Richard Humphreys |
RBTE is now in its seventh year. What makes the event so popular?
The team behind RBTE has never rested on its laurels. The retail industry is constantly evolving and, in turn, RBTE needs to adapt to ensure it remains a relevant event. We do a lot of exhibitor and visitor research at the show and post-show and this allows us to make sure we are delivering a valuable event for all involved.
How does RBTE help retailers address the challenges of operating in the industry today?
RBTE benefits from the guidance of a steering committee made up of leading retailers, who help shape the show ensuring that it remains relevant. We’ve also invested a lot in giving attendees the ability to network with peers and exchange ideas, plus there are numerous consultants and exhibitors on hand to provide practical solutions and demonstrations. Plus, visitors can attend conference sessions, hear success stories, then go onto the exhibitor floor and find suppliers who can help them.
What can delegates expect from this year’s event?
This year we have two keynote conference theatres, and the ever popular payments theatre makes a welcome return. This year our speaker line-up includes Cathy McCabe from Jaeger; Frank Muzika from Toys R Us; Martin Goldstein from River Island; and Steve Moore from Dixons Carphone.
There’s also over 370 exhibitors to see and retailer visitors can take advantage of the K3 Retailer Lounge, a vendor-free networking zone and the perfect place to relax with a coffee. The Innovation Trail and Awards, sponsored by Aptos are also a popular feature at the show. Exhibitors get the opportunity to submit their most innovative products and solutions, with the very best ones selected by a judging panel made up of retailers. The winner is announced at the REPL Champagne Bar at the Big Party, hosted by Dilax.
What are you most excited about for RBTE 2017?
I always look forward to finding out what the key themes and trends will be for the year ahead. It’s also exciting to see so many retail heavyweights at the show. Our co-located events, Retail Design Expo and Retail Digital Signage Expo, together with RBTE give a holistic view of retail, so we get visitors coming in big teams and it’s great to hear our exhibitors telling us that they’ve had big groups from famous retailers on their stands.