Global Retailing Ideas Summit 2027
Where Retail's Leaders Shape What's Next
For more than 25 years, the Global Retailing Ideas Summit has brought together some of retail's most influential leaders, innovators, educators, and emerging professionals to explore the ideas shaping the future of the industry.
Hosted by the Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing at the University of Arizona, the Summit serves as a forum for meaningful conversations about retail transformation, consumer behavior, technology, leadership, sustainability, and the evolving marketplace. Through keynote presentations, fireside chats, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, attendees gain valuable insights from executives and thought leaders who are driving change across the retail landscape.
What makes the Global Retailing Ideas Summit unique is its ability to connect industry professionals with the next generation of retail talent. Students from the University of Arizona and institutions across the country participate alongside industry leaders, creating opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and professional growth.
Why Attend?
The Summit offers attendees the opportunity to:
- Hear from influential retail executives and innovators
- Explore emerging trends and technologies impacting the industry
- Engage in meaningful discussions about the future of retail
- Connect with industry peers, recruiters, and future talent
- Build relationships that extend beyond the conference experience
Past speakers have included:
- Terry Lundgren, Former Chairman and CEO, Macy's, Inc.
- Stacey Bendet, CEO and Creative Director, alice + olivia
- Tam Patrick, Former Global Head of Learning & Development, NIKE
- Sarah Quinlan, Founder and Chief Economist, SAQ Economist Advisory LLC
Student Impact
Student participation remains a cornerstone of the Summit experience. Through keynote sessions, networking opportunities, and collaborative discussions, students gain direct access to industry leaders and real-world perspectives that help prepare them for successful careers.
As part of the Summit, students participate in interactive roundtable discussions designed to generate innovative solutions for today's retail challenges. These sessions encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and the exchange of diverse perspectives while exploring topics such as customer experience, sustainability, technology integration, and the future of commerce.
What Attendees Are Saying
The 2025 Global Retailing Ideas Summit received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants:
- 95% of attendees reported having a great experience
- More than 85% indicated they would attend again
Student feedback included:
"I really enjoyed the fireside chats and speaker series, and I believe it was extremely beneficial to me and my academic pursuits."
"I would be extremely likely to attend this event again because I enjoy participating in events that will better me professionally."
"It was informative, and it's always fun to hear advice from people you hope to be like one day."
Join Us
The Global Retailing Ideas Summit continues to catalyze innovation, leadership, and collaboration within the retail industry. Whether you are an executive, entrepreneur, recruiter, industry partner, or student, the Summit offers an opportunity to learn, connect, and help shape the future of retail.
Save the Date
Global Retailing Ideas Summit 2027
February 24, 2027
Student Union Memorial Center
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Nearby Accommodations
For guests traveling to Tucson for the Global Retailing Ideas Summit, the following hotels are conveniently located within walking distance of the University of Arizona campus and the Student Union Memorial Center.
Tucson Marriott University Park
880 E 2nd Street
Tucson, AZ 85719
Graduate by Hilton Tucson
930 E 2nd Street
Tucson, AZ 85719
We encourage attendees to make lodging reservations early, as hotel availability may be limited during peak university and event periods.
Industry VIP Reception
February 23, 2027
Additional details coming soon.
Interested in sponsoring the 2027 Summit?
Please contact Sheila Kressler-Crowley at sheiladkressler@arizona.edu for sponsorship opportunities.
Meet Our 2025 Speakers
The 2025 Summit featured an exceptional lineup of retail executives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders. Learn more about the speakers who inspired attendees through their experience and vision for the future of retail.
Tam Patrick
Tam brings over 40 years of corporate talent development experience serving in leadership
roles at Whirlpool Corporation and NIKE, Inc. At Whirlpool Corporation she served in Finance,
Supply Chain, and Human Resources leadership roles. Her last decade at Whirlpool she had the
leadership privilege to serve as the Global Head of Learning and Leadership, accountable for the
Global Learning Architecture to build leader and employee capability to achieve Whirlpool’s
strategic aspirations. While at Whirlpool, her approach to building strategic capability fundamentally changed the way Whirlpool aligns their workforce to their strategy. She also led the operations of the Global Leadership Development Center, Brandywine Creek and led the establishment of Whirlpool University East located in Shanghai to support learning and development in Asia. At Nike, Tam was the Head of Global Talent Development. Her team led learning and development for frontline retail and distribution teammates, corporate development, managerial leadership and executive leadership development. Tam’s passion is to accelerate individual and team performance to take on the challenges of today’s marketplace and cultivate a culture where everyone can be their best. In her retirement she loves to spend time with her wife, family and friends along with an insatiable obsession for Tennis!
Stacey Bendet
Stacey Bendet is the CEO and Creative Director of the brand alice + olivia and the Co-Founder of BIGFEELINGS, a sleep to streetwear concept. Bendet is also the Founder of Creatively, a networking platform for the creative industry, and Co-Founder of the #ShareTheMicNow movement, which was created in an effort to help amplify black women's voices. Full-time CEO and Creative Director, Bendet is also a wife and mother of three daughters who makes supporting charity endeavors a priority in her personal and professional activities. She is a member of the board of trustees of New York-based GOOD+ Foundation, a foundation that provides essentials for children of families in need, she supports Ronald McDonald House, which offers assistance to the families of children suffering from life-threatening illnesses, and she is also a member of the board of the Jay H. Baker Retailing Center of The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, her alma mater.
Sarah Quinlan
Sarah is the founder and managing director of SAQ Economic Advisory LLC.
Terry J. Lundgren
Terry Lundgren served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Macy’s, Inc. for 14 years before retiring as the company’s Executive Chairman in January 2018. He also served as President of Macy’s, Inc. and its Chief Merchandising Officer. Previously, Lundgren also was Chairman and CEO of Neiman Marcus. Lundgren began his retailing career in 1975 as a trainee with Bullock’s, a Los Angeles-based division of Federated Department Stores, Inc. (now Macy’s, Inc.). Over the course of his career, he has had responsibility for functions including merchandising, private brand development, store management and human resources. His numerous honors include receiving the National Retail Federation’s Gold Medal Award, considered the retailing industry’s most prestigious recognition.