IRX 2012 promises an unrivalled learning programme and training opportunities
IRX 2012 promises an unrivalled learning programme and training opportunities
Internet Retailing Expo (IRX) 2012, has been enlarged for its second year to bring even more information, stimulus and capability together for an intense “Selling in the digital age” two-day event – taking place at the NEC in Birmingham, from 21 to 22 March.
Over 2,600 visitors attended the first IRX in March 2011, where organisers said 48% were e-tailers and 22% were multichannel retailers. In 2012, over 4,000 visitors are projected to attend and 150 leading suppliers to e-commerce and multichannel retailers will come together under one roof.
Running the multichannel gamut
“There’s no other event in Europe that offers such a wide gamut of skills and capabilities to sell in the multichannel era,” said Mark Pigou, show director at Internet Retailing Events. “IRX 2011 was praised for its high quality delegates, highly targeted visitors, busy show floor and ROI [return on investment] generation. In 2012 we intend to build on this by delivering an even better mix of marketing with technology, logistics with customer-facing design, and mobile with in-store experience through our four conference tracks, free-to-attend workshops, learning sessions and demonstrations.”
New for the 2012 learning programme is a dedicated M-Retailing conference track. On day two, the “Mobile and Social Commerce,” sponsored by Reevoo, will provide insight into the world of mobile and how it can be exploited – from customer behaviour and research, to industry trends and triggers to selling on the mobile, via social, apps, integration and data. Presenting companies confirmed to date include PayPal, Reevoo, Mothercare, Javelin Group, whatusersdo.com, Headscape, Sponge, nToklo, Eagle Eye Solutions and Virgin Business Media.
The other track running on day two is called “Customer Experience,” sponsored by Certona. Design, interaction, experience planning, usability, service management, customer touchpoints – and the data and analytical systems to collect, analyse and give insight – will form the basis of this new stream, focused on the customer’s experience. Presenting companies include John Lewis, Asda, Blue Inc, FACT-Finder, Certona, LCP Consulting and JD Sports.
Advice for e-commerce beginners and veterans
The “Fast Track” and Enterprise” conference tracks will run on day one. “Fast track,” sponsored by Amazon Services Europe, offer a learning and inspiration opportunity for people looking to make their first step (or first major commitment) to digital channels. Presenting companies include PayPal, Stinkyink.com, eSellerPro and Towequipe, Barnsley Football Club, Field Fisher Waterhouse, ActivInstinct and Amazon.
In the “Enterprise” conference track, sponsored by Efficient Frontier, delegates will learn best practice from retailers on how to extract more revenue from an increasing customer base – by uniting channels, increasing relevance and coherence and differentiating themselves profitably. Presenting companies include Hitwise, De Vere, CBS Interactive and Shop Direct, Shutl, Jacques Vert, wehkamp.nl and eCommera.
Also new for 2012 is The Innovation Pavilion, which will provide an opportunity for suppliers of services and products launched within the past 12 months to showcase themselves to visitors on the IRX show floor.
