Structure of the Retail Summit 2026 program

10–12 / 3 / 2026 - Prague Congress Centre

Prolog

Tuesday - 10 / 3 / 2026

14:00-20:00

Registration

14:40-17:00

The Best of Czech Promotion Summit

16:30-18:30

Friends of Pets: For a Healthy Growth of the Category

17:00-21:00

Get Together & Pub Quiz

Space for networking
19:00

CEO Dinner

For SOCR ČR guests only
First Day

Wednesday - 11 / 3 / 2026

08:00-09:00

Registration

09:00-11:00

Part A

Moderation
Karel Kovy Kovář
Opening Remarks
Tomáš Prouza
Tomáš Prouza president, SOCR ČR and vicepresident, EuroCommerce
Macroeconomic Outlook for Retail and Manufacturing
E-commerce Trends
Panel Discussion: CEO Perspective on Retail Trends
Keynote Speaker
Beyond the Noise: What’s Ahead, What Matters, What Moves Us
Magnus Lindkvist
Magnus Lindkvist Futurologist & Author of How to Make AI Useful
09:00-11:00

Beyond the Noise: What’s Ahead, What Matters, What Moves Us

What will it be about?

The world has never been louder. Every week brings a new wave of hype — AI breakthroughs, geopolitical tremors, green revolutions — yet real progress depends on knowing what truly matters.

In this high-energy keynote, futurologist Magnus Lindkvist takes the audience beyond the noise to explore the deeper forces shaping retail and society. Drawing on insights from his new book How to Make AI Useful, he unpacks the megatrends redefining growth — from shifting demographics and technological change to the human search for meaning.

Structured around his Wow–Whoa–Grow framework, the talk begins in wonder, pauses for reflection, and ends in movement. The result is a rare mix of perspective and practical optimism — a guide for retail leaders seeking to transform turbulence into momentum and build the kind of human, creative relationships that make growth sustainable.

Magnus Lindkvist

Magnus Lindkvist

Futurologist & Author of How to Make AI Useful
11:00-11:30

Coffee and Tea Break

11:30-13:30

Part B

Moderation:
Karel Kovy Kovář
Mastercard Retailer of the Year 2025 – Audience Award for the Innovator in Retail

The competition showcase of three nominated projects will be presented by Martin Dolejš, Business Development Director CZ/SK, Mastercard

Want to make it to the finals? Submit your projects here.

How to Build Closer Customer Relationships
Transforming the Impulse Zone
Other Collaboration Case Studie
13:30-14:30

Business Lunch

14:30-16:15

Part C

Moderation
Karel Kovy Kovář
Smart Store 24/7 – The Future of Retail?
Stephan Rüschen
Stephan Rüschen Professor of Grocery Retail and Head of Retail Management, DHBW Heilbronn
14:30-16:15

Smart Store 24/7 – The Future of Retail?

What will it be about?

The No. of unmanned stores (Smart Stores 24/7)  is increasing year by year in Europe. The different technical solutions are used for a wide range of locations (Rural area, gas stations, hotels, neighbourhood stores, travel retail, soccer stadiums, etc.). The end of the line is not yet reached. What are the opportunities and the challenges in this new market segment in retail?

Stephan Rüschen

Stephan Rüschen

Professor of Grocery Retail and Head of Retail Management, DHBW Heilbronn

Prof. Dr. Stephan Rüschen is a leading expert in retail management and has been conducting extensive research on unmanned Smart Stores 24/7 for the past five years. Since 2013, he has served as Professor of Retail at DHBW Heilbronn, where he focuses on innovation, consumer behavior, and the future of retail formats.

How to Better Use the Potential of Customer Data
The New Era of Private Labels
How to Open a Store in 8 Weeks?
16:15-16:45

Tea / Coffee and Refreshment Break

16:45-18:30

Part D:Parallel program sessions

D1: A New Era of Retail Payments

The payments world is undergoing fundamental transformation, bringing new requirements for retailers domestically and abroad. We will offer a practical view on preparing for payment modernization, navigating differing fiscal regulations across countries, and maintaining peace of mind when expanding to new markets. We’ll also explore fintech inspirations, smart options for digital receipts, and how to set up a payment infrastructure that is secure, efficient, and customer-friendly.

D2: Healthy Customer Experience

Customer experience is going through its biggest shift in years. Next-generation standards and modern digital tools are transforming how people shop, make decisions, and perceive brands across channels. Solutions presented will range from more precise product information to effective communication and environments that reflect real customer behavior.

18:30-19:30

Networking & Welcome Dinner

19:30-23:00

Gala evening

The evening is hosted by
Zorka Hejdová , moderator  and  Tomáš Zástěra , moderator

Special guest: Jelen (band)

During the evening, we will announce the winners of:
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Second Day

Thursday - 12 / 3 / 2026

09:00-10:45

Parallel Program Sessions E

E1: Category Management 2026+

A practical look at using behavioral science insights in category management: how to build category value, respond to real customer behavior, and use modern planning tools for assortment localization across store types. Includes new possibilities for AI-driven planogram automation.

E2: New Trends in Retail Formats

New customer needs shape new demands on store formats. E-commerce leads growth, mid-size supermarkets and discounters perform strongly, yet all must innovate. Hypermarkets and malls are transforming massively—customers now expect services, experiences, and entertainment.

E3: Healthy Eating

Consumers are becoming more demanding, informed, and sensitive to food origin, composition, values, and lifestyle compatibility. Retailers and manufacturers will discuss the new opportunities this shift brings, and offer insights into the future of healthy nutrition.

10:45-11:30

Coffee and Tea Break

11:30-13:15

Parallel Program Sessions F

F1: Healthy Supply Chain

A healthy supply chain requires better mutual understanding and data exchange between retailers and suppliers. We'll focus on what information needs to be shared for proper stock levels, efficient planning, and stable product availability. A systemic-science coach will help uncover hidden cooperation patterns and suggest improvements.

F2: Loyalty Programmes & Personalisation

How to use customer data to create more targeted and appealing offers, motivate repeat purchases, and build long-term brand loyalty. The average Czech uses 14 loyalty programmes, but their effectiveness varies widely.

F3: New Technologies for Modern Retail Management

Modern technologies are radically changing how retailers operate stores and back-end processes. Smart sensors provide real-time data, advanced analytics improve forecasting and stock planning, and AI tools help enhance pricing management, risk detection, safety, and operational efficiency.

13:15

Lunch