10:00-10:15 AM ET
Welcome and introduction
Rachel Dalton, Head of Retail Insights, North America

10:15-10:45 AM ET
Setting the stage: The four forces of change  
Moderator: Rachel Dalton, Head of Retail Insights, North America
Speakers: J. Walker Smith, Knowledge Lead, MONITOR
Barry Thomas, Senior Thought Leader, RetailIQ

• Get an overview of the four main forces disrupting the market.
• Determine the long-term implications of the four forces for brands and retailers.
• Identify the winners and losers in this new world order. 

10:45-11:30 AM ET
The Generational Change: From Boomers to Gen Z 
Michelle Brisson, Senior Consultant, MONITOR 
Anna Ross, Senior Consultant, MONITOR 
Gina Logan, Principal Analyst, Retail IQ 

Until now, boomers have set the tone for consumer culture. Gen Z is the first generation to shape commerce on their own terms, but how will its cultural agenda differ from that of past generations? This presentation sheds light on three key themes that will become increasingly important for brands as Gen Z takes the reigns of the marketplace. 

• Explore differences in Gen Z’s starting points and values compared to other generations.
• Understand how Gen Z consumers approach shopping.
• Discuss shifting retailer strategies that seek to cater to Gen Z while appealing to the masses. 

11:30 AM-12:15 PM ET
Demographic Change: Depopulation and the Rise of Singles 
Sara Nettesheim, Senior Consultant, MONITOR 
Sam Golub, Consultant, MONITOR 
David Marcotte Senior VP, Retail IQ 

This decade heralds the full-blown implications of a long-developing baby bust, reshaping the demographic landscape and consumer dynamics. With marriage and parenthood delayed or in decline, brands need to rethink strategies. This presentation delves into how innovation beyond the traditional family household will fuel new models of success. 

• Gain an understanding of depopulation and rising segments. 
• Analyze three key needs of the singles population. 
• Identify the ramifications at the channel and retailer level 

12:15-12:45 PM ET
BREAK

12:45-1:30 PM ET
From affordable to affordability
Doug Hermanson, Principal Economist, Retail IQ 
Paida Mugudubi, Head of Retail Insights, EMEA and APAC 
Mary Brett Whitfield, SVP, Shopper Insights and Solutions, Retail IQ 

As consumers grapple with ongoing economic challenges and uncertainty, it is increasingly clear that going forward brands and retailers will no longer be able to rely on price propping up top-line numbers. This decade is bifurcating the marketplace like never before—into those who can pay extra versus those who cannot, and into brands who cannot figure out how to add value in a way that retains affordability and those pivoting forward with something innovative. In this session, we’ll explore the root sources of this pivot point, how shoppers are bifurcating, and what brands can do to win back volume growth. 

• Uncover the key economic challenges pressuring shopper behavior. 
• Explore morphing shopping behaviors as shoppers seek to maximize value.
• Examine what levers retailers and brands can pull to drive growth. 

1:30-2:15 PM ET
The power of AI and its transformative impact for consumers and commerce 
Barry Thomas, Senior Thought Leader, Retail IQ
Walker Smith, Knowledge Lead, MONITOR

Artificial intelligence made a huge splash in 2024, but the technology has been in development for decades. In this presentation, we’ll determine what’s different this time and how new advancements will mold the future of commerce 

• Learn about the evolution of artificial intelligence and how it has fueled the fourth era of commerce.
• Evaluate the repercussions of AI on the consumer experience and the shape of commerce.
• Study how successful brands will take the lead on the AI evolution. 

2:15-2:30 PM ET
Key Takeaways and Implications
Rachel Dalton, Head of Retail Insights, North America