On the eve of summer, the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham is once again set to host the InternetRetailing Expo (IRX), regarded as one of the foremost digital retail exhibitions in the United Kingdom. RX and eDX (the eDelivery Expo) take place on May 24th and 25th. Registration is now open for the free, two-day event.
Although IRX has been running for 17 years, it has never been more relevant, arguably. According to the latest Office for National Statistics data, online sales in January 2023 accounted for precisely one-quarter of all retailing in Great Britain compared to February 2020 when it was less than 20%.
The lockdowns implemented to reduce the spread of coronavirus forced retailers to shutter physical stores and triggered an eCommerce explosion. But now, post-pandemic, consumer trends are evolving, and those operating in this space must elevate their digital retail offering or miss out. Here’s where IRX and eDX can help.
Networking and interaction at IRX
Attendees will be informed by the latest trends and innovations shaping the industry, influenced by talks from over 100 thought leaders and speakers – ranging from industry veterans to rising stars – and inspired by pioneering technology providers or solutions providers.
Thousands of industry professionals will participate in the must-attend event in the digital retail calendar. With “networking” and “interaction” the watchwords, attendees are encouraged to listen, learn, and share. From 5pm, directly after the formal agenda has been completed, on May 24th, things will become more relaxed. Free networking drinks will be poured at the IRX bar in the centre of the exhibition floor until 6.30pm (at least officially). This 90-minute informal session is ideal for unwinding and chatting with fellow retailers, sponsors and exhibitors.
IRX is a unique event where people can catch up with old friends, make new contacts, and hear about the latest trends – plus find out how to make the most of them. By attending workshops, IRX visitors will gain valuable insights and hear applicable, practical advice to enable businesses to thrive.
IRX always attracts the biggest names, and the lineup for 2023 is no exception. For example, this year’s conference will feature various household brands, exhibitors and sponsors, including Amazon Freight, Amazon Shipping, Worldline, GFS and Checkout.com. Also present will be Wunderkind, Shopify, and Klaviyo, among many others.
Additionally, Claire Hennah, Unilever’s Global Ecommerce Director, Selfridges Head of Customer Data, Giles Smith, and Michelle Kearns, Head of IT for Boots, are just three of 100+ speakers sharing their insights on stage at the NEC. Anjali Subburaj, former DCX Architect at The Very Group, Nick Bradford, JD.com’s Sustainability and Procurement Director, and River Island CIO Adam Warne will also speak. And these are just the confirmed brands and presenters – many more will be announce before May 24th.
Conference tracks at IRX
Sessions across four conference theatres include keynotes, panels, and fireside chats. Meanwhile, three workshop theatres will provide practical and applicable advice on a range of subjects.
The seven conference tracks reflect the most relevant topics for digital retail professionals. For 2023, these include Marketing, Digital Marketing, Customer Experience, Customer Obsession, and Omnichannel Innovation.
To provide prospective guests with an idea of what will likely be discussed in the four tracks, below is a selection of working-agenda items – please note that these are subject to change.
IRX & eDX takes place on May 24th and 25th at the NEC, Birmingham.
