In the run-up to this year’s Internet Retailing Expo (IRX 2013), we’ll be taking a regular look at some of the highlights of the two-day event, to be held on March 20 and 21 at Birmingham’s NEC.
Today our focus is on the exhibition.
More than 150 suppliers to the ecommerce and multichannel industries are set to take part in the exhibition that sits at the heart of Internet Retailing 2013.
Thanks to them, visitors will be able to see for themselves some of the latest technologies from across the industry, hear the latest innovations and announcements – many of which are still shrouded in secrecy – while also meeting industry colleagues and existing and potential suppliers.
This year’s exhibition features a wide variety of suppliers, from payment specialists such as WorldPay, PayPal, SagePay and V.me, from Visa, and platform providers, such as Demandware, Colony Commerce to providers of display solutions, such as NCR, and logistics specialists including Fulfilment and eLogistics, Fastway Couriers, DHL and CitySprint.
New this year is an Internet Retailing In-Store zone, with its own dedicated conference and walk-through area showcasing the latest technology for this area, from interactive kiosks and store fittings to visual merchandising and loyalty card solutions.
Exhibitors have been telling Internet Retailing what they are most looking forward to at IRX 2013.
Crimsonwing, which will be demonstrating the latest release of the Magento platform, is attending IRX for the first year – and is looking for a different audience because the event is held outside the capital. “Crimsonwing usually exhibits in London, however these events usually have a lot of the same audience attending, making it harder to take fresh contacts and leads out of them,” said a spokesperson.
“We are very much looking forward to getting in front of a different audience than the London-based events.” The company is also making time to hear speakers in the conferences. “We are very much looking forward to listening to Sarah McVittie, in the Customer Journey conference. It is always of great value to gather some deeper insight into customer satisfaction and the tools that we – ecommerce professionals – are and should be using.
“The topic of ‘big data’ is also a very current and relevant one: what to do with it, how to advise our customers on how best to use it to increase customer return and ROI are questions that we are reviewing at the moment and so we’re eager to hear more about what experts have to say.”
Meanwhile, Easypack, launching its Packmate Online, said it was keen to make new connections in an ever expanding industry. “We are hoping to meet many new potential partners and customers and to strengthen the brand awareness of Easypack,” said a spokesperson.
And personalisation specialist Peerius, which is launching its SMART Content product, said it was looking forward to meeting and educating retailers about the way personalisation is evolving. “Generally,” said a spokesperson, “IRX 2013 is a great networking event and opportunity to share thoughts and ideas with retailers and other suppliers.”
Find out more about the wide range of exhibitors who have already signed up for IRX 2013 by visiting the dedicated website. There visitors can also book to meet exhibitors from Adestra and Avail to Yomdel and Znode at this year’s exhibition.
The IRX 2013 exhibition sits alongside a conference stream featuring expert speakers across six conferences, and 12 practical, hands-on workshops.
IRX 2013 is held at the NEC in Birmingham on March 20 and 21. Click here to find out more, to register for free entry and to take part in our series of workshops.
Follow our series of IRX previews for regular updates on what’s to come at IRX 2013. Our next piece will focus on the innovation studio.
