Opening Keynote
State of Quebec Retail

• Recovery Post-Pandemic
• Shifts in consumer behavior towards online shopping
• Short-term and long-term outlook

E-commerce Today and Beyond

• Pandemic acceleration of e-commerce—where are we today?
• Is e-commerce vs brick & mortar still a conversation?
• How to provide experiential retail experience with growing e-commerce

Targeting Next Generation of Consumers

• Creating a niche with local and sustainable products
• Diving into locally sourced and sustainable consumption trends
• Founding brand loyalty within the new generation of consumers

Adaptation of Brick-and-Mortar Store Businesses

• How to provide better customer experiences
• Unifying online and brick & mortar experience
• Role of safety, store layout and seamless shopping experience in retail

Tech Keynote

• Omnichannel Integration Tech solutions
• Inventory management systems
• Customer relationship management (CRM) software Unified commerce platforms

Challenges and Opportunities Faced by Montreal (Quebec) Retailers

• Emerging Technologies: Future of e-commerce, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency.
• Market Expansion: Discuss opportunities and challenges in expanding e-commerce globally, including localization strategies, cross-border payments, and regulatory considerations.
• Sustainability and Ethical Practices: Eco-friendly packaging, ethical sourcing, and transparent supply chains.

Fireside Chat: Building Platforms for Unique Customer Experience

• Rising costs
• Labor shortages
• Evolving consumer preferences
• Growth opportunities such as leveraging digital marketing strategies, enhancing customer loyalty programs, and embracing innovation in retail technologies.

Tourism and Retail

• Creating Shopping Districts and Diversity
• From boutiques of Rue Sainte-Catherine and Mile End to the cultural richness of Little Italy and the diversity of ethnic markets
• Creating reasons to bring in shoppers through hyper localized and unique retail experiences

Utilizing Technology in Retail

• E-commerce and Digital Platforms
• Enhancing digital UX with mobile apps, and online marketplaces
• Integrating omnichannel tools within your stores

Role of AI in Retail

• Data Analytics and AI
• AI-based insights and actionable intelligence
• Enhancing operational efficiency - AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants
• Blockchain and big data

New Tech in Retail

• Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
• Interactive product demonstrations
• Immersive shopping experiences
• Using AR/VR to bridge the gap between online and in-person shopping

Returns and Supply Chain Innovation

• Reducing returns and increasing profitability
• Managing intelligent supply chain
• Identifying “professional Returner” profiles

Role of Advertising and Customer Acquisition

• What advertising strategies and platforms will serve you best?
• Spending money to make it? Acquire customers or build a brand
• Personalized marketing and individual offers

Closing keynote Marketing Leadership in Retail

Close of conference