By Tim Ryan

The excitement builds as Retail Alliance gears up for the highly anticipated 2024 Virginia Retail Matters event! Following the roaring success of its debut last year, this year’s event promises to be even more impactful and insightful, with a lineup that will empower retailers and stakeholders alike. Mark your calendars for September 19, 2024, and prepare for a transformative experience at Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg.

What to Expect

The Virginia Retail Matters event will be a dynamic convergence of knowledge, networking, and innovation. From 10:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., attendees will dive into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the retail sector in Virginia. The event will feature presentations by national speakers, engaging panel discussions with industry experts, and a comprehensive presentation of an in-depth retail study commissioned by Retail Alliance.

Key Highlights

This year, the study has expanded to include three crucial chapters: AI in Retail, Workforce, and Access to Capital. These topics are relevant and essential for anyone looking to stay ahead in the ever-evolving retail landscape. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into the current sales statistics, retail trends, and the broader national and state findings from Main Street America’s Small Business Survey of micro and small brick-and-mortar retailers across the U.S.

Jennifer Crittenden, President/CEO of Retail Alliance, emphasized the importance of these additions: “We are thrilled to provide a deeper look into these pivotal areas. Our aim is to equip retailers with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in today’s competitive market.”

Meet the Experts

This year’s event will feature retail strategist and futurist Melissa Minkow, whose expertise spans cross-industry consumer insights and innovation. Melissa, a RETHINK Retail Top Influencer and member of the RetailWire BrainTrust, will bring her wealth of experience in omni-channel, e-commerce, mobile commerce, and social commerce to the forefront. Her insights into consumer behavior are set to be a game-changer for attendees.

Joining her is Matthew Wagner, Ph.D., Chief Program Officer at National Main Street Center, Inc. Dr. Wagner will present the national and state findings of the 2024 retail study, providing a comprehensive overview of the retail landscape. His work with Main Street America ensures that he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the event.

Who Should Attend?

Retailers of all sizes, financial institutions, commercial real estate firms, economic development professionals, Chambers of Commerce, trade associations, and Main Street programs, along with Local and State government representatives, are all invited to join this pivotal event. It’s an unparalleled opportunity to connect, collaborate, and drive forward the retail sector in Virginia.

Get Your Tickets!

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to participate in the 2024 Virginia Retail Matters event. Individual tickets and table sponsorships are available now. Secure your spot and be part of shaping the future of retail in Virginia. All attendees will receive a hard copy of the full report findings at the luncheon, with digital copies available afterward.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit retailalliance.com/events.

A copy of the press release can be downloaded here.