Agenda

Opening Keynote - The Near Future of Retail: Orchestrating With AI Agents (Narragansett Ballroom)

Takeaways:

• Strategic clarity on how to thrive in the Agentic Era
• Practical rituals for evolving your relationship with AI
• A model for sustainable, symbiotic retail ecosystems

Workshop #1 - The Thread That Connects Us (Narragansett Ballroom)

In a world overwhelmed by loneliness, disconnection, deep fakes and radical manipulation, one truth endures – humans need humans to feel human. What is the thread we, as creators of experience, can offer to restore that connection? In this powerful fireside conversation, global leaders Bevan Bloemendaal (BB Creative Consultancy), Loic Bizel (Lebiz Consulting Tokyo) and Mike Roberts (Keane) explore how design is weaving together the physical and emotional, the local and the global, the personal and the communal – proving that the most meaningful spaces aren’t just built; they’re felt. Through a gallery of real-world examples from across the globe spanning retail, hospitality and cultural experience – this session reveals the trends and touchpoints that are shaping emotionally intelligent design. Because the spaces we create aren’t just where people go – they’re where people connect.

Takeaways:

• Explore how future of design will connect people physically and emotionally
• Discover how global leaders are designing new experiences in both retail and hospitality 
• Learn how human connection can be deepened by the built environment

Workshop #2 - From Sensory Overload to Shopper Ease (WaterPlace Ballroom)

The U.S. disability community holds an estimated $490 billion in annual disposable income, and unlocking that opportunity begins with empathy, accessibility and thoughtful design. Retail often focuses on engaging customers’ senses, but do we consider how this affects every shopper? Drawing from her professional expertise in the retail industry and her journey of healing from a traumatic brain injury, Meg Lefeld of ZenGenius will explore how sensory accessibility can shape the future of retail environments. This hands-on workshop invites participants to step into the shoes of shoppers with sensory sensitivities through guided empathy exercises. Attendees will experience what it feels like to navigate retail with different abilities and uncover how accessible design choices can help remove barriers, reduce stress and create shopping experiences that work for everyone.

Takeaways:

• Experience firsthand how sensory barriers impact shoppers
• Understand how the brain processes sensory input and why accessibility matters
• Apply this empathy and awareness to future projects, leading with accessibility

Embracing Change and the Art of Design (Narragansett Ballroom)

Change is the hallmark of retail, and embracing change is the pathway to success. Visual merchandising and store design are alive and well and visionary designers hold the key as we navigate these exciting and challenging times. This session will offer a bit of history and then a look into the future as we recognize change and the art of design as enticements for today’s consumer.

Lunchtime (Narragansett Ballroom)

Full-Audience Roundtable Discussions

NEW FOR 2025: We’ve added a twist on the old roundtable concept! During this session, the entire audience will jump in on collaborative conversations around focused topics. Attendees will choose from six unique topics such as in-store experience, brand and marketing activation, innovation and the future of retail, to name a few. Actionable data will be shared with attendees so you can bring back the session findings to your colleagues. Get ready for one giant idea exchange!

Offsite "Disruptive" Experience

Equal parts energizing and hands on, this year’s disruptive experience will take attendees on a team-building adventure. In place of our usual offsite tours, the afternoon of Oct. 22 will feature mental challenges and tests against your skill all in a themed environment. Explore immersive art installations featuring hidden scavenger hunts and tackle puzzles that capture your mind. Just a short walk from the host hotel, wear your comfy shoes and be ready to engage your senses! This immersive experience will also feature an educational twist—Katie and Matthew will share how retail designers can take customer experience to a new level.

19th Annual Iron Merchant Challenge, Co-Hosted with ZenGenius (Narragansett Ballroom)

Designing What's Next: An Intergenerational Dialogue (Narragansett Ballroom)

Shifting career paths, new technologies, urgent calls for sustainability, fresh ideas about community... the retail design profession is undergoing a transformation. This IRDC session brings together students and Professor Tracy Zaslow from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), moderated by Cindi Kato of PAVE Global/Arcadis, to share how the next generation is rethinking what design means today and how it will evolve tomorrow. Through open dialogue and audience participation, we'll uncover new perspectives on creativity, sustainability, equity, and innovation, and explore how professionals and students can learn from one another to co-create the industry's future.

Takeaways:

• Hear directly from RISD students on how they define design today, where they see it heading, and how that is shaping their approach to their careers
• Explore new perspectives on sustainability, technology, and community in retail design
• Discover practical ways industry professionals can engage with and support the next generation

Redesigning the Narrative: Barnes & Noble’s New Store Experience (Narragansett Ballroom)

Barnes & Noble is redefining what it means to be a modern bookseller. This panel discussion will explore the bold transformation of the brand’s in-store experience through a nationwide reinvention initiative, one that blends intentional design, community centric merchandising and highly adaptable store formats. Attend this session to understand the importance of collaboration with partners in order to bring to life a customer-first design rooted in discovery, storytelling and comfort. Discover how smart design and agile execution of concept brought the future of bookstore retail to Barnes & Noble - where each location is more than a place to shop, but a destination to explore, engage and feel a sense of belonging.

