Oracle Retail CrossTalk 2010: sharing insights and new innovations

Oracle Retail CrossTalk 2010 is nearly upon us. The conference takes place on 22nd-24th June, and will feature discussions of the role of technology in new retail business strategies.

For anyone working in the retail technology sector, this event can be a real eye-opener, so if you are not actually going, keep an eye out for the news coming out of the event. You can follow it pretty much anywhere; Deli.cio.us, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and the Insight-Driven Retailing Blog.

Duncan Angove, general manager of Oracle Retail, will present a look at the future of retail as established and emerging brands redesign the customer experience and re-imagine opportunities for growth. He said: “Retailers that come to CrossTalk once come back year after year because of the caliber of peers they encounter and the discussions that ensue.

“This year, every aspect of the retail market has been redefined, and retailers will be talking about how to redesign the customer experience, imagine new opportunities for growth and create more value across their business environment."

Discussions between the top dogs at the biggest companies make great food for thought. For example, Google Product Director Sameer Samat, Buzzient CEO Tim Jones and Digby CEO Save Sikora will take part in a panel discussion called “Disruptive Technologies: Innovators Redefining Retail,” throwing out titibits of retail technology expertise right from the top.

There are plenty of other discussions, seminars and presentations going on too. Best Buy, Lowe's, Wet Seal, Aldo, Grupo Pao De Acucar, Sunrider International and other retailers from around the world will discuss how they are using technology to redesign the customer experience, enable international expansion, localize merchandise and optimize store and mobile-commerce operations.

Other topics for discussion include the impact of social and mobile commerce on merchandising, store operations and the supply chain, and new levers for growth in today’s retail environment.

Perhaps most fun of all will be the 2010 Oracle Retail Excellence Awards on Tuesday night. This ceremony with recognise the CIO of the Year, as well as providing awards for Redesigning the Customer Experience, Re-imagining Growth, and Re-invigorating Operational Excellence.