Retail IT Connect US 2024
July 29 - 31, 2024
Westin Ft Lauderdale, FL
DAY THREE | Wednesday, July 31st, 2024
Driving IT Excellence And Leading Through Change
8:10 am - 8:50 am
BREAKFAST
8:50 am - 8:55 am
DAY THREE OPENING REMARKS
8:55 am - 9:05 am
DAY THREE CHAIRPERSON’S REMARKS
9:05 am - 9:25 am
KEYNOTE: Unveiling Cognitive Computing Trends for Strategic Leadership and Operational Resilience
David John Smith -
Chief Technology Officer,
3Z Brands
Retail is undergoing a profound technological revolution, driven by the domination of AI. To navigate this wave of change successfully, it is imperative for CIOs and IT leaders to anticipate and integrate cutting-edge AI solutions. This keynote will explore the pivotal cognitive computing trends shaping the future of retail and provide actionable insights on how to leverage these advancements to stay ahead of the curve.
- Understanding the AI-powered paradigm shift in the retail industry and its potential impact on operational efficiency
- Leveraging AI to enhance customer and employee experiences for sustained growth and brand loyalty
- Exploring the latest cognitive computing trends that have the potential to reshape the retail industry
- Building operational resilience through the strategic adoption of AI technologies in retail operations
9:25 am - 9:55 am
PANEL DISCUSSION: Navigating Tomorrow's IT: Insights On Managing The Workforce Of The Future
This panel of IT trailblazers explore the dynamics of having a Millennials and Gen Z workforce, the future pillars of your IT function. Understanding the unique behaviors and expectations of these generations is crucial. Join us as we dive into actionable strategies for creating a futuristic workforce strategy, leveraging the strengths of Millennials and Gen Z while addressing potential challenges.
- Shaping a harmonious and productive collaboration between seasoned leaders and the emerging talents of the future
- Identifying distinctive behaviors, expectations, and motivations of Millennials and Gen Z, laying the foundation for effective management strategies
- Leveraging the inherent strengths of Millennials and Gen Z to drive innovation and creativity
- Discovering techniques for fostering a collaborative work environment that encourages knowledge-sharing, open communication, and mutual understanding between generations
As the retail industry witnesses a shift in the way teams operate, the implementation and optimization of remote work solutions are paramount. Join us as we explore strategies for seamlessly integrating and optimizing remote work solutions for your retail IT teams. From technology considerations to fostering a collaborative virtual culture, this session will empower you to lead your teams effectively in the age of remote and flexible work.
- Effective strategies for seamlessly integrating remote work solutions into retail IT operations, ensuring a smooth transition for teams
- Identifying tools and platforms that enhance communication, project management, and virtual collaboration among remote teams
- Understanding how to foster an engaging virtual workforce, ensuring that remote teams remain connected and motivated
This session will look at the realm of change management for CIOs and retail IT executives and shed light on the pivotal role leadership plays in steering organizations through transformative periods. From redefining processes to fostering a culture of adaptability, we will explore practical strategies for IT leaders to lead change effectively, ensuring not only the successful implementation of new initiatives but also the cultivation of a resilient and forward-thinking IT team.
- Outlining the importance of aligning change initiatives with overarching organizational strategies
- Discussing the critical role of leadership in fostering a culture of adaptability and continuous improvement within the IT department
- Strategies for cultivating a change-ready mindset, encouraging innovation, and overcoming resistance to change
- Adopting techniques for developing and nurturing a change-ready ops team
11:35 am - 11:55 am
FIRESIDE CHAT: Navigating Retail Resilience Through A Human-Tech Convergence
In this fireside chat, join us for an intimate conversation delving into the strategic moves made by Retail CIOs and IT leaders in 2024. With a strong focus on tech investments and financial conservatism, these leaders are reshaping the employee landscape by fostering the convergence of technology and human capital. Rather than outsourcing, IT executives are collaborating closely with their teams, transforming them into tech-savvy experts capable of navigating new tools and technologies.
- Exploring how the convergence of technology and human capital is becoming a cornerstone in building overall resilience in the retail industry, with a focus on strategic collaborations rather than outsourcing
- Delving into how the integration of technology and human capital accelerates the digital transformation journey for retail companies
- Learning how IT executives are working closely with their teams, transforming them into tech experts capable of managing and executing new tools and technologies
- Recognizing the importance of fostering a culture of collaboration rather than replacement, where technology and human expertise complement each other, driving innovation and resilience
11:55 am - 12:15 pm
CLOSING KEYNOTE: A CIO's Guide to Strategic Leadership, Continuous Learning, and Innovation Acceleration
In an era where technology drives innovation and operational resilience, CIOs play a pivotal role in fostering a tech-savvy culture within their teams. This session delves into strategies employed by successful CIOs, sharing insights on driving innovation and ensuring operational resilience in today’s fast-paced retail landscape.
- Strategically leading IT teams through a technology transformation, fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation
- Exploring practical approaches to transform IT teams into tech experts
- Focusing on upskilling, training programs, and creating a learning environment that aligns with the evolving demands of retail
- Leveraging tech-savvy teams to drive innovation