In this keynote, Ed explains the meteoric rise of Chinese online shops Temu and Shein and dispels some persistent misconceptions about these platforms. How can they deliver so cheaply? What exactly are the business models behind them? Are they profitable and what are their future plans? As retailers, should we be concerned?

Check out the rave reviews of this keynote here.

Ed Sander is known as a specialist on digital technology in China. Ed is research editor for Tech Buzz China, co-founder of and speaker for ChinaTalk, and owner of ChinaTechTrip.

As a digital China analyst, independent writer, study tour leader and speaker, Ed comments on developments in China.

Ed is known as an experienced and pragmatic keynote speaker. Using facts, he points out the latest digital and innovative developments in China and enjoys discussing them with his audience. In doing so, he not only paints an intriguing picture of trends in China, but also of our changing times.

Olaf Zwijnenburg has been a director responsible and involved in major transitions of international retailers and brands. He provides direction to clients both inside and outside Rabobank in the challenging retail and wholesale sector on how to deal with fundamental changes and transitions. With a strong focus on consumer behavior, technology and sustainability, he provides crucial insights for companies seeking to thrive in the digital age.

As a champion of innovation within the industry, Olaf's expertise is indispensable for anyone looking to future-proof their business. Retail Reconnect is the perfect opportunity to learn from a leading expert who will not only inspire you, but also offer practical insights that are immediately applicable in your organization.

Kris Lenaerts, former Co-Owner and CEO of Game Mania, has experienced a remarkable journey that has both highs and lows. Founded in 1992, Game Mania grew into a major player in the gaming industry with once a network of more than 100 stores in Belgium and the Netherlands. 

During his session, Kris will offer valuable insights on the rise and fall of Game Mania and essential lessons on digital innovation and the importance of a strong community. This is where you want to be to learn from his experiences and strategies for adaptation and survival in a highly dynamic, digital marketplace.

With the advent of ChatGPT, AI announced itself with much noise as the biggest technological revolution of the last 50 years.  

Anyone who has been around retail a little longer knows that every historical technological revolution led to new consumer behavior that transformed, disappeared or created physical store concepts. 

The car brought us shopping malls, the PC and erp brought us chains and supermarkets, the Internet brought us e-commerce....

While the smartphone, social media and the platform economy are still shaking up the retail landscape considerably, AI is on the doorstep with a great battering ram to change retail as we knew it forever. 

That AI is busily on its way to becoming the most impactful technology of our century, everyone agrees. That it will consequently change the broad consumer behavior and thus shopping of tomorrow is beyond question. 

The question is how? 

What exactly will change? 

When then?

And what will the future customer journey look like?

How will our physical stores change?

What can you do today to anticipate the future?

To those questions Tim Gielen wants to give you answers and the necessary tools during this keynote; at the intersection of his three passions: technology, consumer behavior & the future of the physical store.

Tim Gielen, co-founder of Wave of Engagement, is a visionary in the field of store experiences. His expertise in developing the experience stores of tomorrow has made him a leading voice in the industry.

With a fresh perspective on the physical shopping experience, he offers his audience concrete and forward-looking insights. Be inspired by Tim's vision and discover new strategies to make your brand more relevant in a world where digital meets physical.

Bruno Hancké is the Managing Director and Business Development Manager at ThisPlays2 and Groevy, where he combines his vision and strategic thinking to help companies grow and innovate through sensory marketing. With more than three decades of experience, since 1988, he has guided countless organizations in integrating technology that stimulates the human brain.

Bruno has a keen understanding of how technology can transform human interactions, his sessions are rich in research as well as practical advice and unique insights. Take your business to the next sensory level and get started with the insights from his keynote at Retail Reconnect.

Since its inception, Bas has been a driving force behind Foodello, the online supermarket against food waste.With years of experience in marketing and a passion for sustainability, he has helped grow Foodello into an impactful brand with 175,000 customers and nearly 4 million pounds of food saved.

Bas specializes in combining data, automation and creative strategies to achieve scalable growth. His goal? To build a more sustainable future, one saved product at a time.

Bas is at the forefront of the fight against food waste. As the driving force behind Foodello, he ensures that surplus products are given a second chance and shows how sustainability and profitability can go together perfectly.

With his experience in retail innovation and his hands-on approach, Bas inspires companies to think differently about waste and efficiency. During Retail Reconnect, he shares his practical tips and powerful vision for a circular retail future. You don't want to miss this inspiring story