If you’re interested in retail and how technology is playing a major part in reshaping it, then you might want to consider heading to an event this week called “The Future of Retail: Building a Bridge Between Startups & Brands.”
Toronto-based accelerator INcubes has arranged an insightful night that includes an esteem group of individuals that will discuss the future of retail, retail technology, and “how to build a bridge between startups and big brands.”
The event is free and is taking place on Thursday, June 4th from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at the Telus House (25 York Street). The panel will be moderated by our own Tom Emrich, and include Kristi Karens from Mondelēz International, Ben Zlotnick of INcubes, Pema Hegan of Checkout 51.
Below is a full description:
Technological advancements such as on-demand delivery, mobile payments and hyper-personalization are creating new shopper expectations and startups are leading the way in disrupting this landscape, while big brands and retailers continue to have the scale to accelerate change. Tonight – we will focus on how connecting these two worlds can create a 1+1=3 outcome. For startups, brands offer proprietary research, proof of concept, and opportunities to scale quickly. For brands, startups represent an opportunity to access emerging technology and cultural best practices to move faster, fail smarter, and accelerate their business – helping brands keep pace with consumers and leap frog competition.
Panelists will cover topics including:
– How is shopper behaviour changing based on technology adoption?
– What are some of the trends we’re seeing across startup technologies in the retail space?
– Where do we see the biggest opportunities in retail technology?
– How can brands and startups find each other?
– What does a mutually beneficial startup + brand relationship look like?
– What are some measures of success and/or pitfalls for startup + brand partnerships?