Inside NRCE 2025 and the Voices Shaping the Future of Retail
Each year, the National Retail Conference and Expo (NRCE) brings together the most influential minds in Philippine and regional retail. For its 31st edition, the theme “Retail Game Changers” comes to life through a dynamic lineup of speakers—from global visionaries and industry icons to next-generation disruptors and purpose-driven leaders. Over two days, NRCE 2025 delivers not just thought leadership, but the bold ideas and fresh perspectives that retail needs to navigate a fast-evolving landscape.
The conference opens with global futurist Diana Wu David, Director of ServiceNow Futures and author of the bestselling book Future Proof. Recently named one of the Top Global Futurists by Global Gurus, Diana challenges organizations to embrace agility, cultural reinvention, and human-centered leadership to thrive in an age of acceleration.
Following this, Anson Bailey of KPMG Asia Pacific and Gilbert Trinchera of KPMG Philippines unpack how digital transformation and data are reshaping both regional and local retail. Their session connects strategy and innovation, giving leaders tools to stay ahead of consumer expectations.
The spotlight then turns to bold leadership in a panel titled “Leading with Impact: Women Business Leaders Transforming Fashion, Beauty, and Food.” Featuring Denice Sy (Ever Bilena), Neelam Gopwani (Vision Express), and Pinky Yee (Pure Essentials Specialist Corp.), the discussion centers on how women executives are leading with empathy, redefining purpose-driven brands, and creating inclusive growth across industries.
A standout moment on Day 1 comes from Charles Tiu, basketball coach and sports analyst, who shares his personal take on resilience, breakthrough thinking, and the power of mindset. His session, “The Game-Changer’s Mindset,” draws meaningful parallels between sports and business, making a lasting impact on retail professionals seeking to lead through uncertainty.
Capping off the first day is a rare fireside conversation with Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Chairman of Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc., in a special edition of the PRA Podcast Live. Speaking candidly about steering a multi-format retail business through cycles of transformation, Robina offers wisdom on legacy, reinvention, and leading with calm through change.
Day 2 opens with a keynote from DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, reaffirming the government’s commitment to retail as a partner in economic resilience and inclusive innovation. Her message sets the tone for a day centered on disruption, growth, and sustainability.
One of the most talked-about sessions follows shortly after: “Redefining Retail and Brewing Bold Moves.” Here, Francis Flores, President and Country CEO of Pickup Coffee, and Dione Song, CEO of Love, Bonito, share how their brands have challenged convention and connected deeply with today’s lifestyle-driven consumers. From affordable premium coffee to fashion with a purpose, their stories are a testament to the power of daring ideas and digital-native thinking.
Later in the day, the conversation shifts to customer experience and operational excellence in the hospitality-rooted panel “Retail’s People & Operations Playbook: What Retail Can Learn from Restaurant Service.” With speakers David Sison (Mama Lou’s), Mary Grace Dimacali (Café Mary Grace), Abba Napa (The Moment Group), and Rodolfo Ang (Jollibee Foods Corp./Ateneo), the session reveals how the principles of service, teamwork, and culture building can deeply enrich the retail space.
Finally, the conference closes on a powerful note with Grace Vera Cruz, Head of Regional Corporate Strategy at Grab, in a keynote session on “Transforming Lives and Communities Across Southeast Asia.” Her message is clear: growth and impact can go hand in hand when platforms prioritize inclusion, purpose, and people.
Across both days, NRCE 2025 offers more than just insight; it delivers clarity, energy, and inspiration. The leaders who take the stage are not simply responding to change; they are driving it. Together, they embody the very essence of this year’s theme: Retail Game Changers.
The 31st NRCE is proudly supported by the following esteemed sponsors:
(Diamond Sponsor) SM Retail ; (Platinum Sponsors) ETP International PTE LTD, Globe Business, Relex Solutions, PLDT Enterprise, Converge; (Gold Sponsors) Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, Wilcon Depot, Ayala Malls, Robinsons Malls; Unilab; Araneta City; (Silver Sponsors) Anchanto, Bench, SM Supermalls; Bayer; (Sponsors) Asticom, Sportshouse, CLN, Shangri-La Plaza, World Traveller, eCloudvalley Philippines, Outbound Asia; Mercury Drug; Sterling; (Official LED Partner) Avolution; (Official Digital Marketing Partner) Innovation One; (Official Digital Transformation Partner) Vasavah Consultancy; (Official Newspaper) The Philippine Star; (Official Media Partners) Businessworld, The Manila Times, Inquirer, (Official PR Partner) Media Blitz.
