Retail Innovation Conference & Expo

Collins and Minkoff to explore retail’s cultural influences and technological innovations at this year’s conference.

New York, NY (May 14, 2024) – The Retail Innovation Conference and Expo (RICE) has announced its keynote lineup for this year’s conference, taking place June 4-6, 2024, at McCormick Place, Chicago. Dr. Marcus Collins, best-selling author and cultural scholar, and Rebecca Minkoff, co-founder and chief creative officer of the eponymous retail brand, will headline the conference, each bringing their unique perspectives on the transformative power of culture, community and an innovation mindset in retail.

Dr. Marcus Collins, a marketing professor from the University of Michigan and a luminary in understanding cultural impact on consumer trends, will explore the retail influence of human behavior in his talk, “For the Culture – The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do and Who We Want to Be.” His keynote on Wednesday, June 5, aims to decode the cultural underpinnings that dictate consumer choices and drive market trends.

On Thursday, June 6, Author and NBC Contributor Daniela Pierre Bravo will sit down with Rebecca Minkoff, a trailblazer in integrating cutting-edge technology and media with fashion. During “The Rise of Brands as Media – Inside Rebecca Minkoff’s Approach to Innovation,” the two will discuss Minkoff’s journey, creating a media-rich brand and passionate community leveraging the latest digital technologies, platforms and experiences.

“Both Collins and Minkoff exemplify the spirit of innovation that our conference stands for,” noted RICE Conference Content Manager Erica Brant. “Their insights will provide our attendees with the knowledge to harness cultural forces and technological advancements to reimagine retail’s response to ever-changing consumer expectations.”

Beyond these keynotes, RICE will feature sessions across three dedicated conference tracks, focusing on three key pillars: Content, Community and Commerce. These pillars aim to address how brands are bringing new experiences and business models to life. Sessions are designed to equip attendees with a diverse toolkit to tackle the challenges and opportunities in today’s rapidly evolving market. Additional conference speakers include senior executives from Michaels, Liquid Death, Petco, Babylist, Primark, The Home Depot, American Girl, Pinterest, Walgreens, Roku, Spotify, Macy’s, IKEA and more.

Keynote and conference track sessions are available to All-Access and Conference Track attendees. To learn more and register for #RICE24, visit www.retailinnovationconference.com. Keep up with the latest news from RICE on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About the Retail Innovation Conference & Expo:

The Retail Innovation Conference & Expo (RICE) is the premier event for retail industry professionals seeking the latest in innovation, technology, and thought leadership. RICE gathers key stakeholders—from small startups to large retailers—to explore and discuss emerging trends that are shaping the future of retail. Attendees can network with peers, gain insights from leading experts, and experience firsthand the newest solutions and strategies in ecommerce, social media marketing, store design, omnichannel strategy and more. RICE is dedicated to fostering connections that drive innovation and growth in the retail sector. For more information, please visit: www.retailinnovationconference.com.

About Emerald:

Emerald’s talented and experienced team grows our customers’ businesses 365 days a year through connections, content, and commerce. We expand connections that drive new business opportunities, product discovery, and relationships with over 140 annual events, matchmaking, and lead-gen services. We create content to ensure that our customers are on the cutting edge of their industries and are continually developing their skills. And we power commerce through efficient year-round buying and selling. We do all this by seamlessly integrating in-person and digital platforms and channels. Emerald is immersed in the industries we serve and committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. As true partners, we create experiences that inspire, amaze, and deliver breakthrough results. For more information, please visit: www.emeraldx.com.

Media Contact:
Eva Jackson, Marketing Director
Emerald Expositions
eva.jackson@emeraldx.com