The Global Platform for Retail, Leisure & Destination Development
Bringing together senior decision-makers from across Europe, GCC, Asia and the Americas, RLI Connect Global creates a highly curated environment where global markets align, partnerships are formed and strategy is translated into execution.
In consultation with Newcastle City Council and NewcastleGateshead Initiative, RLI Connect Global, in association with Strategic Partners Cenomi Centers and Sands Retail, will take place in Newcastle, UK from 21–24 September 2026.
This year’s edition will combine both our Global and MENAcommunities into one flagship international event, creating a more connected and internationally focused forum.
Through a combination of a high-level Forum, structured Deal-Making, immersive destination experiences and curated networking, the event is designed to deliver meaningful connections and tangible commercial outcomes.
Audience includes senior decision-makers from global developers, investors, retailers, leisure operators and destination owners.
RLI Connect Global is proudly supported by Cenomi Centers and Sands Retail. Representing two of the most influential markets shaping the future of retail, leisure and destination development - the GCC and Asia - they anchor the global narrative of the event and reflect the increasing convergence of international markets.
A Curated Global Audience
Connect with senior decision-makers across multiple markets and sectors.
Commercial Opportunity
Showcase cutting-edge solutions and expand your global reach.
High-Level Insight
Gain perspective from global leaders shaping the future of the industry.
Meaningful Connections
Move beyond networking to structured engagement and real outcomes.
RLI Connect Global will open with a curated pre-event experience, bringing together speakers, partners and invited guests in a distinctive and highly engaging setting.
Inspired by the convergence of sport, fashion and culture in shaping modern destinations, this opening moment is designed to set the tone for the days ahead – creating early connections and shared perspective among the global community.
The evening will culminate in an exclusive Speakers and Partners Dinner, offering a more intimate setting for conversation, alignment and networking ahead of the Forum.
*Concept and venue to be announced. By invitation only.
The Forum opens with a full day of high-level strategic exchange, bringing together global investors, developers, retailers and operators shaping the next phase of destination development.
Across four curated panel sessions and a headline fireside conversation, the Forum examines the forces redefining the industry – from global capital flows and expansion strategy to luxury evolution, experiential innovation and the convergence of retail, culture, sport and entertainment. This is where strategic dialogue drives tangible opportunity.
Following a day of strategic dialogue, the RLI Connect Deal-Making platform provides a curated environment for structured one-to-one meetings, designed to accelerate partnerships
and unlock growth. This is not networking at scale – it is precision engagement.
Participants will explore:
Building on RLI’s trusted global ecosystem, this is where conversations become partnerships and strategy becomes execution.
The final day offers a curated exploration of Newcastle’s most dynamic retail and leisure destinations, including Metrocentre, Eldon Square, Fenwick and a behind-the-scenes tour of newly-opened Freight Island, providing first-hand insight into one of the UK’s most exciting and evolving markets.
Finale Experience
A closing gathering at Freight Island, bringing together global leaders in a distinctive setting, designed to deepen relationships, share insight and reflect on the opportunities shaping the future of the industry.
RLI Connect Global offers a limited number of highly curated partnership opportunities, designed to align brands with key moments, audiences and outcomes across the event.
From strategic partnerships and Forum participation to experience-led activations and Deal-Making, each partnership is tailored to deliver visibility, engagement and commercial impact.
Access exclusive updates, curated networking opportunities, strategic partnerships and key announcements ahead of RLI Connect Global 2026.
