RLI Connect Global Forum
A full day of thought leadership and strategic dialogue bringing together global leaders shaping the future of retail, real estate, leisure, luxury, hospitality and experience-led destinations
Exploring the Ideas Shaping Tomorrow
Across four dynamic panel sessions, industry leaders will share perspectives challenge assumptions and shape the conversation on the future of our industry.
PANEL 1
Global Capital & Growth Strategies
Investment | Expansion | Partnership
Exploring how global investors, developers and brands are navigating evolving markets and structuring partnerships across regions.
Key Themes:
- Cross-border investment and expansion
- Strategic partnerships and joint ventures
- Market entry and global growth strategies
- Balancing innovation with commercial return
Alison Rehill-Erguven
CEO
Cenomi Centers
Saudi Arabia
Michelle Percy
CEO
Develop North PLC
UK
Barry Cox
CIO
Pradera
UK
Marek Noetzel
CEO
NEPI Rockcastle
Poland
Moderator
Dan Innes
Managing Director & Founder, Innesco
PANEL 2
Retail, Leisure & the Experience Economy
Blurring Boundaries | Creating the Destinations of Tomorrow
Exploring how retail, leisure, entertainment, sport and hospitality are converging to create immersive destinations and experiences.
Key Themes:
- The rise of experience-led destinations
- Sport, entertainment & live experiences as destination anchors
- Designing for evolving consumer expectations
- Creating year-round engagement & commercial value
Jason Anello
Co-Founder & Head of Strategy
House of Attention
US
Neesha Krishna
VP of Business Development
WHP Global
US
Dennis Michael
CBDO
Cenomi Centers
Saudi Arabia
Caroline James
Managing Director
Utilita Arena Newcastle
UK
Moderator
Pete Cooper
Chairman, LQX
PANEL 3
The Evolution of Luxury
Experience | Personalisation Cultural Relevance
Exploring how luxury is being redefined in a global context, shaped by experience, technology and cultural connection.
Key Themes:
- The future of global luxury
- Personalisation and digital engagement
- The role of emerging markets
- Integration of culture, art and design
Sebastian Suhl
CEO
END. Clothing
UK
Khalid AlJanahi
Chief Commercial Officer
Westfield Jeddah & Westfield Riyadh
Saudi Arabia
Mark Farhat
Founder
MARK / GIUSTI
Italy
Freya Rose
Founder & Designer
Freya Rose London
UK
Simon Mitchell
Co-Founder
Sybarite
UK
Moderator
Angela Farrugia
Founder, Brand X Society
PANEL 4
Global Destination Convergence
Retail | Tourism | Culture | Investment
How retail, tourism, hospitality and entertainment are aligning to create globally competitive destinations.
Key Themes:
- Destination ecosystems
- Tourism and retail integration
- Mixed-use development strategies
- Global collaboration
Timothy Jones
SVP Retail
Sands Retail
China
Davide Padoa
CEO
Design International
UK
Simon Wright
Founder & Chairman
TGP International
UK
Omar Al-Fayyadh
CEO Commercial Sector
Alandalus Property
Saudi Arabia
Moderator
John Scott
Founder and MD, Liminal Retail Ltd
EXCLUSIVE
‘In Discussion With’
H.H Princess Noura Bint Faisal Al Saud
The founder of Saudi Fashion Week and the driving force behind JAY3LLE, explores the evolution of luxury, culture, fashion and experience-led destinations.
HEADLINE FIRESIDE CHAT
Leadership, Stewardship & the Future of Global Retail
A closing fireside conversation with a globally recognised industry leader.
Shaped around the speaker’s personal journey, this session will explore the decisions, challenges and defining moments behind building and leading at scale, offering an unfiltered perspective on what it takes to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Explore the Full RLI Connect Global 2026 Programme
Three days of connection, collaboration and opportunity in Newcastle upon Tyne