Page 17 - #201 September 2025

Event Review

RLI Connect Global Forum 2025

HE THIRTEENTH EDITION of RLI Con-
T nect Global – rebranded as the RLI
Connect Global Forum – returned to London with a Fireside Chat:
remarkable milestone to celebrate: the 20th anni- Redefining Luxury with Michael Ward, The Future of Retail –
versary of Retail & Leisure International. Set within Harrods AI, Innovation & The Experiential Shift
the stylish surroundings of The Soho Hotel on 24 June
and in proud association with Headline Partner Sands
Retail, this year’s Forum delivered a day packed with Dyke, CEO of New Murabba, who outlined visionary
insight, inspiration and immersive discussion. plans for Riyadh’s “Mukaab” and new city centre; Mike
Ellis, 5+Design, who blended storytelling and sen-
With the theme ‘Innovation, Investment & Immersive sory design across geographies and Shane Eldstrom,
Experiences’, the Forum brought together global retail, United Developers, who spoke about fusing Paris-
leisure and placemaking leaders to unpack the transfor- ian luxury with Qatari heritage at Place Vendôme.
mation sweeping through consumer engagement, develop- “A masterfully curated conversation around
the future of retail real estate.” — Pete Cooper,
ment strategy and technological advancement. Attended by Pradera Lateral
a diverse group of C-suite executives, brand visionaries and
creative thinkers, the event was a true celebration of industry
Fireside Chat -
evolution – past, present and future. Redefining Luxury with Michael Ward, Harrods

The final session was an exclusive sit-down with
Michael Ward, Managing Director of Harrods. In Retail x Tourism –
a captivating conversation with Jayne Rafter, The New Power Couple of Place & Spend
Michael revealed how the iconic retailer is merg-
A Dynamic Start “Thank you for the opportunity to be part of Investment & Expansion Strategies – ing legacy with innovation. From AI integration
RLI Connect Global Forum 2025. It was an Unlocking Growth in a Changing Market to in-store theatre, this session underscored how
The day began with registration and a bustling honour to engage with such esteemed peers.” Harrods continues to define luxury in a rapidly
breakfast networking session before Jayne — Anne Mette Fischer-Pedersen, Amouage Moderated by Jayne Rafter, this session tackled the evolving landscape.
Rafter, Owner & Publisher of RLI and Founder most pressing question for today’s stakeholders: “Michael Ward was a genuine inspiration - this
of RLI Connect, officially opened the Forum. Her Where is capital flowing and how are brands scal- session alone was worth attending the Forum.” —
welcome message set a powerful tone, reminding Retail x Tourism – ing smartly? From franchise modelling to capital Andrius Kaikaris, Adventica
attendees that RLI has spent two decades not The New Power Couple of Place & Spend flow, adaptive reuse and economic headwinds, the
only chronicling the industry’s growth but actively panellists discussed how to drive smart growth
shaping it through global collaboration. Chaired by placemaking specialist Dan Innes, the while navigating uncertainty and opportunity. Evening Networking – Swingers West End
second panel illuminated the synergy between Key contributions included: Angela Farrugia,
retail and tourism, exploring how mixed-use devel- Brand X Society, who discussed the rising impor- After a full day of intellectual stimulation, guests
The Future of Retail – opments and cultural experiences are drawing tance of flexible franchise models; Nadine Merabi, headed to Swingers West End for a relaxed
AI, Innovation & The Experiential Shift global footfall. The panel spotlighted the increas- Founder of her eponymous label, whose brand evening of drinks, DJ sets, mini golf and contin-
ingly vital role of tourism in shaping retail des - exemplifies agile expansion and DTC strength; ued conversation. This smart-casual experience
Moderated by Nisreen Shocair, the first panel ses - tinations. From Dubai to Riyadh to Europe’s top Taylor Morono, EVP of EMEA & India, Authentic perfectly reflected the Forum’s spirit – creative,
sion explored the intersection of artificial intel- malls, leaders explored how retail environments Brands Group, who shared case studies on brand energetic and forward-thinking.
ligence, immersive technology and data-driven can attract, engage and retain global visitors. optimisation and regional partnerships and Nis- “Jayne, you know how to put on an event. Two
insight, focused on bridging the gap between Speakers included: Tom Cartledge, CEO of reen Shocair, who detailed how digital platforms days of insights, connections and celebration!” Investment & Expansion Strategies –
automation and emotion, unlocking the poten- Benoy, advocating for design that respects local can de-risk international growth. — Kate Cullingworth, Paint My Dreams Unlocking Growth in a Changing Market
tial of data-driven personalisation, AR/VR inte- identity and cultural nuance; Alison Rehill-Erguven, “Thank you for the opportunity to contribute.
gration and digital storytelling. Together, they CEO of Cenomi Centers, offering insights into KSA’s I’d be delighted to support future RLI events!”
demonstrated how ‘phygital’ retail, real-time retail evolution aligned with Vision 2030; Tim — Taylor Morono, ABG Swingers West End
personalisation and virtual design are reshaping Jones, SVP Retail, Sands China, who showcased
the customer experience. how the Shoppes at Four Seasons and Londoner
Notable insights came from: Karrie Goldberg, Macao are elevating luxury tourism; Anne-Sophie Retail Real Estate Reinvented –
Co-Founder of Outernet Ventures, who offered Sancerre, URW, who emphasised integrating tour- The Power of Placemaking & Experiential Design
a compelling vision of media architecture’s role ism, entertainment and commerce in European and
in destination retail; Richard Lang of ORBE, US malls and Shahram Shamsaee, CEO of Merex The afternoon continued with a thought-pro -
who highlighted how immersive environments Investment, explaining Dubai’s leadership in life- voking panel moderated again by Dan Innes and
enhance customer memory and brand attach - style-focused, visitor-centric retail. offered compelling views on transforming spaces
ment; David Sheldon-Hicks of Territory Studio, “It was a pleasure to join the panel in London into emotionally resonant, commercially success-
who underscored how storytelling through design and share how Place Vendôme is redefining luxury ful destinations.
is revolutionising physical environments and Anne retail through placemaking.” — Shane Eldstrom, Speakers included: Barry Cox, Pradera, who dis-
Mette Fischer-Pedersen, Head of Global Retail at United Developers cussed data-driven placemaking; Neil Dolan, Little
Amouage, who shared how luxury brands can bal - “The calibre of debate and ambition from global Lion Entertainment, who brought insights from
ance heritage and digital innovation. leaders was truly inspiring.” — Dan Innes, Innesco live-action attractions like The Crystal Maze; Michael

16 RETAIL & LEISURE INTERNATIONAL SEPTEMBER 2025 Retail Real Estate Reinvented –
The Power of Placemaking & Experiential Design