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the date!
We're heading to the NZICC this October
The retail landscape is being reshaped in real time — by economic pressure, changing consumer expectations, and the evolution of our cities and centres. But with disruption comes opportunity.
Join us at the New Zealand International Convention Centre on 28–29 October 2026 for RECON/ Retail Conference — where the industry comes together to navigate what’s next.
This year, we’ll explore how retailers, investors and city shapers are responding to uncertainty with innovation — rethinking formats, redefining customer experience, and creating places people genuinely want to spend time in.
Because the future of retail isn’t just about weathering change — it’s about using it to build something stronger, smarter and more resilient.
Tickets coming soon!
Connect, learn, and grow
at RECON!
Curated for property professionals in the retail sector, RECON gathers international and local thought-leaders, experts and trend-setters to explore what’s new in retail property.
Once again, attendees will enjoy two unmissable days:
👷♀️ 28 October: Exclusive site tours showcasing innovation in action
🎤 29 October: A full day of sharp insights, big ideas, and industry-leading voices
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From immersive experiences to backstage tech, this is where innovation meets insight.
Suggestions?
Do you have a topic, speaker or project you’d like to see grace the Retail Conference stage in future – contact the events team today!
Featured Speakers
Check out our 2025 speaker lineup!
Justin Flitter founded New Zealand.AI in 2017 to help business leaders discover why, where, and how to leverage this remarkable new technology. Today, NewZealand.AI is the go-to platform for Kiwi companies embarking on their AI journey.
Justin’s career as a tech marketer and senior business leader complements his passion for community and events. In 2000, he founded one of New Zealand’s first business incubators, marking the beginning of his journey in fostering innovation and supporting startups. Since 2012, Justin has been a producer and emcee of TEDxAuckland, bringing cutting-edge ideas and inspiration to the forefront of public discourse.
9:50 am How AI is powering the next wave of retail innovation
AI is no longer a future concept—it’s here, and it’s changing retail today. In this dynamic session, the founder of NewZealand.AI Justin Flitter will guide you through the latest AI innovations transforming the way retailers operate, market and serve customers.
From hyper-personalised shopping experiences and predictive stock management to AI-driven customer service and automated marketing, you’ll see how AI is helping retailers work smarter, move faster and stay ahead. Justin will cut through the noise and showcase real-world examples already making an impact in Aotearoa and globally.
Whether you’re running a retail empire or just starting out, this session will give you practical insights, bold predictions and the confidence to explore what’s next. Get ready to reimagine what’s possible in the AI-powered retail era.
Anna Strzelczykowski is the Head of Property & Retail Development at Lorna Jane, where she leads the team responsible for shaping how the iconic brand shows up in the physical world. With a background in fashion design, brand experience and property, and over 15 years of experience in retail development across Australia and internationally, Anna brings a unique blend of commercial acumen, creative thinking, and customer obsession to her work.
Under her leadership, Lorna Jane’s retail strategy has evolved to reflect the values of the brand’s community: intention, energy, purpose, and connection, while pushing boundaries in design and experience. From national rollouts to boutique flagship activations, Anna is passionate about creating spaces that do more than just sell product; they tell a story.
1:50 pm Behind the Brand: Lorna Jane’s Next Chapter
Join Anna Strzelczykowski, Head of Property & Retail Development at Lorna Jane, for a behind-the-scenes look at how one of Australia’s most iconic activewear brands is evolving with intention. From its founder-led beginnings to a globally recognised lifestyle brand, this session will explore how Lorna Jane is responding to a more conscious, connected, and digitally savvy customer.
Hear how the brand is reimagining its retail footprint—from design innovation to location strategy—while deepening engagement through community, loyalty, and tech. Anna will also share what’s next for Lorna Jane, including market expansion, ESG initiatives, and the role of property in powering a future that’s not just active—but activated.
Fabian Winterbine is the Expansion Manager for IKEA Australia & New Zealand and brings over 30 years of experience across markets, roles, and projects within IKEA—the world’s largest home furnishing retailer.
With a background in visual merchandising and retail design, Fabian began his IKEA journey in a small Melbourne store and has since played a key role in the brand’s growth across multiple regions.
He has held senior leadership roles across Australia, China, and the Asia Pacific region, and has contributed to projects in the UK, Europe, Asia, and the United States. Now based in Sydney, Fabian leads the IKEA omnichannel market entry into New Zealand, including its first store in Auckland, opening in late 2025.
Known for his collaborative leadership and customer-focused approach, Fabian brings valuable insights into large-scale retail expansion and its role in shaping inclusive, future-ready spaces for an increasingly digital retail landscape.
11:05 am Flatpacks & Future Plans: IKEA’s Expansion Journey
As the retail landscape evolves at pace, IKEA continues to reimagine its iconic brand for a new generation of consumers. Join Fabian Winterbine, Expansion Manager for IKEA Australia & New Zealand, as he shares insights from his journey with the global home furnishing giant and what it takes to lead growth across two distinct markets.
From navigating the balance between bricks-and-mortar and digital experiences to rolling out new store formats and fulfilment models, Fabian will explore how IKEA is adapting its strategy to meet changing customer needs. He’ll also unpack the trends driving consumer behaviour on both sides of the Tasman—think sustainability, urban living, accessibility, and the demand for seamless omni-channel experiences.
