In recent years, the future of the high street has become very uncertain. There has been a tremendous growth in online retail and e-commerce whilst high streets throughout the country have suffered as a result. The team behind the Future High Street Summit Event do not see the future as bleak as this. They believe there has been too much talk in the media regarding what is going wrong and not enough action to make positive changes. The producers of this event are also organisers of the successful annual event ‘The Retail Conference’ in London, as well as other smaller events. Through ‘The Future High Street Summit,’ the aim is to show the retail industry that there are already good examples of communities implementing low cost, high impact projects to improve high streets, and that sharing these success stories will inspire others to make changes to the high streets in their communities. The future of the high street is upon us!
The National Space Centre has been selected as the venue for the summit. With its central location in Leicester, it is accessible by retail professionals across the country, meaning nobody has to miss out on this exciting event. The venue has excellent facilities, ideal for all types of conferences with the added ‘wow’ factor of the space atmosphere. The organisers believe that by selecting an exciting location to hold the event, the attendees will feel a world away from their everyday routines and be able to totally immerse themselves in the experience. The main lectures are set to be held in the breathtaking Patrick Moore Planetarium. Opening in 2012, it is the country’s largest planetarium and features a 360 degree full-dome cinema. The Patrick Moore Planetarium will also be the venue for the evening entertainment. Hands-on workshops will be held in the Shuttle Suite. This suite has ideal space and facilities to accommodate the informal, interactive sessions that are sure to get the attendees involved. Breaks, refreshments, lunch and networking will be held in ‘Booster.’ This room was given its name due to its location at the base of the 42 metre high rocket tower, set between two rocket boosters.
An exciting range of keynote seminars will be held throughout the event, discussing issues related to the future of the high street. Industry experts will share their knowledge and ideas with the people who have the power to make changes to the high streets in their communities. One of the main seminars will be hosted by Brandon Lewis MP, the minister for local governments and high streets and chair of the government’s Future High Street forum. In this hour-long session, Mr Lewis will be sharing his vision and aims for the future of the high street, as well as answering questions regarding the action the government are taking to make changes. Other seminars cover topics such as bringing the ‘physical’ and digital together, case studies, engaging with new generations and advice on how to make changes in communities.
There will be an optional Gala Dinner for the attendees and other interested parties to attend. This will begin with a drinks reception followed by an exclusive planetarium show. After a three course meal, attendees will have the option to browse the National Space Centre, or make the most of the networking opportunities.
One of the most exciting features the event has to offer is the Digital Café. This is a completely paper-free zone where attendees will have the chance to experience the new technology that is set to revolutionise the high street in the near future. Presented by ATCM Digital High Street Programme, the Digital Café will showcase everything from new payment methods and Smartphone technology to social media and website developments.
As a retail design agency, H Squared are pleased to see that retail professionals are so committed to making a change to make the future of the high street. The Future High Street Summit Event will take place at the National Space Centre, Leicester on 26th-27th March 2014, visit their website for more information.
