NEWPORT BEACH, California, June 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

On the 1^st to the 3^rd of October 2012, GDS International will host it's sixth Next Generation Retail US summit (http://www.ngrsummit.com) at The Fairmont Newport Beach, California. The event, which takes place over two days, will see 70 of North America's most well respected, C-level executives tackle the most pressing issues faced by organizations in the sector today.  

This year has proved a worrying time for US retailers. With several well-known brands going into liquidation, and other retail heavyweights significantly reducing the number of brick-and-mortar outlets, flexibility and effective IT employment are proving key to success. Shopping habits are indeed changing, but as every industrial shift reveals, there are new benefits to be reaped by those in the know.

Taking into account these significant changes within the sector, GDS International summits provide the forward-thinking executive with a client-focused platform from which to assess emerging trends and strategies proving critical to organizational effectiveness in 2012. Delegates in attendance will be given the opportunity to engage in highly interactive workshops and focused panel discussions offering moderated, peer-led discussions - whilst one-to-one meetings give delegates the chance to meet with business analysts and solution providers to discuss strategy and technology demands in a rapidly evolving business climate.

The upcoming summit will focus on common pain points faced by industry leading retail executives in the United States. In addition, this year's event will host the highly anticipated 'NG Retail Innovation Award'. Nominees are chosen based on their exemplary thought leadership in the retail industry and the overall winner will be awarded to an individual who has made significant contributions to the sector. The executive will be selected by the NG20, an independent advisory board of 20 retail industry leaders who advise on the format, content and topics of each summit.

There will be a number of leading executives in attendance, including Scott Bauhofer, SVP eBusiness for Advance Auto Parts; Paula Puleo, SVP & CMO for Michaels Stores; Carlo Privitera, COO for Luxottica Retail; Deanna Steele, VP IT Applications for Express; and Jenn McClain, VP eCommerce for Limited Brands.

Margaret Murphy, President/COO for Olson was an attendee at the last NG Retail event. Impressed by the unique structure of the summit, she said: "One of our goals was to broaden our network of contacts and get our new company name more broadly known. From that perspective, the [NG Retail US] summit was terrific. I particularly liked the format of numerous one-on-one meetings and networking events. A good departure from the usual 'herding and processing' routine of most other events."

In agreement, Mike Robinson, SVP Technology, Macy's, said: "The relevancy of the discussion topics, the quality of the participants, and the overall format lends itself to truly generating thoughts and forward-looking ideas. I challenged myself with bringing home three ideas; I will have at least five times that number!"

Heather Briden, NG Retail US Summit Director, adds: "We are very excited to be kicking off the sixth NG Retail Summit. There will be 70-plus C-level and VP-level executives from the top 100 retailers in the United States. The NG Retail summit is an excellent three days of peer led, high-level discussions on some of the most pressing issues impacting the retail sector in the US, and we are hugely grateful for the expertise and input from all of our session leaders in putting the program together to help set this summit's focused agenda.

"As the world's business-to-business summit producer, GDS is organizing 60 events in 2012 from a number of different verticals. Our summit's products are truly global and every single one is run to the same exceptional standards."

For more information, visit: http://www.ngrsummit.com

About GDS International

GDS International is one of the most innovative events and media companies worldwide - and a globally renowned producer of business-to-business summits, conferences, online information and advisory group gatherings. Founded in 1993, GDS International specializes in meeting the B2B marketing needs of our clients. Having a strong presence in mature industrial sectors but a finger on the pulse of emerging markets - as well as up-and-coming B2B business verticals - means we are perfectly placed to capitalize on the exciting developments brought about by the advent of a globalized economy. Our value proposition is simple: we deliver tangible business results from world-class events.

http://www.gdsinternational.com/

Contact: Rachel Sandeman
rachel.sandeman@gdsinternational.com
+44-1179-261-421

SOURCE GDS International