Tech & AI Connect 2026
AI has gone from being a distant, science-fiction-esque concept to one that is increasingly active in our daily lives, and the rate of progress is remarkable. While it could be dismissed as just another ‘next big thing’ – carried along on all the hype but actually delivering far less – AI is different in that it isn’t a separate thing by itself, but rather something that can sit inside and work across many other technologies.
Most tech vendors market their solutions as AI now – but which ones could really make a difference to the experiences you provide for your customers, what do you need to insert into your tech stack to really drive performance?
At IMRG Tech & AI Connect, retailers can start to find the answers to this question via three means – IMRG’s data on retailers’ readiness and adoption of AI; hearing from tech providers on the latest innovations in this space; and, last but not least, speaking to other retailers directly about their experiences, challenges and successes as we go along the path to a future that is likely to be heavily built around AI.
Why Attend
Start to develop your AI and technology roadmap
AI is becoming an expected part of eCommerce. Technology is constantly changing and now it’s time to learn how to make it achieve your business goals.
Find out how other retailers are approaching this key area
Hear from retailers on what their stance is and how they’re incorporating it, e.g., how are retailers using it to adapt how they structure information on their products?
Get updates from some of the most innovative companies working in AI
Find out the latest trends in AI, exploring key updates, customer expectations and what’s ahead.
Discover where AI solutions seem to be having the greatest impact at the moment
Learn how AI is making a positive impact on performance from key experts. While Google has been dominant for years, AI challengers are becoming significant.
Event format
Our dynamic Connect events bring retailers together for an action-packed day filled with IMRG data and insights, insight-led rotating roundtables, expert advice, and peer-to-peer sessions – all which help build invaluable connections and inspire ideas for growth.
- IMRG presentations: IMRG hosts will take the stage to provide you with tech and AI insights to take back to your team.
- Insight-led roundtables: In a series of 20-minute intervals, you will engage in relaxed roundtable discussions, each of which will be focussed on a different tech and AI-themed topic.
- Peer-to-peer sessions: Experience the highly anticipated and lively peer-to-peer sessions where you will be matched with a peer to discuss tactics for tech and AI optimisation.
- Expert advice: Joining us for the day are several industry experts who will be on hand to answer complex tech and AI-oriented questions.
You will also be provided with drinks and nibbles throughout the day, as well as a delicious lunch.
Event venue
Set aboard the Dixie Queen. A grand replica paddle steamer on the Thames, this unique venue offers a luxurious reception area, elegant dining lounge, and spacious event deck for an unforgettable experience.
Event Agenda
| Time | Session | Notes |
| 08:00 – 09:15 | Registration and complimentary breakfast | Boat departs at 09:15 sharp! |
| 09:15 – 09:45 | Where are retailers with AI now and what is its potential? | Where do retailers currently employ AI in their tech stack and where is it making the most difference? What is a realistic expectation for the impact it can have on key metrics such as conversion and repeat purchase? |
| 09:50 – 10:10 | Raising of Tower Bridge | A chance to view one of the great architectural wonders on the River Thames in action |
| 10:10 – 10:35 | Innovation in eCommerce tech sessions | Five experts present on the latest innovations available within tech & AI, showcasing potential pathways for retailers to develop their on-site functionality |
| 10:35 – 10:55 | Innovation roundtables | A series of discussions where retailers are grouped together around shared issues to help develop solutions and strategies for overcoming them |
| 10:55 – 11:10 | Coffee break | |
| 11:10 – 12:00 | Peer-to-peer innovation sessions | Five quickfire eight-minute one-to-one meetings, where everyone gets paired up with someone else in the room based around shared problems – someone might just have innovative ideas that could help you in your quest for growth |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch | |
| 13:00 – 13:10 | Stubborn metrics | There are several metrics that don’t really change much over time, even as technology and customer behaviour develops – could AI finally get some of them moving in the right direction? |
| 13:10 – 13:35 | Innovation in eCommerce tech session | Five more experts present on the latest innovations available, this time focusing on potential pathways for retailers to develop off-site functionality |
| 13:35 – 13:55 | Innovation roundtables | A series of discussions where retailers are grouped together around shared issues to help develop solutions and strategies for overcoming them |
| 13:55 – 14:45 | Peer-to-peer sessions | In this final session, retailers get another chance to meet five people in the room with similar issues and focuses, so people can generate ideas and potential solutions to them |
| 14:45 – 15:45 | Drinks reception | On upper deck |
| 15.45 – 16.00 | Disembark | At Tower Pier |
Am I eligible?
The event is free to attend for retailers.
To ensure a relevant experience for all attendees, limited free seats are available for non-members who meet the following eligibility criteria:
– Hold a manager-level position or higher within their organisation
– Represent a retail business with £2 million+ annual turnover
How can solution providers get involved?
This event is only free to attend for retailers.
This is a rare chance to engage senior retailers during their peak trading season.
Sponsorship offers exclusive access to a highly curated audience.
Book time with us to explore tailored partnership opportunities.
