iMedia Retail Summit NZ 2025

Founder & CTO Danu Abeysuriya and Chief Strategy Officer Steve Horner will be speaking at the iMedia Retail Summit New Zealand- sharing their expertise on AI implementation and loyalty innovation. Taking place from May 21-23 in Christchurch, this event brings together retail leaders from across Aotearoa to explore cutting-edge trends under the theme "Retail Unleashed: Own the Disruption, Lead the Future."
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Cutting Through the AI Hype with Danu Abeysuriya

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Our Founder and CTO Danu Abeysuriya will deliver a keynote on "Beyond the Hype: AI Advantages for Retail" (May 22nd, 12:20-12:45pm).
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A technical innovator with nearly two decades of experience, Danu leads our specialised team of "AI-enabled product strategists, designers, and technologists" who create digital products that fundamentally enhance employee and customer experiences.

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RUSH is past the '#AIcurious' phase and into practical implementation. The retailers who are seeing real results aren't just experimenting with AI—they're strategically integrating it to solve specific business challenges and create meaningful experiences for both customers and employees.

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In his session, Danu will cut through the AI-BS to deliver practical, actionable insights on implementing AI in retail businesses. From quick wins with existing tools to building a strategic roadmap, attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how to transform AI experimentation into measurable business results.

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The keynote will feature real-world case studies and lessons from our work with leading retail brands across Aotearoa.

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Reimagining Loyalty in a Fragmented Landscape with Steve Horner

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Steve will lead roundtable discussions on "Reimagining Loyalty: How Innovation Will Drive Customer Connection in 2025" (May 22nd, 11:35am-12:10pm & May 23rd, 10:20-10:55am).

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With over two decades of experience driving digital product innovation across New Zealand, Europe, and North America, Steve brings deep expertise in human-centred design and strategic foresight to these interactive sessions.

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New Zealand's loyalty landscape has undergone significant transformation in the past year, as brands move away from coalition programs to develop direct customer relationships, there's both challenge and opportunity. The retailers who succeed will be those who simplify the experience, create meaningful value exchanges, and leverage technology to remove friction points in the customer journey.

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Attendees will explore our evolving loyalty landscape through real market examples of fragmented coalitions and direct brand relationships. Steve will guide discussions on how mobile and digital technologies are creating new opportunities for retailers in this changing ecosystem.

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Meeting the Challenges of Retail in 2025

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The iMedia Retail Summit comes at a critical time for New Zealand retailers facing disruption from new technologies, changing consumer expectations, and competition from global players.

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Connect with Us at the Summit

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Join Danu's keynote and Steve's roundtable sessions, or connect with them throughout the event to discuss how we can help your retail business navigate the challenges of AI implementation, customer loyalty, and digital strategy.

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Click here to learn more about our work in the retail and loyalty space.

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