Retail Leaders Summit slated on March 18

CEBU, Philippines — Retail executives, entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders will gather in later this month as the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) hosts its fourth Retail Leaders Summit, aimed at addressing leadership development and emerging trends shaping the country s retail sector.

The event is scheduled for March 18 at Novotel Manila Araneta and is expected to attract more than 200 participants from retail firms, small and medium-sized enterprises, startups and related industries.

PRA president Alice Liu, who also serves as chief executive officer of Golden ABC, said the summit will provide a platform for executives to exchange insights and strengthen leadership capabilities amid rapid shifts in consumer behavior and retail technologies.

This premier learning event will bring together visionary executives and industry leaders for an engaging exchange of insights aimed at driving innovation and shaping the future of retail, Liu said.

With the theme Reconnect with Leaders, Reimagine the Future of Retail, the summit will focus on emerging technologies, evolving consumer trends and leadership strategies needed to navigate a changing retail landscape.

Steven Tan, president of SM Supermalls, will deliver the opening keynote titled The Human Side of Growth: Leading People, Driving Change, Inspiring Futures. His presentation will highlight leadership approaches centered on people development, organizational culture and innovation in large-scale retail operations.

Tan has led SM Supermalls with a people-focused strategy, emphasizing service excellence and the transformation of malls into community-centered spaces that integrate culture, commerce and technology.

The keynote forms part of the summit s Leadership Growth Pathways, which will explore four core themes: people development, culture-building, organizational change and innovation, and strengthening human connections within companies.

The discussion will be moderated by JV Wong, founder and chief igniter of People Ignite Organizational Development and Training Inc.,

Organizers said the summit aims to equip retail professionals and business leaders with practical insights on building high-performing teams, strengthening managerial capability and aligning long-term strategy as the sector adapts to digital transformation and shifting market conditions.