Full Agenda

Take a look at our agenda for the Talking Retail Live 2026 conference that will take place on Thursday 26 March 2026. 

For 2026, we will explore how retailers can safeguard customers, support employees, and operate efficiently while driving growth and trust. Through expert insights and practical strategies, we’ll examine the latest approaches to compliance, sustainability, healthy communities, and operational excellence, helping retailers navigate today’s challenges with confidence and integrity.

2026 Agenda

-
Registration & Networking
-
Opening & Welcome
-
Keynote: Retail Responsibility in a Changing World

A forward-looking address on how small retailers can thrive by leading on compliance, sustainability, and community engagement.

-
Presentation: Avoiding Sales of Age-Restricted or Harmful Products

Practical steps for enforcing age restrictions, using Challenge 25, and building staff confidence to refuse sales responsibly.

-
Presentation: Preventing and Reporting Sales of Illicit Tobacco and Vapes

How to identify illicit products, verify suppliers, and report issues effectively — protecting your license and your livelihood.

-
Coffee Break & Networking
-
Panel: Being a Responsible Employer

Retail leaders and HR experts discuss fair pay, training, inclusion, and wellbeing — and how these improve business performance.

-
Presentation: Sustainable Retailing – Reducing Waste and Costs

How small changes — from sourcing local to saving energy — drive both profit and planet-positive results.

-
Lunch Break
-
Lightning Talks: Inspiring Examples of Responsible Retailing
  1. Community Engagement: Building loyalty through local partnerships.
  2. Promoting Healthy Eating: Simple strategies to support customer wellbeing.
  3. Technology and Operational Responsibility: Smart tools for compliance and sustainability.
-
Presentation: Digital Tools to Prevent Underage Sales

Exploring ID scanning, till prompts, and AI solutions that protect retailers and customers alike.

-
Coffee Break
-
Presentation: Retailers as Community Champions

How engaging with schools, charities, and local networks enhances reputation and customer loyalty.

-
Roundtables: Turning Principles into Practice

Grab a drink and join one of the discussions below:

  1. Strengthening Age-Restriction Compliance
  2. Tackling Illicit Tobacco and Vape Sales
  3. Building a Sustainable Store
  4. Empowering and Retaining Staff
  5. Engaging the Local Community
  6. Promoting Healthier Choices in Store
  7. Using Technology Responsibly and Effectively
  8. Creating a Responsible Retail Action Plan
-
Close & Key Takeaways