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.

Register Here!

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

More information to come. 

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.