Wednesday 25 February – Thursday 26 February 2026, ICC Sydney
THE FUTURE OF RETAIL LEADERSHIP & INNOVATION
ARC Leaders Forum 26 unites senior leaders, policymakers, innovators and visionaries from across Australia’s retail sector for two days of insights, strategy and collaboration at ICC Sydney.
At its heart, the Forum delivers keynotes, expert panels and fireside chats across eight content tracks – exploring the forces reshaping retail, from innovation and sustainability to customer experience, workforce evolution and future leadership. Expect thought-provoking conversations, real-world case studies and practical insights to help you navigate change with confidence.
ARC Leaders Forum 26 is more than a conference. The event fosters unparalleled networking opportunities, from activation spaces and exhibitor showcases to the cocktail and canapés evening, creating the ideal environment to strengthen relationships, forge partnerships and spark fresh ideas.
Join us on 25 – 26 February 2026 for Australia’s premier retail leadership gathering – a two-day experience of connection, strategy and inspiration.
Premier lineup of industry leaders and CEOs
Our lineup is still growing – more leaders to be announced
Shane Bracken
Managing Director Australia & New Zealand,
Subway
Alice Champion
Head of Retail Operations,
LUSH
Jere Calmes
Chief Executive Officer, THE ICONIC
Scott Edwards
Associate Director Sustainability,
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
Scott Fyfe
CEO,
David Jones
John Gualtieri
Managing Director, Officeworks
Fiona Hayes
CEO & Managing Director, 7-Eleven Stores
Jane Huxley
Chief Executive Officer, Are Media
Sharon Mc Vicker
Country Omni Area Manager, IKEA Australia & New Zealand
Rachael McVitty
Chief Customer Officer, Bunnings Group
Tim Schaafsma
CEO, Coco Republic
Anthony Shiner
Chief Customer Officer, Consumer,
Optus
Nathan Powell
Director of Strategy and Co-Founder,
Fabulate
Aleks Spaseska
Managing Director,
Kmart Group
Gary Starr
EGM - Parcel, Post & eCommerce Services,
Australia Post
Darren Woolley
Chief Executive Officer, TrinityP3
Christelle Young
Managing Director,
T2 Tea
Lizzie Young
Chief Executive Officer,
Commercial Radio & Audio
EARLY BIRD TICKETS ON SALE NOW - SAVE XX%
Offer ends XX.XX.XX
2
DAY IN-PERSON EVENT
60+
INFLUENTIAL SPEAKERS
POWERFUL CONVERSTATIONS
GLOBAL & LOCAL TRENDS
400+
ATTENDEES
NETWORKING SESSIONS
INCLUDED IN YOUR TICKET
Full access to two days of agenda-setting conversations
Entry to all keynotes, panels and fireside chats
Access to the exhibition & activation zones
Participation in networking sessions and evening reception
TICKETS NOW SOLD OUT
Early Bird - Single Ticket
Early Bird - Single Ticket
Early bird - Table of 10 Tickets (Buy 9, get 1 free)
WHY ATTEND?
Gain Future-Focused Insights
Hear from industry leaders, policymakers and innovators on the trends and forces reshaping retail across eight dynamic content tracks.
Learn from Real-World Experience
Access case studies, expert panels and fireside chats offering practical strategies to navigate change and drive growth.
Connect with the Right People
Build powerful networks with senior leaders and decision-makers through structured sessions, activations and social events.
Shape the Future of Retail
Be part of Australia’s premier retail leadership forum, where collaboration and fresh ideas spark new opportunities for the sector.
Agenda at a glance
Day One
GLOBAL TRENDS
Ahead of the Curve: Global Insights for Australian Retail
Leadership
Shaping the Future of Retail: Culture, Capability and Change
CONNECTED COMMERCE
Retail Media in Action: Where Brands, Data and Customers Converge
IMPACT
Purpose, Planet & Profit: Sustainable Retail in Practice
Day Two
RETAIL INNOVATION
The Next Frontier: Technology and Ideas Transforming Retail
RESILIENT RETAIL
Retail Under Pressure: Crime, Cyber Threats & Resilience
RETAIL TECH
AI Unleashed: From Supply Chain to Storefront
CUSTOMER & BRAND
The Experience Economy: Engaging Customers, Building Brands
Highlights from Leaders Forum 25
Hear from our guests
ACCOMMODATION
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
Click here and use the code BGPG to book discounted rates available at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour for event delegates.
Rooms are limited and subject to availability at the time of booking, so we recommend booking early.
Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour
Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour is conveniently located near the event venue. If you require accommodation, you can view availability and make a booking directly via the hotel website here.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
If you’d like to showcase your brand at the forefront of the retail industry and connect directly with senior decision-makers, sponsoring the ARC Leaders Forum 26 is the perfect opportunity. Sponsorship offers you maximum visibility across the two days, alignment with the most influential voices in retail, and the chance to demonstrate your leadership on issues shaping the industry. Connect with us today to explore this opportunity.
Acknowledgement of Country
ARC acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to their elders past and present, and recognise Australia’s First Nations’ peoples as Australia’s first traders with a sophisticated network of trading paths that have facilitated the exchange of goods, knowledge and culture for millennia.
