THURSDAY 28 AUGUST 2025
GRAND MILLENNIUM, AUCKLAND
Inspire Retail 25 Conference
Strategies for a brighter tomorrow
Thursday 28 August 2025
Grand Millennium, Auckland
Inspire Retail 25 is a one-day retail conference featuring industry leading speakers, category experts, panel discussions, Ask Me Anything sessions, expo supplier stands, and visual merchandising space, culminating in our glittering awards event — the Retail NZ Awards.
The conference is a fantastic opportunity for retail executives, business owners and other passionate individuals to connect, learn, engage, network and celebrate the best in retail.
Why Attend?
Get ready to be part of the most anticipated retail event of the year! Inspire Retail 25, hosted by Retail NZ, is set to take place on 28 August 2025 in Auckland. This one-day conference and awards event is designed to inspire, engage, and elevate the retail industry. Here’s why you can’t afford to miss it:
What’s in It for You?
- Valuable Connections: Network with like-minded professionals and industry leaders.
- Cutting-Edge Knowledge: Access exclusive content on retail trends and innovations.
- Business Recognition: Gain credibility and recognition through the Retail Awards.
- Team Morale: Boost your team’s spirit and celebrate your achievements together.
- Brand Elevation: Position your brand as a leader in the retail industry.
Event Highlights
Join us for a day of networking, learning and fun, at what promises to be the retail event of the year.
Secure Your Spot Today!
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of New Zealand’s leading retail event. Inspire Retail 25 promises to deliver lasting value, meaningful connections, and a celebration of retail excellence.
Retail NZ member code
Members of Retail NZ can use this code to receive a discount:
Please log in to view the code
Speakers
Kasey Lobaugh
Senior Principal, Consumer Industry, Chief Consumer Industry Futurist
Deloitte Consulting
Kasey Lobaugh is a visionary leader and the Chief Consumer Industry Futurist at Deloitte Consulting LLP. With three decades of experience, Kasey has been at the forefront of helping global retail and consumer brands navigate seismic shifts in consumer behaviour, digital disruption, and competitive dynamics.
As a Senior Principal, Kasey leads cutting-edge research into the future of the consumer industry, exploring the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and evolving business models. He played a foundational role in launching Deloitte Digital and is widely recognised as one of the industry’s most influential voices.
Kasey’s insights have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and Financial Times, and he is a sought-after speaker known for his strategic clarity and forward-thinking perspective. At Inspire 25, Kasey will share his expert view on what’s next for retail—and how leaders can stay ahead of the curve.
Olivia Blaylock
Chief Executive
The Icehouse
Olivia Blaylock is the Chief Executive of The Icehouse, New Zealand’s leading growth partner for small to medium-sized businesses. With over 25 years of leadership experience spanning sales, marketing, strategy, and operations across both public and private sectors, Olivia brings a wealth of insight and energy to every conversation.
Before joining The Icehouse, Olivia was the owner and managing director of national training firm David Forman and is a graduate of the Icehouse Owner Manager Programme. Her hands-on experience as a business owner fuels her passion for helping others navigate growth, leadership, and change. She has also completed an executive programme in scaling companies at Stanford University, further sharpening her strategic lens.
At Inspire 25, Olivia will chair a dynamic panel discussion on how retailers can adapt to a changing business environment shaped by evolving customer expectations and shifting demographics. With her deep understanding of business transformation and leadership, Olivia will guide the conversation toward practical insights and future-focused strategies.
Mat Kearney
Partner
INSIDE Consulting
Mat Kearney is a seasoned organisational strategist and Partner at INSIDE Consulting, bringing over 25 years of experience in human resources and leadership advisory.
With a strong focus on organisational design, change leadership, and culture transformation, Mat has worked across both public and private sectors, partnering with leading organisations such as ANZ, Kiwibank, New Zealand Police, and the Ministry of Education.
Known for his dynamic facilitation style and strategic insight, Mat works closely with executive teams to shape people strategies that drive sustainable performance and cultural alignment. His expertise spans executive team development, strategic operating models, and embedding high-performance cultures.
At Inspire 25, Mat will serve as the conference and awards MC, and chair a compelling session on building high-performance team cultures—drawing on his deep experience helping organisations thrive through people.
Aidan Bartlett
Chief Executive
Designer Wardrobe
Aidan Bartlett is the CEO of Designer Wardrobe, New Zealand’s leading fashion resale marketplace. With a unique blend of creative vision and commercial acumen, Aidan champions a product-led approach to building scalable, purpose-driven platforms.
