Strategic Partners

Gold Partner

Insight.
Innovation.
Influence.

Newcastle upon Tyne, September 2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for four days of insight, connections and global opportunity.

RLI Connect Global 2026 brought together senior decision-makers from across Europe, GCC, Asia and the Americas for four days of insight, strategic connections, deal-making and shared experiences in Newcastle upon Tyne

A Global Platform.
A Curated Audience.
Real Opportunity.

This year’s edition brought together both our Global and MENA communities in 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 delivered meaningful connections and tangible commercial outcomes.

The event brought together senior decision-makers from global developers, investors, retailers, leisure operators and destination owners.

Why Attend?

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.

Relive the RLI Connect Experience

Four days of insight, connections, deal-making and unforgettable experiences brought the global retail community together in Newcastle upon Tyne

Powering the Next Generation
of Retail & Leisure Destinations

Where Global Markets Connect and Destinations Take Shape

21 SEPTEMBER

Private Golf Experience Day hosted by Matfen Hall Luxury Golf Resort & Spa, followed by a VIP Dinner hosted by Dakota Hotel Newcastle.

Sport. Fashion. Culture.

More Info

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 a shared perspective among the global community.

The evening will culminate in an exclusive Speakers & Partners Dinner, offering a more intimate setting for conversation, alignment and networking ahead of the Forum.

* This is a private event for Partners, Speakers, VIP Guests and Government Officials.

22 SEPTEMBER

RLI Connect Global Forum

Capital. Strategy. Growth.

More Info

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, an ‘In Discussion With‘ H.H Princess Noura Bint Faisal Al Saud, a prominent figure within Saudi Arabia’s cultural and creative landscape and the founder of Saudi Fashion Week 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.

A VIP Networking Experience, kindly hosted by Fenwick Luxury Department Store will follow the RLI Global Forum.

23 SEPTEMBER

RLI Connect Deal-Making

Where Business Meets Opportunity

More Info

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:

Cross-border expansion and franchise growth
Investment partnerships across global markets
Mixed-use and destination-led development opportunities
Brand scaling across retail, leisure and lifestyle sectors

Building on RLI’s trusted global ecosystem, this is where conversations become partnerships and strategy becomes execution.

All delegates are invited to join a Networking Reception at ABOVE, a rooftop bar and restaurant located at the top of Newcastle’s iconic Vermont Hotel, kindly hosted by the Gainford Group.

24 SEPTEMBER

Retail Safari & Finale Experience

Experience. Discover. Connect.

More Info

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 the newly opened Freight Island, providing first-hand insight into one of the UK’s most exciting and evolving markets.

Lunch will be kindly hosted by Eldon Square Shopping Centre, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Finale Experience

A closing gathering kindly hosted by Freight Island and Pradera at the Michelin-starred restaurant PYR by PINE, bringing together global leaders in a distinctive setting, designed to deepen relationships, share insights and reflect on the opportunities shaping the future of the industry.

Partnership Opportunities

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.

Strategic Partners

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.