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RLI CONNECT GLOBAL FORUM

revitalising the appeal of destinations whilst attracting high-value
visitors who are willing to invest in meaningful experiences.
Contributing to the session were Karrie Goldberg, Co-Founder
of Outernet Venues Ltd and Founder & CEO of The Kagency,
Yurdaer Kahraman, CEO of Fiba Commercial Properties,
Anthony Khoi, Founder and President of Cenor Group and
Managing Partner of LDV Group and Edie Rodriguez, Board
Member of Saudi Tourism Authority. The group took a look
at how to protect revenue sources to maintain current funding
levels, reimagine a new more mindful and impactful strategy to
increase visitor spending, drive repeat visits and amplify positive
world-of-mouth. They explored how to build the destination
brand around the community’s goals, values and creative energy,
by better integrating tourism and economic development.
After recharging with an afternoon caffeine fix, attendees
reconvened for the final panel session of the day, which was
chaired by Audra Lamoon, Owner & Founder of Livewire
Performance which tuned into the Retail Renaissance – Turning
Stores into Destination Experiences. Featuring Chris Browne,
Former Global Retail Director of Ted Baker, Ariel Haroush,
Founder & CEO of Outform and Founder & Chairman of
Future Stores and Dan Slater, Vice President of Retail for
Hackett & Façonnable at AWWG, the session highlighted how
the e-commerce eave that once threatened brick-and-mortar
stores has revealed a resurgence in in-person shopping as
consumers seek memorable experiences. The group discussed
An Era of Change

The eleventh edition of RLI Connect Global, under its new guise of the ‘RLI Connect Global
Forum’ made its debut in The Soho Hotel in London on the 23 October, launching a new
format and bringing the world of retail and leisure together for a day of debate, networking the shift from transaction to experience, emphasising the
and panel sessions with leadings players from across the industry. importance of the experience economy and how brands are
reinventing themselves by reimaging stores as brand homes and
n association with Headline Partner Sands Retail, the RLI sustainable and tech-driven. Featuring the speakers Timothy Jones, visitor experiences, focusing on unique offerings that connect
IConnect Global Forum embarked on an exciting journey Senior Vice President Retail at Sands China, Dimitri Lalagos, Senior with local audiences and honour cultural nuances.
into ‘A New Era of Creating Next-Generation World-Class Vice President of American Dream, Mohamed Saad, President of After a productive and informative day, it was time to relax and
Destinations’. This theme reflected the transformative power Diriyah Development Company who joined over livestream and unwind in a more informal setting as attendees regrouped for a
of innovation, sustainability and immersive experiences as the Shahram Shamsaee, CEO of Merex Investment, key topics included VIP Networking Experience in association with Lane7 at their
event looked to redefine the future of global retail and leisure. the integration of new technologies, the adoption of sustainable London Victoria location. The evening offered the opportunity
After launching in 2013, this year’s event introduced a new format practices for environmental and social well-being and the crafting of for continued networking and discussion whilst enjoying a drink
that focused on dedicated panel sessions on major topics within the immersive shopping experiences that blend retail with local culture and a chance to partake in competitive socialising, with bowling
industry featuring key speakers from around the world, instead of and entertainment with the aim of engaging diverse audiences. becoming a particular highlight amongst guests.
its previous format of organised, one-to-one meeting schedules. The second panel session followed after the morning coffee This year’s Retail Safari on the morning of the 24 October
Industry leaders gathered to exchange ideas, spark collaborations break and saw Jayne moderate a session around ‘Unleashing began at Future Stores, the innovative and immersive retail
and drive the evolution of cutting-edge destinations that will the Power of Experiential & Immersive Experiences’. Featuring media experience that has just opened its doors and has been
shape tomorrow’s cities, experiences and economies. The panels, Michael Dyke, CEO of New Murabba Development Company, designed to redefine how shoppers engage with brands.
discussions and networking opportunities were designed to push Helena González, Special Projects & Digital Art Director at The safari then continued with a tour across a selection of
boundaries and inspire new possibilities, empowering everyone to Trison Necsum, Johnny Ong, Founder and Head of Creative London’s world-renowned shopping locations such as Covent
be pioneers in this ever-changing landscape. Experiences at Superdough and Dan Pelson, COO of AREA15, Garden, Carnaby Street and Shoreditch.
Following registration and refreshments, Owner & Publisher of the panel highlighted how today shoppers crave immersive It was then time for people to enjoy their afternoon before
RLI and Founder of RLI Connect Jayne Rafter took to the stage experiences that allow them to fully engage with the essence of a the Global RLI Awards took place in the evening, now in its
to introduce the event and offer an overview of world-class destination. Conversation centred on how to curate unforgettable nineteenth year and continuing to celebrate retail & leisure
destinations and explore a selection of recently completed, under experiences that resonate deeply with visitors and explored the excellence on a global scale, it was a stellar event and recognised
development and proposed projects from all corners of the globe. importance of experiences that employ cutting-edge technology world-class projects and concepts. Read more about the
The first panel session of the day was moderated by Jayne Rafter to help create more engaging and interactive atmospheres. Global RLI Awards in our upcoming winner’s brochure.
and focused on the topic ‘Embracing a Transformational Journey’, After a networking lunch it was the turn of Dan Innes,
where her and the panellists explored how to create destinations Managing Director and Founder of Innesco to moderate the third We will be announcing dates and location for our next events
that are visually and experientially captivating, while also being panel, ‘Maximising Economic Recovery’. This session focused on soon, so stay tuned!

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