Takeaways:

• Understand the importance of strategic, scalable design
• Explore the ongoing transformation of bookstore retail
• Learn how the use of modular, flexible fixtures supports agile rollouts

Retail Still Isn't Dead - Here's Why (Narragansett Ballroom)

Sarah Quinlan is coming back to give IRDC attendees a much-needed update about the retail economy in 2025. Just in the past year, we’ve seen incredible ups, downs and turn-arounds – and yet, retail is still kicking. Delve into the effect of tariffs, mortgage rates and inflation: How are these things impacting the industry and what can you do about it? Ms. Quinlan will also share some actionable insights to assist you and your colleagues in navigating this complicated commercial environment.

Takeaways:

• Understand the latest economic happenings in the retail industry
• Discover the impact of tariffs and inflation
• Get a grasp on the state of U.S.-based manufacturing

Interactive Panel | Grocery of the Future: The Omnichannel Integration (Narragansett Ballroom)

Modern grocery shopping is no longer just about in-store purchases. With the increasing popularity of third-party delivery services, BOPIS (buy online, pick-up in store), micro-fulfillment centers and wholesale models, grocery retailers must begin adapting to the evolving needs of modern customers. While still emphasizing the role of physical stores, successful grocery brands are finding ways to seamlessly integrate a flexible, omnichannel approach to offer convenience, efficiency and a strong brand experience across touchpoints. In this general session, attendees will discover new strategies that turn consumer data into intelligent, adaptable, real-world grocery design – and answer the question: How do best-in-class grocers excel by executing a layered retail model?

Takeaways:

• Discover how best-in-class grocery retailers excel through executing a layered retail model
• Understand the importance of integrating digital and omnichannel opportunities
• Explore the diverse and evolving needs of modern grocery shoppers

Special Lunchtime Presentation: Jonathan Vale (Narragansett Ballroom)

Join us at 12:00 PM for lunch, including a special performance at 12:40 PM from Jonathan Vale — a high-impact, down-to-earth magician and mentalist from Providence who turns everyday objects into jaw-dropping feats of mind-reading and mystery. His intimate, mysterious style leaves audiences stunned, inspired, and wondering, “How on earth did he do that?”

VMSD Awards Luncheon Presentation (Narragansett Ballroom)

Join VMSD in celebrating the winners of our annual awards, including Retail Renovation Competition, Designer Dozen, International Visual Competition, and the coveted 2025 VMSD/Peter Glen Retailer of the Year Award.

Influencers: The Future of Brand Loyalty (Narragansett Ballroom)

How can digital tastemakers shape what happens in store? In this general session, join influencers Megan Cusick and Jonny Carmack as they explore how influencer platforms can drive discovery, inspire loyalty and influence buying decisions. From social commerce to storytelling, see how influencer culture is reshaping the way customers think about brands — and discover how retailers and designers can work to create more authentic, impactful experiences to reach their customers on all channels.

Takeaways:

• Discover how influencers can drive brand loyalty and purchasing choices
• Understand how your brand or company can utilize influencers to make a difference
• Learn how social media has shaped the retail industry over the past decade

Retail is Blind: Is Your Store the Perfect Match For Gen Z? (Waterplace Ballroom)

Gen Z isn’t just shopping—they’re looking for retail spaces that truly get them, reflecting their identity, values, and need for community. But are brands designing with them in mind? In this Love is Blind-inspired game show, attendees will step into their role of matchmaker—pairing Gen Z shoppers with retail concepts designed to win their loyalty. Jay Highland and Ambriah Phillips will moderate the session, joined on stage by Meagan Chambers-Lindquist, Miranda Swaney, and surprise panelists from the audience. Through blind pitches, real-time voting, and live feedback, the session will uncover what makes a store “relationship material” and what makes shoppers ghost, challenging attendees to rethink how stores foster connection, self-expression, and belonging—and leaving them with actionable insights to create retail environments Gen Z will commit to and advocate for.

Breakout Session with KultureCity (Narragansett Ballroom)

KultureCity is a leading nonprofit dedicated to making public and retail spaces more inclusive for individuals with sensory needs and invisible disabilities. Through its Sensory Inclusive® certification program, the organization partners with brands and venues to provide staff training, sensory bags, quiet areas, and support tools that create welcoming environments for all guests. In this session, you’ll hear directly from KultureCity about how retail design professionals can incorporate these practices into their own projects—creating spaces that are not only beautiful, but also accessible and compassionate for every shopper.

Closing Keynote Experience: You’re Only as Good as Your Last Party (Narragansett Ballroom)

Help us close out IRDC 2025 with this immersive, high-energy session that will drive into the art of creating memorable brand activations that resonate with customers. In this closing experience, attendees will explore the key elements to designing an experience driven event or space, discovering how to turn virtually any interaction into an opportunity for lasting connection and memory making. Attend this session to challenge your conventional thinking and learn actionable insights to elevate your next experience.

Takeaways:

• Discover how to turn “normal” interactions into moments for memory making
• Understand the importance of elevating your next brand experience
• Learn how to approach designing an experience driven space or event

Closing Party

Celebrate 25 Years of IRDC! We’re wrapping up 25 years of inspiration and ideas with an evening celebration at Moonshine Alley in downtown Providence. With its lively atmosphere, the venue offers the perfect backdrop to connect with peers, share takeaways, and raise a glass to the future of retail design.