Page 23 - RLIJune2026

COVER STORY The event reflects the growing convergence and culture. Newcastle provides a highly cilitate structured one-to-one meetings designed
s the global retail and leisure
industry continues to evolve at pace, taking place across the industry, where relevant backdrop for the discussions taking to accelerate partnerships and unlock growth
the most successful destinations are retail increasingly intersects with tourism, place throughout the event.” opportunities across international markets.
“This is not networking for the sake of
The four-day programme has been
RLI Connect Global 2026 offer or commercial scale. Increasingly, they are hospitality, sport, entertainment and culture designed to combine strategic insight with networking,” Rafter explains. “The emphasis
A no longer defined purely by retail
to create entirely new destination models.
Destinations being shaped by emotion, immersion and the than a place to shop,” Rafter continues. “They exclusive Opening Experience and Speakers bringing together aligned stakeholders,
is very much on precision engagement,
“Consumers today are looking for far more
meaningful commercial engagement.
The event opens on 21 September with an
ability to create meaningful human connection.
want environments that create emotion,
projects and opportunities within a highly
Across the globe, owners, developers and
& Partners Dinner inspired by the growing
foster connection and deliver memorable
curated environment where conversations
brands are reimagining traditional models to
convergence of sport, fashion and culture
can translate into meaningful partnerships.”
experiences. The industry is moving towards
create immersive mixed-use ecosystems where
Participants will explore opportunities
Reimagined retail, hospitality, entertainment, culture and environments that are immersive, communi- in shaping modern destinations. Designed spanning franchise expansion, international
as an intimate pre-event gathering, the
ty-driven and experience-led and that shift
wellness seamlessly converge. Consumers are
is fundamentally reshaping how projects are
growth, mixed-use development and cross-
evening will create opportunities for early
increasingly drawn to destinations that feel enga-
conceived and delivered.”
border investment partnerships.
relationship-building and strategic dialogue
ging, social and culturally relevant - places desig-
The choice of Newcastle as host city reflects
The final day of the event shifts from
ned around lifestyle, discovery and connection
The following day, the RLI Connect Global
rather than transaction alone. many of the themes driving this transformation. among speakers, partners and invited guests. discussion to direct experience, with delegates
It is within this rapidly changing landscape Over recent years, the city has emerged as Forum will bring together senior leaders taking part in a curated Retail Safari exploring
that RLI Connect Global 2026 will take place one of the UK’s most compelling examples from across retail, development, real estate, Newcastle’s most dynamic retail and leisure
As retail, leisure, hospitality and culture from 21-24 September 2026 at St James’ Park, of destination-led regeneration, combining luxury, hospitality, leisure and investment for destinations, including Metrocentre, Eldon
continue to converge, the industry’s most home of Newcastle United Football Club, retail, culture, sport and hospitality within an a full day of strategic discussion. Square, Fenwick and Freight Island Newcastle.
Across four curated panel sessions
increasingly dynamic and experience-driven
The programme concludes with a Fina-
influential leaders are rethinking what bringing together an influential international urban environment. and a headline fireside conversation, the le Experience at Freight Island Newcastle,
defines a successful destination. Ahead of community of owners, developers, investors, From the transformation of Eldon Square programme will explore topics including bringing together global industry leaders in a
retailers and operators shaping the future of
RLI Connect Global 2026 in Newcastle, RLI experience-led growth. and the continued evolution of Metrocentre, global investment strategies, experience-led distinctive setting designed to deepen rela-
Owner & Publisher Jayne Rafter explores Presented by RLI - Retail & Leisure to the heritage of Fenwick and the arrival destinations, luxury evolution, retail-tourism tionships and continue the conversations
convergence and mixed-use development.
of Freight Island Newcastle, the city offers
shaping the future of the industry.
how experience-led environments, cross- International Magazine and held in association a strong example of how destinations are A major highlight will be the Headline Looking ahead, Rafter believes the
border collaboration and evolving consumer with Strategic Partners Cenomi Centers and adapting to changing consumer expectations. Fireside Chat: Leadership, Stewardship & future of the industry will increasingly
Sands Retail, this year’s edition of RLI Connect
expectations are reshaping the future of Global will incorporate elements of the postponed Equally significant is the role of St James’ Park the Future of Global Retail - an intimate con- belong to destinations capable of blending
destination development on a global scale. RLI Connect MENA event, originally due to take as the central venue for the event. versation with an industry leader exploring sectors seamlessly while creating authentic
place in Riyadh in April. As a result, the Newcastle “Sport has become an increasingly the defining decisions and challenges behind emotional engagement.
gathering will bring together an even broader important part of the global destination leading at scale in an increasingly complex “The next generation of successful environ-
international audience of owners, developers, conversation,” says Rafter. “Modern stadiums global landscape. ments will be those that combine commerce
investors, retailers and operators from across are no longer simply sporting venues; they While strategic insight remains central to with culture, leisure with lifestyle and experien-
Europe, the GCC, Asia and the Americas. are year-round mixed-use ecosystems that the platform, RLI Connect Global continues ce with long-term value creation,” she says. “As
“Global markets are now more interconnected combine hospitality, entertainment, tourism to differentiate itself through its emphasis on the industry continues to evolve, collaboration,
than ever before,” says Jayne Rafter, Owner & tangible commercial opportunity. creativity and emotional connection will beco-
Publisher of RLI. “The conversations shaping On 23 September, the RLI Con- me increasingly central to how successful places
the future of retail and leisure are now truly nect Deal-Making platform will fa- are conceived, delivered and experienced.”
international. Capital, brands, ideas and
experiences are moving fluidly across borders Don’t forget that our Early-Bird Delegate Rate for RLI Connect Global 2026
and destinations are increasingly being shaped is available until 30 June. We look forward to welcoming you to Newcastle
through collaboration between multiple sectors this September. Visit www.rliconnect.com to secure your space.
and international stakeholders.”
1

Main image: Gateshead Millennium Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne
1. St James' Park, Newcastle United Football Club

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