Spring Fair adds major retail names to 2027 speaker line-up
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Cath Kidston
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Keane Herman
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Gavin Peck
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Christine Braithwaite
Spring Fair 2027 has announced its latest speaker line-up, featuring senior figures from Cath Kidston, Hamleys, Google, The Works, FlightStory and the Natural History Museum.
Taking place at NEC Birmingham from 7–10 February 2027, the event will offer retailers free access to talks and workshops covering retail trends, customer experience, fashion, licensing, technology and business growth.
The new speakers join an established line-up that includes Debenhams CEO Dan Finley, Blue Diamond’s Alan Roper, Small Business Commissioner Emma Jones CBE, British Retail Consortium Chief Executive Helen Dickinson and retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis.
Sessions will explore the continued importance of physical retail, with Gavin Peck, CEO of The Works, discussing the retailer’s investment in stores and the appeal of screen-free shopping. Keane Herman of Hamleys will share how the toy retailer uses theatre, play and discovery to create memorable customer experiences.
Cath Kidston Creative Director Holly Marler and Aardman’s Ilona Sunderland will reveal the story behind their fashion collaboration, while FlightStory’s Natasha Birk will examine how retailers can learn from the creator economy.
Other sessions include independent retailer Deryane Tadd’s Spring/Summer 2027 fashion trend report and insights from the Natural History Museum on developing commercial licensing partnerships.
Google’s Christine Braithwaite will also lead daily workshops introducing AI and machine learning, including practical demonstrations and advice on using generative AI responsibly.
Spring Fair Event Director Fay Tranter said the programme was designed to make the show more than a buying event, giving visitors access to influential industry voices, practical advice and fresh ideas without additional charges.
Spring Fair 2027 takes place at NEC Birmingham from 7–10 February, with all speaker sessions included in visitor registration.
Visit www.springfair.com/stage-programme-2027 for the full programme.
Spring Fair 2027 takes place at the NEC Birmingham from 7th – 10th February 2027. For more information and to register, visit www.springfair.com.