Using True Technology Innovation To Support Ecommerce & The Future Of Stores

23 Apr 2026
Spark Stage
Sustainability, Supply Chain & Innovation

The interviewer will ask the interviewees some of the following questions as well as asking the audience to ask some questions of their own:

  • Which tech innovations are creating new revenue streams for retailers in 2026 and where is this headed? 
  • What does the growth of retail media really mean for retailers and how can they make it meaningful in stores?
  • Which AI innovations are actually making a real difference to eCommerce and stores, and which ones are just hype? 
  • Which new innovations should retailers prioritise to capture data and show attribution? 
  • In an environment of growing operations costs, which tech innovations will truly maximise efficiency and productivity going forward? 
  • What mistakes do retailers often make within their supply chain and what does a great technology strategy look like in this area? 
  • What advice would you give to retailers who want to use technology to become more sustainable? 
  • What key innovation lessons can European retailers learn from US ones and vice versa? 
  • Mark- you spent over 7 years at Walmart- the world’s largest retailer.  What key lessons did you learn here about successful retailing and tech innovation?
  • What will retail and eCommerce look like by 2030 and what role will technology play within it? 
Speakers
Chris Walton
Chris Walton, President & CEO - Omni Talk
Mark Ibbotson
Mark Ibbotson, Ex EVP Walmart Central Operations and Real Estate, McKinsey Senior Advisor, Qualcomm Retail Advisor - McKinsey & Former EVP Walmart
Roy Horgan
Roy Horgan, SEVP Strategy, Marketing & Communications - Vusion