Spring Fair has announced the first speakers for its Heart of Retail stage ahead of the 2027 edition, which takes place at NEC Birmingham from 7 to 10 February 2027.
The show will welcome retail leaders and entrepreneurs for discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
The initial line-up includes Dan Finley, chief executive of Debenhams Group; Alan Roper, chief executive of Blue Diamond Garden Centres; Emma Jones CBE, the Small Business Commissioner; Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium; and retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis.
Sessions will explore Debenhams' digital transformation, independent retail, leadership, customer experience and the future of the high street. Paphitis will deliver the closing conversation, titled A Love Letter to Retail, on 10 February.
The wider programme is organised around ten themes, among them sustainability, emerging brands, customer loyalty, AI and technology, business growth and championing independent retailers.
Fay Tranter, event director at Spring Fair, said the programme aims to bring together voices who can challenge thinking, share experience and offer retailers practical ideas to take away.
Further speakers and programme details are due to be announced in the coming months. Registration is free for retail buyers and industry professionals.