IRX 2024: Working cheaper, faster and smarter
While AI will be a hot topic at the UK tech show, it also indicates an appetite for innovation that will shape the future of ecommerce, writes Miya Knights, Retail Technology magazine publisher
The buzz around artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI shows no sign of fading. But this year’s premier UK internet retailing event aims to cut through the hype.
IRX, taking place at the NEC Birmingham, 22-23 May 2024, will provide a free exhibition and conference programme, featuring practical insight into how generative AI will, for example, automate search engine optimisation (SEO) while also showcasing cutting-edge innovation.
RetailTechnology.co.uk will be in attendance, along with merchants, brands and suppliers, to discover and discuss the latest AI trends and other ecommerce tech developments.
So, we’ve rounded up the topics and sessions to check out among a bigger and wide-ranging conference programme, including an Innovation Square, which will showcase the hottest startups entering the market, and the event’s largest Partner Pavilion exhibition to date.
Future of commerce and CX
With change being the only constant, the Future of Commerce and Customer Experience (CX) conference track is designed to help businesses adapt to the changing landscape.
Exploring the emerging trends, technologies, and strategies that will shape the future of commerce, the recently appointed chief executive of £100m womenswear online retailer, In The Style, will join a keynote panel, entitled “Navigating New Horizons,” on day one.
This conference theme, led by such CX practitioners and experts, will also emphasise the significance of meeting and understanding rapidly evolving customer expectations, fostering trust through loyalty and the CX, and creating meaningful interactions at every touchpoint.
The track also includes practical insight into augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Sean Newmarch, global ecommerce director of UK paint and wallpaper brand Farrow & Ball, will explore how AR and VR are redefining the future of shopping on day two.
Digital marketing & martech innovation
The digital marketing and marketing technology (MarTech) conference tracks will provide insight into the latest trends.
Delving into this dynamic landscape will empower attendees with insight on the latestchannel trends, from email and social media marketing to paid advertising and content. Kingfisher Head of Media and former John Lewis and Partners Merchandising Manager will keynote on day one.
These tracks will not only feature the strategic best practice emerging from cutting-edge retailers. They will also examine emerging MarTech innovations and challenges. Here, Janis Thomas, managing director of specialist online retailer, Look Fabulous Forever, will discuss how generative AI inspires creativity.
Both the exhibition and conference will also provide an excellent opportunity to understand how AI will support more personalised CX that can cater to individual consumer preferences and deliver diverse use cases, from tailored product recommendations to dynamic pricing strategies.
Edelivery, B2B and cross border
The e-delivery track will cover the latest warehousing and fulfilment capabilities to optimise returns when many retailers have to focus on reducing the cost of goods sold (COGS).
Knowing the significance of efficient and reliable delivery services in meeting customer expectations and fostering brand loyalty, logistics and supply chain management experts will focus on sustainability, automation and internationalisation.
Operating globally but acting on a local scale can unlock new sales growth. However, it tests a retail business’s ability to optimise its cross-border supply chain and fulfilment operations. From business-to-business (B2B) perspectives, the session on unlocking new market entry strategies will undoubtedly be popular.
The track will also examine the complexities of navigating diverse regulations, cultures and markets, highlighting the intricacies and rewards of cross-border trade and underscoring the importance of planning and adaptability in achieving success on a global scale.
Register here to join IRX and eDX 2024 Ambassador and Retail Technology magazine publisher, Miya Knights, later this month.
