Spring Fair has announced the first speakers for its new Heart of Retail Stage, alongside 10 themes that will shape the exhibition’s 2027 content programme
Taking place at NEC Birmingham from 7-10th February 2027, the show will welcome retail leaders and entrepreneurs for discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
The first speakers include Debenhams Group CEO Dan Finley, Blue Diamond Garden Centres CEO Alan Roper, Small Business Commissioner Emma Jones CBE, British Retail Consortium chief executive Helen Dickinson, and retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis.
Sessions will explore topics including Debenhams’ digital transformation, independent retail, leadership, customer experience and the future of the high street. Paphitis will deliver the closing conversation, A Love Letter to Retail, on 10th February.
The wider programme will cover 10 themes, including sustainability, emerging brands, customer loyalty, AI and technology, business growth and championing independent retailers.
Fay Tranter, event director at Spring Fair, said the programme aims to bring together voices who can challenge thinking, share experience and offer retailers practical ideas to take away.
Further speakers and programme details will be announced in the coming months. Registration is free for retail buyers and industry professionals.
