Spring Fair has confirmed the first speakers for its Heart of Retail Stage at the 2027 edition, which will run at NEC Birmingham from 7 to 10 February.
The line-up includes Dan Finley, chief executive of Debenhams Group; Alan Roper, chief executive of Blue Diamond Garden Centres; Emma Jones CBE, the Small Business Commissioner; Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium; and retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis.
Sessions will explore Debenhams’ digital transformation, independent retail, leadership, customer experience and the future of the high street. Paphitis is scheduled to give the closing conversation, titled “A Love Letter to Retail,” on 10 February.
The wider programme will be organised around 10 themes. These include sustainability, emerging brands, customer loyalty, AI and technology, business growth and championing independent retailers.
Fay Tranter, event director at Spring Fair, said the programme aims to bring together voices who can challenge thinking, share experience and offer retailers practical ideas to take away.
Further speakers and programme details are due to be announced in the coming months. Registration is free for retail buyers and industry professionals.