RLI CONNECT GLOBAL FORUM – 24 JUNE 2025 – THE SOHO HOTEL, LONDON

Innovation, Investment & Immersive Experiences

A global leadership forum for owners, developers, brands, and visionaries driving the evolution of lifestyle destinations.

RLI Connect Global Forum 2025 returns as the definitive platform for shaping the future of retail and leisure real estate. This year’s theme—Innovation, Investment & Immersive Experiences—focuses on the transformative forces reshaping our industry, from cutting-edge technology to immersive design and strategic global growth.

Join an exclusive gathering of industry pioneers and thought leaders as we explore:

  • How AI and next-gen tech are revolutionising retail engagement and operational excellence
  • The evolution of experiential design in creating magnetic, must-visit destinations
  • Investment and expansion strategies unlocking opportunity in a rapidly shifting global landscape
  • Fireside Chat with Michael Ward – Legacy Meets Innovation: The Harrod’s perspective

The RLI Connect Global Forum is where insight meets action—connecting key decision-makers, catalysing partnerships, and advancing the conversation around the future of our cities and consumer spaces.

Be part of the conversation that is redefining retail and lifestyle destinations for a new era.

2025 FORUM PANEL SESSIONS:

The Future of Retail: AI, Innovation & The Experiential Shift

How technology is transforming the retail landscape—from automation to immersion.

Explore how artificial intelligence, immersive tech, and real-time analytics are revolutionising the way consumers engage with brands. This session delves into the rise of phygital experiences, dynamic pricing models, and the cutting-edge innovations shaping the next generation of retail environments.

Key Themes:

  • AI-powered personalisation, automation & predictive analytics
  • Immersive tech: AR, VR & digital twins
  • Data-driven performance & real-time optimisation
  • Case studies of experiential retail concepts
  • The convergence of online and physical journey

Retail x Tourism: The New Power Couple of Place & Spend

A deep dive into how tourism and retail are converging to create high-impact destinations, drive spend and elevate the global consumer experience.

Explore how retail and tourism are becoming increasingly intertwined – driving spend, shaping destinations and delivering memorable experiences. The session will examine how forward-thinking operators are building retail environments that cater to global visitors, extend dwell time, and enhance brand and place equity.

Key Themes:

  • The tourism-retail connection
  • Creating retail experiences for international audiences
  • Case studies of tourism-led retail strategies
  • Collaboration with hospitality, cultural, and city stakeholders
  • The path forward

Investment & Expansion Strategies: Unlocking Growth in a Changing Market

Where capital is flowing and how brands are scaling smartly.

Gain insight into the global investment trends, franchise models, and repositioning strategies that are driving retail growth. This session explores how brands and landlords are navigating economic headwinds to unlock value, expand into new markets, and future-proof their portfolios.

Key Themes:

  • High-growth markets: GCC, Asia-Pacific & emerging economies
  • The role of REITs, private equity, and sovereign wealth funds
  • Adaptive reuse and asset repositioning
  • Franchise partnerships & omni-channel growth
  • Managing inflation and interest rate impacts

Retail Real Estate Reinvented: The Power of Placemaking & Experiential Design

Turning spaces into destinations that inspire, engage, and endure.

Discover how the world’s most engaging retail environments are being shaped through experiential design and placemaking strategies. From dynamic media to sensory storytelling, this session celebrates the creative minds reimagining the emotional and commercial potential of retail real estate.

Key Themes:

  • Transforming retail hubs into experience-driven spaces
  • Designing for emotional connections and extended dwell time
  • Interactive storytelling and immersive brand environments
  • The role of art, culture, and entertainment in placemaking
  • Global examples of best-in-class destination design

Legacy Meets Innovation: Redefining Luxury for the Next Generation – The Harrods perspective

Join us for an exclusive fireside chat with Michael Ward, Managing Director of Harrods, as he shares insights on leading one of the world’s most iconic luxury retailers. Discover how Harrods continues to innovate, elevate the customer experience, and define the future of global luxury. 

  • As Managing Director of Harrods, Michael represents luxury retail at the pinnacle of heritage and reinvention.
  • Harrods has been investing in experiential elevation, digital transformation, and blending legacy with modern luxury.
  • We will engage in a deeper, more personal conversation about brand vision, consumer evolution, and the strategic future of physical retail.

2025 Speakers to Date

Want to Speak at RLI Global Forum 2025?

We’re currently curating a world-class speaker line-up. If you are a developer, brand leader, investor, or innovator with a powerful perspective to share, we want to hear from you. Pease email: jayne.rafter@rli.uk.com