Whether you’re a fan of flatpacks or just keen to learn how one of the world’s most recognisable brands stays ahead of the curve, this session promises plenty of practical insights and a glimpse into IKEA’s expansion game plan.
Marina “Mimi” Gilmour Buckley is the co-founder and hands-on “boss-lady” behind some of Aotearoa’s most loved hospitality brands. Known for her creative, strategic and operational leadership, Mimi has built Burger Burger into a cult favourite. She is now steering it into a new era of growth through national franchising.
Her role spans everything from setting strategic direction to shaping brand and marketing, designing menus and personally overseeing all building projects as project manager. Alongside Burger Burger, Mimi is building Alō Hospitality – “Alō” meaning nourish – a group dedicated to creating vibrant, design-driven dining concepts. This includes MAMA, an Italian-inspired restaurant built around bold flavours and shared meals, and a forthcoming Greek-inspired venue that brings the warmth and generosity of Mediterranean dining to New Zealand.
Mimi began her career co-creating Mexico before founding Burger Burger. Her background combines a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Elam School of Fine Arts with a decade working across some of New Zealand’s most legendary hospitality offerings. Today, she continues to reimagine hospitality as a platform for connection and culture, shaping the way Kiwis eat, drink and come together.
11:35 am Panel | The Retail Rollout: From Plan to Grand Opening
Behind every great retail space is a trio of crucial collaborators: the designer, the fitout specialist, and the tenant. This panel brings together all three perspectives to unpack the full retail design journey—from big-picture vision to opening day.
Explore how these roles interact throughout the process, the key challenges they face, and how they work together to balance creativity, functionality, budget, and timelines. The panel will dive into the importance of designing for both customer experience and operational needs, the realities of fitout execution, and how tenants can get the best out of their project teams.
With plenty of real-world stories and lessons learned, this session will also spotlight trends in materials, sustainability, and flexible design thinking for a fast-evolving retail landscape. Whether you’re planning your next store or just curious about what goes on behind the hoarding, this panel promises fresh insights and practical takeaways.
Ben van Bruggen is a passionate urbanist and founder of The Urban Room Foundation, a charitable trust championing public participation in city-shaping. He’s leading efforts to create Auckland’s first Urban Room – a civic gallery and gathering space for collective action on complex urban challenges.
With nearly 30 years of experience in urban design, urban regeneration and planning, Ben has worked on large-scale regeneration projects across the UK, Europe, China and New Zealand, including as Director at Savills and head of design strategy for Auckland Council. His work bridges public and private sectors, property development, and as a government advisor on the value of good design, always with a focus on creating places people love – and cities that work for everyone.
1:20 pm The CBD is Dead. Long Live the City Centre.
The future of the city is shaped by its ability to support a successful core. What does the future hold for our city centres? Urban strategist Ben van Bruggen explores the evolving role of the city and city centre in a post-pandemic world, asking the big question: How do we make our cities thrive again? Drawing on international experience, Ben will unpack what’s working, what’s not, and what we can learn. From the evolution of work to changing retail behaviours and residential growth, this session dives into the shifting dynamics shaping our urban cores and how urban rooms are leading the agenda for change. With his deep expertise in urban design and planning, Ben will offer insight into how we can reimagine the city centre as more than just a place to shop — transforming it into a place like no other.
Reid is an experienced architect and versatile creative director, specialising in the strategy, design and delivery of next-generation retail experiences. With an unwavering passion for working with both retailers and property owners, Reid’s unique skillset encourages an unlocking of value and innovation across the broader built environment and customer experience spectrum. In his role as Chief Experience Officer and Head of Architecture & Interiors at multidisciplinary creative agency, The General Store, Reid and his team have become a highly sought after household name in the industry, consistently delivering award-winning projects across various sectors around the world. From flagship stores and first-to-market retail concepts, to large scale mixed-use precincts and retail developments, the studio proudly support some of Australia and New Zealand’s most prominent retail businesses and property owners – including Rebel Sport, BCF, Supercheap Auto, Michael Hill, Baby Bunting, Briscoe’s Group (NZ), Dedes Hospitality Group, Fitness First, Endeavour Group, Vicinity Centres, GPT Group, Dexus, and Sydney Airport as well as various independent property owners and e-commerce retailers.
4:15 pm Closing Keynote
The Future of Retail – Insights from Around the World
Join Reid Nakou, Chief Experience Officer at The General Store, for a dynamic exploration of retail’s future by weaving together global trends, innovative leaders, and local breakthroughs.
Reid will introduce “The World’s Coolest Retailers,” featuring The General Store’s exclusive “Top 10” from their renowned “Top 50” report—showcasing the most inspiring retail innovations across the globe and the common themes that connect them. To bring these ideas closer to home, Reid will reveal high-impact local retail projects, offering an inside look at the creative strategies and transformations happening in Australia and New Zealand.
Have a look at the 2025 highlights!
Why attend RECON25?
Aotearoa New Zealand’s premier event for retail property professionals.
“Loved the range and variety – awesome agenda – thank you!”
Past Attendee
RECON24