retail sales took place through non-conventional channels and customers spent £18bn on mobile shopping only. Retailers not offering a hassle-free multichannel experience, whether it’s in store, online or mobile, are missing out.

In 2020, being truly omnichannel will no longer be a luxury but a requirement so getting to grips with it NOW will be the only way retailers will stay ahead of the competition.

InternetRetailing EXPO (IRX) 2018 brings together the expertise, best practice and technology retailers need to enchant the customer and deliver a seamless shopping experience across channels.  On 21-22 of March, 5,000 digital professionals will gather at the NEC for the UK’s largest festival for digital and multichannel retail. With the largest educational programme in e-commerce, +80 retailers will unveil the solutions to the most pressing problems in digital retailing of today, harnessing the latest technologies across Mobile, Virtual Reality, Payments and more.

From creating your first e-commerce website to optimising your mobile experience or expanding internationally, IRX 2018 tackles today's retail challenges no matter the size of the retailer.

Be inspired by over 100 hours of content

IRX 2018 boasts 8 conference tracks featuring a stellar line-up, including Nigel Blunt, Head of Operations Development at Sainsbury's Argos, Mark Cody, Mobile Product Lead at Eurostar, Caroline Hazelhurst, Operations Director at Deliveroo, Tom Rooney, Senior Mobile Apps & In-Store Digital Manager at John Lewis and Daryl Hughes, eCommerce Manager at Facebook & Instagram UK. During IRX 2018, visitors will also be able to experience the latest innovations and developments from over 300 exhibitors, namely Ingenico Payments, Visa, Magento, Worldpay and many others.

Neil Gaisford, Managing Director for InternetRetailing Expo, commented: “Black Friday 2017 saw online sales overtake the high street for the first time, with £1.4bn taken on Friday. However, standing out in a competitive sales period like this isn’t just about who has the best promotions. The biggest differentiator can often be the customer service you deliver. Effective omnichannel; making it easy for customers to communicate, select, buy, take delivery and return, as they wish to, no matter which channel they’re using – mobile, desktop or in store. Omnichannel is the future of retail, and retailers not embracing it, will stay behind. “

Register for your free pass

For further information and to register free for IRX 2018, please visit internetretailingexpo.com. Get involved on Twitter by following @etailexpo and with the hashtags #IRX18 #EDX18.

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The UK’s biggest multichannel event, the InternetRetailing Expo (IRX), co-located with eDelivery Expo (EDX), Europe’s only dedicated multichannel delivery event, returns to Birmingham on the 5th and 6th April this year. With it come the latest innovations and products as well as the next big players in multichannel retail.

In addition to top retailers Lululemon, Google, Facebook, Sainsbury’s, LEGO, Harrods, John Lewis, M&S, Alibaba Group, Ocado, Schuh, Vodafone, Specsavers, Volkswagen, GAME and ASDA sharing their insight and expertise on stage, true action will also be seen in the exhibition floor of the NEC in Birmingham.

Visitors attending the show will not only get a first-hand look at the latest research, innovations and technology set to define the future of fulfilment and multichannel retail, but will also have the opportunity to interact and immerse themselves in it.

Virtual reality, robots, new software and developments will form part of the exclusive demos of cutting-edge technology to be unveiled by 300 leading solution providers at the show.

Some of these technologies will focus on business and competitiveness improvements, such as Brightpearl, live demonstrating their mobile point of sale system & automation platform designed for multichannel retailers, and Bunting, proving the importance of personalisation by carrying out live transformations of visitors' websites and personalising them in real-time.

For the payments industry, particularly, Worldpay will be presenting a proof-of concept demo of how payments could be used in the Internet of Things, with an IoT driverless carparking Lego demonstration. myPOS Europe Ltd will also be presenting different online payment tools, and demoing their latest myPOS devices and myPOS AppMarket.

Exhibitors at EDX will also showcase the latest technology in packaging, parcels, stock management, warehousing, logistics end-to-end, and many more areas to help retailers improve their operations performance at the show.

For instance, Eiratech Robotics will be demonstrating its full automation system for warehouse management live, including two of their award-winning robots. OrderWise will exhibit their Mobile Warehouse Management Devices and exciting new Android App functionality. Delegates will also have the opportunity of experiencing, through virtual reality, how they can operate the new LR 35 by Kardex Remstar, a vertical buffer module system that incorporates automated storage and retrieval in one solution.

Spotlight of this year’s show will also be on the Innovation Hub, a dedicated space where the most ground-breaking entrepreneurs and emerging technologies will be presented.

There, TrueStart, Europe’s only independent retail and consumer accelerator and investment fund, together with 9 start-ups: Posttag, ChoiceMaster, Blockverify, LogistCompare, Milkman, PixonEye, Hullabalook, Photospire and Streetdots, will be showcasing the new technological solutions and platforms that are disrupting the retailing space. Checkout-conversion improvement, home-delivery, data analytics, artificial intelligence and customer recommendations, search optimisation, bottom-line improvement, supply chain management, anti-counterfeit measures, marketplaces for warehousing, innovation in the last-mile and data-driven videos are some of the key elements these technologies address.

Other companies like Consignor, Payoneer, Khaos Control, Papier Metter, Netmatter, Kardex Remstar, Profulfilment, Yotpo, VL, Automated Packaging Systems and Volo Commerce will also be introducing new products and features for the UK market at this year’s edition. From cloud marketplace and channel integration solutions, to new sustainable and protective packaging materials, benchmarking tools for user-generated content and comprehensive integration platforms for ERP software, accounting systems, ecommerce platforms, shipping services and more, many exciting innovations will be presented.

Latest insight and research on the industry, to help retailers better understand opportunities in multichannel retail and logistics, will also be unveiled. Industry experts and analysts like iAdvize, Magnolia and CompetitorMonitor will be sharing their exclusive reports on creating conversational customer journeys, personalisation of web experiences and best practice for E-commerce Managers.

Adding to IRX and EDX’s comprehensive educational programme, the Expos will have 20 workshops for hands-on, practical, training. These will cover an array of topics including: building best-in-class supply chain by Profulfilment, ChannelAdvisor and DHL; increasing new business and secure repeat business by Webmarketing Booster; predictive marketing solutions by Smarter Ecommerce; and personalisation of digital experiences by Optimizely.

Attendees to the Expos won’t want to miss the chance of winning a Remote-Controlled Drone (Quadcopter) at Profulfilment’s stand or trying out Akamai Technologies’ fully immersive virtual reality (VR) experience, as they follow a cyber-attack attempting to breach and destroy a corporate website.

Complementary to the abundant opportunities for attendees to interact with cutting-edge technology and participative learning opportunities, the Expos will also mix business and pleasure outside the exhibition floor. Worldpay, Yotpo, Nosto and Kount will be hold networking opportunities and fun activities across both days.

New to this year’s show, IRX and EDX will also host an official party on the night of the 5th April at The Vox. This unique evening will bring together the who’s who of multichannel retail and the most distinguished industry professionals at this year’s show. Together they will celebrate the continued success of the most dynamic online retail sector and toast to the bright future ahead of the industry. Retailers interested in attending the party can apply for tickets here.

To learn more about the InternetRetailing and eDelivery Expo and to register for free, visit www.internetretailingexpo.com and www.edeliveryexpo.com

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