Before taking the helm at Designer Wardrobe, Aidan co-founded the jewellery label Eyes of Common, gaining firsthand insight into the shifting dynamics of retail and the growing momentum behind second-hand commerce. Under his leadership, Designer Wardrobe has grown into a national brand with a vibrant community—now including one in ten women in New Zealand.
Aidan is also at the forefront of integrating AI into the platform, driving innovation in areas such as dispute resolution, seller onboarding, and embedding-based product search. His work is focused on enhancing trust, discovery, and scalability in the evolving retail landscape.
At Inspire 25, Aidan joins our panel on adapting to the changing retail business environment, bringing deep experience and forward-thinking insights into the future of fashion, technology, and community-driven commerce.
Janine Sudbury
International Leadership Development Coach
Impact Leadership
Janine Sudbury is a globally recognised leadership development coach and keynote speaker, celebrated for her transformative, experiential approach that takes leadership learning beyond the boardroom and into the field—literally.
Affectionately known as “The Horse Whisperer,” Janine facilitates powerful workshops where leaders partner with horses to gain immediate, unfiltered insights into their leadership style, presence, and emotional intelligence.
With a background as a BBC and Radio New Zealand journalist and presenter, Janine brings sharp communication skills, deep empathy, and a keen understanding of human behaviour to her work. Her unique methodology has empowered leaders from London to Dubai to New Zealand to overcome imposter syndrome, stop people-pleasing, and lead with courage and clarity.
Janine has delivered keynote talks for the Women Leaders Institute, WISTA, and the NZERA Conference, and is widely sought after for her engaging, passionate, and often life-changing sessions.
At Inspire 25, Janine will join our panel discussion on building a high-performance team culture, sharing her insights on how courageous leadership and authentic presence can transform not just your team—but your entire trajectory.
Satish Ranchhod
Senior Economist
Westpac New Zealand
Satish Ranchhod is a Senior Economist at Westpac and one of New Zealand’s foremost experts on inflation and economic trends. With over 20 years of experience, Satish has played a pivotal role in shaping economic understanding and policy, including leading the Reserve Bank’s analysis of the Canterbury earthquakes and global financial crisis.
Since joining Westpac in 2014, Satish has focused on some of the country’s most pressing economic challenges—from housing supply to the cost-of-living pressures facing Kiwi households. His insights are widely respected across the financial and business sectors.
At Inspire 25, Satish will share expert economic insights to help retailers navigate the evolving landscape and make informed decisions in a time of change.
Katherine Rich
Chief Executive
BusinessNZ
Katherine Rich is the Chief Executive of BusinessNZ, New Zealand’s foremost business advocacy organisation. With a distinguished background in both politics and industry leadership, Katherine brings deep insight into the intersection of policy, commerce, and economic development.
She served as a Member of Parliament from 1999 to 2008, and from 2009 to 2023, led the New Zealand Food and Grocery Council, where she championed the interests of grocery manufacturers and suppliers. She also served on the APEC Business Council, advocating for trade liberalisation and international collaboration.
Katherine holds degrees in Marketing and Economics from the University of Otago, and her early career spanned both public and private sectors. Today, she remains a prominent voice in New Zealand’s business and political spheres, with a focus on fostering sustainable economic growth and a thriving business environment.
At Inspire 25, Katherine will participate in a panel discussion exploring how retailers can adapt to the changing business environment—shaped by evolving customer expectations and shifting demographics.
Lukas Halikias
Director
Glide Media
Lukas Halikias is the founder of Glide Media, a bold and innovative social media agency shaking up the digital advertising space. With a deep passion for all things social media—especially content that makes people laugh—Lukas has built a reputation for creating campaigns that truly connect.
His recent collaboration with Retail NZ on the viral #7Jobs7Days campaign captured millions of views and interactions, showcasing the power of creative, authentic storytelling on platforms like TikTok. Lukas thrives on pushing boundaries and delivering results through platform-native strategies.
At Inspire 25, Lukas will take the stage during our breakout sessions to share his insights on the business of TikTok—what drives engagement, how to build brand presence, and why humour and originality are key to standing out in today’s digital landscape.
Sponsors
Align your brand with industry excellence at New Zealand’s premiere retail conference and awards.
Get in touch today to enquire about exhibitor and sponsor packages.
Email Chris at [email protected]
