Comexposium – the renowned global event organiser that runs industry summits under the iMedia banner in Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia – has answered demands for a New Zealand expansion with the decision to move its 2024 retail event iMedia Online Retail Summit New Zealand to a larger venue.

The event will now take place in Queenstown’s celebrated QT Hotel and conference venue from Monday, May 13, to Wednesday, May 15.

“New Zealand has such a high standard of retail professionals; they stand out as some of the most progressive delegates iMedia gets the privilege of hosting,” said Sonia Sutherland, head of delegates, Australia and New Zealand, at Comexposium. “Moving this event to the QT in Queenstown will accommodate a higher number of this region’s retail pioneers and brilliant minds.

“Each year we bring together engaged retail leaders within an authentic and inspirational environment that promotes connection and collaboration. Freeing them from a conventional sales setting provides a conducive atmosphere that fosters genuine relationships and encourages forward-thinking, thus driving the industry forward.”

Keynote speakers are formally expected to be announced by iMedia during the coming weeks, however many industry representatives appointed to the 2024 Online Retail Summit NZ Advisory Board are anticipating a progressive mix of research, product, and innovation experts to share valuable insights and best practices, both local and globally. The highly respected Advisory Board for New Zealand’s retail event includes the likes of New Zealand retail and e-commerce leaders Retail NZ CEO, Caroline Young; NZ Post’s GM business and marketing, Chris Wong; Briscoe Group’s head of digital channels, Ally Butler; and Harvey Norman’s head of e-commerce, Phillipa Ward. 

The valuable role of the event’s advisory board is to consult with the iMedia team in shaping the event’s agenda and ensuring the industry’s biggest issues, technological innovations and burgeoning consumer trends are accounted for throughout the content. 

Events like iMedia’s provide the opportunity for trailblazers within New Zealand’s industry to convene for the chance to learn, discuss, and compare the unique challenges faced within the region’s retail landscape. 

While acknowledged solutions-providing vendors invest in their attendance, the application process for retail brand leaders to attend follows a different path. Interested e-commerce and retail brand leaders are encouraged to submit a request via the event’s website to attend. Each coveted retailer invitation not only ensures attendance but comes inclusive of accommodation and hospitality to complement the three days of world-class content.

The rigorous and competitive selection process, aimed at securing a formal invitation, serves a crucial purpose. Sonia Sutherland elaborates on the necessary pre-event due diligence: “Retailers are asked to specify the technologies they are interested in learning, exploring or investing in. Our focus categories include e-commerce sales and advertising technology, marketing and communication, customer service and CRM, data information technology, and logistics and supply chain. This comprehensive screening of retailer’s applications ensures we bring the right brands to connect and network with the most promising partners together under the same (new, Queenstown-based) roof.”

• You can find more information regarding the iMedia Online Retail summit New Zealand here.