Events & News

From AI to Authenticity: Roadmap to Retail 3.0 at the RISE Conference
Retail is entering a new era, shaped by rapid innovation, evolving consumer expectations, and the accelerating impact of AI. Similar themes have been echoed at the NRF Big Show this year, and they came into sharp focus at the UTD Center for Retail Innovation and Strategy Excellence (RISE) Conference, Roadmap to Retail 3.0. The event brought together leading executives, innovators, and students for a full day of thought-provoking conversations and connection.

The conference began with a striking statistic: 69% of consumers are comfortable being walking contradictions in their shopping behaviors. This sparked conversation around the consumer “say-do gap,” with speakers pointing out that contradictions aren’t problems to solve but realities to design for. As Amazon often puts it, “customers are always beautifully unsatisfied”—a reminder that adaptability, not perfection, is the key to long-term success.

The keynote address featured Steve Dennis, global retail influencer and best-selling author of Leaders Leap. Dennis emphasized that in a world of disruption, companies must be “stubborn on the vision, flexible on the details.” His insights framed the day’s discussions around disruption, innovation, and resilience.

In the panel Economic Headwinds and Tailwinds in Retail, executives including Stacee Johnson-Williams of Signet Jewelers and Sumit Anand of Academy Sports & Outdoors explored the forces influencing the industry in 2025. They shared perspectives on how retailers can find growth even as they navigate uncertain markets.

Technology was front and center in How AI Is Enhancing Customer Experience in Retail, with leaders from IBM, CoPoint AI, and Datascan illustrating how machine learning, computer vision, and generative AI are reshaping retail operations and customer journeys. The message was clear: AI isn’t just coming—it’s already here.

The human side of transformation was spotlighted in Building the Next-Gen Workforce in the Age of AI, featuring Ezhil Mani of Infosys, Marie Zablocki of Cinemark, and Sabari Raja of JFFVentures. They emphasized the importance of developing adaptable, creative, and collaborative teams that can thrive alongside new technologies.

Another highlight was The Future of Retail, led by Aparna Galiasso of Amazon Web Services. Galiasso described three waves of AI-driven commerce: personalized, predictive, and agentic. Like waves in the ocean, each builds on the last, underscoring that true success in retail comes not from chasing one trend but from balancing across multiple shifts.

The day also celebrated leadership with the Legend in Retail Award, presented to Gary Kusin, co-founder of GameStop. In a fireside chat, Kusin shared lessons from his career, reflecting on entrepreneurship, disruption, and resilience. His candid remarks offered both inspiration and practical wisdom to attendees.

Later sessions included Buy vs. Build and From Neiman Marcus to Goodwill, which explored the trade-offs in technology investment and the variety of approaches retailers are using, from luxury strategies to community-centered models. The session Importance of Brand Authenticity reminded attendees that trust and credibility remain at the core of customer relationships, even in an increasingly digital age.

The conference concluded with How to Jumpstart Your Career Path, moderated by John Humphrey of CoPoint AI. HR leaders including Leena Aldibbeh (SRS Distribution), Candace Drummer (CVS Health), Kim Viverette (Fanatics), and Lauren Rupley (Chewy) shared candid advice with students about navigating career pivots, improving resumes, and learning from rejection. Their honest insights provided valuable guidance for the next generation entering retail careers.

Beyond the panels, the RISE Conference also served as a hub for networking and community. Students, faculty, and professionals exchanged ideas, built connections, and found common ground in their shared passion for retail’s future. The energy throughout the day reflected both optimism and determination to tackle the challenges ahead.

In the end, the Roadmap to Retail 3.0 conference was both a reflection and a roadmap: a reflection of the contradictions and complexities shaping today’s consumers, and a roadmap for how the industry can adapt with agility, innovate with purpose, and remain focused on authenticity. For attendees, the message was clear—the future of retail is already here, and it is full of opportunity.