Nearly 1,000 Global Retail Professionals Are Registered for Aptos Engage Digital – Here's Why

One of the biggest questions facing retail as we move toward a post-pandemic landscape is whether the consumer behavior changes that we've seen during the pandemic will continue for the foreseeable future.

While many of us feel like the future's predictability is at an all-time low, we recognize that the mass amounts of disruption are paving the way for new norms and new habits. Retailers that are quick to adapt to these new habits and are able to weave adaptability into their DNA will be the ones that survive now and thrive later – no matter what later might look like.

This same spirit of adaptability was recently applied to Aptos' annual customer conference. While plans were to hold in-person events in key cities around the world, those plans were grounded as COVID-19 took its terrible hold.

As a result, on June 9 and 10, we will be hosting Aptos Engage Digital, the virtual recreation of our annual event designed for a global audience. Now approximately one week away, we have nearly 1,000 retail industry professionals registered from the U.S., France, Mexico, Canada, Korea, Italy, Spain, the Philippines, Colombia, Australia, Brazil, Germany, Chile, India, Hong Kong, the U.K., and dozens more geographies.

So what's the draw? Besides the obvious – that many attendees are eager to hear the latest business updates and product innovations from across Aptos' ecosystem – there is also an intangible force that is pulling people together. There is an undercurrent of optimism for a brighter retail future and, with it, a modern technology foundation that enables enterprises built for change.

Planning modern retail strategies can no longer be driven by "last year-itis." The pace of consumer-driven technology change is not stopping, and while we can't tell you exactly what that change will be, we are here to show you that Aptos is at the forefront of retail technology innovation so our customers are best positioned for the next wave of disruption.

If you're interested in learning more about Aptos' built-for-the-future innovation, please join us for Aptos Engage Digital on June 9 and 10. The event is free to attend and will be broadcast at various times to accommodate attendees from the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

Want a glimpse into what we'll be sharing during the event, spanning three keynotes, four tracks and 15 breakout sessions? Keep reading below.

1. Retailer Case Studies From Around the World

Take a spin throughout the event agenda and you'll notice retailer case studies woven throughout. The reason for this is simple. In good times and in times of crisis, we can learn so much from each other. Innovation, collaboration and cooperation will drive our mutual success. The event will showcase unique approaches that retailers have taken to reinvent and to succeed in times of uncertainty. These case studies will provide attendees with useful ideas that can be adjusted and applied to their businesses.

2. Aptos Strategic Business Update – A Remarkable Five-Year Journey

From Aptos' launch as an independent company in 2015 to our acquisition of TXT Retail in 2017 to the recent strategic capital commitment from Goldman Sachs, attendees will find out what's next on Aptos' journey. Aptos CEO and culture leader Noel Goggin will kick off the event with important insights into our most up-to-date strategic plans and investment strategies designed to help retailers thrive in the "new normal."

3. Forrester Research: How Are Retailers Investing in Omnichannel?

Omnichannel has been getting a lot of lip service in retail for many years. But according to Forrester, only 52% of retailers believe they have the right technology and processes in place for omnichannel. This omnichannel gap became evident during the COVID-19 crisis, separating those retailers that could transact from those that could not. Brendan Witcher, vice president and principal analyst at Forrester, will discuss what omnichannel technology investments are top priorities for retailers in 2020 and why the pandemic has made omnichannel excellence more important than ever.

4. Solving Post-COVID-19 Inventory Challenges – From Unsold Stock to Useless Spring Data

Nonessential retailers around the world were left with millions of units of spring inventory that were virtually "frozen" in closed stores during lockdown. While retailers grapple with the markdown or mothball question, another major problem emerges: How will retailers plan for the future when current data is unusable? Merchandise lifecycle management is one of the most important issues facing the retail industry today – and one of the toughest to solve. That is why Aptos Engage Digital has an entire track devoted to it – and the industry's most experienced merchandising and retail planning experts – to provide insights and best practices that you can take back to your business immediately.

5. Aptos Product Strategy and Progress – A Commitment to Innovation

At Engage 2018, Aptos announced it was increasing its R&D budget by 70% over the next two years. Since that time, we've made tremendous strides in transforming our end-to-end solution suite into a next-generation retail experience platform. During Aptos Engage Digital, hear from some our leading solution strategists as they share an update on Aptos' product strategy, innovation roadmap and how our solutions are helping navigate the retail landscape of today – and providing the agility needed for tomorrow.

The Aptos team looks forward to welcoming you to Aptos Engage Digital. Secure your free registration now and start planning what sessions will offer the most value to your role, relationship with Aptos and retail business.