28-29 October, 2008

National Hall Olympia, London

9 September 2008:  E-Commerce Expo, the UK’s leading e-commerce show, will take place on 28-29 October, 2008 at the National Hall Olympia, London.  As the only major exhibition in the UK exclusively dedicated to selling online, E-Commerce Expo is renowned for its exceptional educational conference programme, which runs alongside the event.  Offering over 60 sessions, this major benefit will be offered free to delegates.

“Although growing fast, e-commerce is still very much in its infancy so education is essential if the market is to grow and flourish,” said Justin Opie, Event Director, E-Commerce Expo.   “In this second successful year we will have input from leading e-commerce practitioners and sessions will address e-business issues to provide practical advice to both start-ups and industry veterans,” Opie added.

IMRG, the UK’s leading membership community for the e-retail industry has partnered with the event and will be running strategic seminars. James Roper, chief executive, IMRG, will make the keynote address that will look at online shopping cross-border and the opportunities it offers to business. 

Newcomers to the industry can benefit from a series of breakfast briefings designed specifically for start ups and SMEs.  The briefings will offer practical presentations from a panel of niche retailers, including session chair people: Roger Willcocks, Pindar Graphics; Susie Draper, Homebody; and Kevin Wildman, Crave Maternity.  The team will look at what works and what doesn’t in the world of e-tailing based on their experiences of the internet as a new sales channel for their own brands. 

Other speakers include Vic Davey, Vice President of Distribution for lastminute, who will take a look at how retailers are creatively monetising the web. And Zak Edwards, MD, Prezzybox, will offer ideas on optimising online sales.  Furthermore, Tesco.com’s Head of Marketing, Charlotte Tookey will reveal the company’s strategy for growth in non-food markets.

Day two of the conference programme will be kicked off by Chris Poad, Head of e-commerce at Otto UK, who will highlight just how Web 2.0 technologies are changing the face of e-commerce. Multi-channel integration strategies will be the focus from Mosaic Fashions’ John Bovil and Wickes’ Lubna Hammond-Seago.

“We have some 150 exhibitors taking space at the show, which is a significant 50% increase on last year, and include industry giants Google, PayPal and Barclaycard.  As a result of this growth we expect to see some 3,500 attendees in 2008  - an increase of 1000 based on last years visitor figures.  The E-Commerce Expo’s conference programme, which for the first time is free for delegates,  has become an integral part of the show and its success in becoming the UK’s leading event is due to in part to the strength and quality of this educational programme,” concluded Opie.