09:00 – 10:00

Registration and welcome refreshments

10:00 – 10:05

Welcome

Your host will be IGD’s Chris Hayward, who will begin the day by sharing his thoughts on why the role of Category Management needs to evolve to stay ahead.

10:05 – 10:25

Category Management: what does the future look like?

As part of the research for her recent publication, Eve Crump spoke to a variety of manufacturers, retailers, and agencies to understand what issues they're concerned with.

In this session Eve will share her learnings on the four pillars that category teams need to focus on to ensure that Category Management is a force for future business growth.

10:25 – 11:10

Building collaborative retail relationships in an ever-changing landscape

Industry experts from both retailers and suppliers will present real examples of how they have successfully worked together growing categories in an ever-evolving retail and shopper landscape.

We’ll conclude this session with our first panel of the day where you will have the opportunity to put your questions to our presenters.

11:10 –11:40

Refreshments and networking

11:40 – 12:00

Panel session

12:00 – 12:20

Demystifying the future of Automated Data and AI

Advancements in Automated Data and AI are exciting for Category Managers as they promise to free up analysis time and make room for more strategic thinking. But navigating this new world can feel like a minefield.

Our expert speakers will begin by sharing the areas where Category Management is likely to be transformed by Automated Data and AI in the future.

You will then have the opportunity to learn about the must-do’s and the must-not-do’s from exciting case studies.

12:20 – 12:40

Delivering innovation in category using new tools and technologies

Join Sally Orland who will share Coca-Cola Europacific Partners’ exciting journey in their implementation of new tools and technologies to better enable them to identify and visualise growth opportunities and collaborate with customers. To include:

• Automated performance reporting using AI to highlight key messages
• Auto ranging tool using AI to optimise range and bring in sustainability metrics
• New planogram software that delivers strong visuals (in the VR store) and analytics

Sally will also provide examples of how they upskilled and engaged their teams to embrace change and new ways of working.

12:40 – 13:40

Lunch and networking

13:40 – 14:10

The evolution of category management

Tesco Media and Insight Platform powered by dunnhumby, in partnership with IGD and VST will share their insights into how category management has evolved, what’s needed from the industry to evolve with it and how the shopper needs to be at the heart of every decision. The session will cover the importance of seamless delivery to optimise shopper impact and avoid pitfalls; and the growing power of the planogram when visualising your strategy and planning.

14:10 – 15:30

Breakout sessions

Innovation station

See and experience the latest technologies that are informing the world of Category Management.

Category Management skills and capabilities

Join our panel discussion hosted by IGD’s David Warren on the future talents and skills required to build winning Category Management teams.