In a fast-paced world of e-commerce and metrics-driven selling, it's easy to forget the importance of being human and showing empathy. David Ang Reyes, Country Head of TTRacing Philippines and a mental health advocate, is championing a refreshing shift by bringing humanity back to retail. "Be human and treat each other as such," Reyes says, when asked how frontline teams can make a meaningful difference in today’s digital environment. He believes that authenticity starts with the people behind the brand. By encouraging his team to bring their own personality to customer interactions, they create more genuine and memorable experiences. While scripts and standard procedures exist, they are meant to guide, not to restrict.  "When people know the why behind what they're doing, they'll figure out the how in ways that are more personal and more authentic"   he explains. Reyes believes that today’s consumers are more value-conscious than ever.  “Even if your product fits the market, the real question is, does your brand?”  he asks. Long-term success, he explains, lies not just in innovation, but in brand equity and how values are reflected in the customer journey. These real interactions keep him grounded and serve as learning opportunities for his team. Sometimes, he says, he learns from them just as much as they learn from him. To create a more human customer experience, Reyes starts with a mindset shift. He asks every new team member to imagine the brand as a person. What kind of person would that company be? How would that person talk, listen, and respond? From there, his team looks for ways to connect meaningfully with customers. Sometimes it’s a handwritten note. Sometimes it’s a surprise birthday cake with a delivery. These small but thoughtful gestures build loyalty and trust.  "It doesn’t have to be grand. It just has to be intentional," he says. Looking ahead, Reyes urges retail leaders to shift from being transaction-obsessed to relationship-driven. “Our goal is for customers to feel like they’re buying from a friend,”  he says. Whether or not a gesture is recognized, he believes it should be done because it’s the right thing to do. In an industry often defined by speed and sales, David Ang Reyes reminds us that even though it may sound cliche, kindness, sincerity, and intentionality are still powerful differentiators. They are the standard for how business should be done. What fits your business in creating more ways to touch other’s emotions in Humanizing Retail? Join us and find out at the Retail and E-commerce Summit Asia  on 29th to 30th of May. It’s not just interacting but all about integrating to one another’s insights to reshape the future! rockbirdmedia

By Zenia Pearl V. Nicolas AI adoption is accelerating faster than any enterprise technology shift in recent memory. But the computing power fueling AI progress is not limitless, it depends on physical infrastructure consuming enormous energy and resources. A modern data center’s massive computing infrastructure consumes significant amounts of power and resources to support rapidly growing AI workloads. Smarter Doesn’t Mean Greener: The Hidden Environmental Toll of the AI Boom Global data-center electricity consumption reached ~415 TWh  in 2024 — roughly 1.5% of worldwide electricity use  ( International Energy Agency, 2025a ). Under current growth trajectories, demand could rise to around 945 TWh by 2030 , nearly doubling the environmental load ( International Energy Agency, 2025b ). This shift is driven largely by AI-optimized computing hardware — “accelerated servers” — which are expanding significantly faster than traditional computers ( International Energy Agency, 2025c ). Carbon Intensity: Location Matters In a study of 2,132 U.S. data centers (2023–2024), researchers found: 4%+ of total U.S. electricity demand >105 million tons of CO₂-equivalent 48% higher carbon intensity  than national grid average ( Guidi et al., 2024 ) Meaning: many data centers run on dirtier electricity  than the country’s overall mix. Meanwhile, real infrastructure measurements show that a single 8-GPU AI inference node can peak above 8.4 kW , illustrating the escalating per-model power footprint ( Latif et al., 2024 ). AI’s Rising Share of Data-Center Energy As of now, AI workloads represent roughly 5–15%  of global data-center electricity. Rising demand could push that to 35–50% by 2030 , depending on adoption rates and efficiency gains ( Carbon Brief, 2025 ). This introduces real enterprise risks: Grid stress in tech-cluster regions Water constraints from cooling Higher operating costs tied to electricity and carbon pricing These risks become acute where fossil-based power still dominates ( International Energy Agency, 2025d ). Can AI Be Part of the Climate Solution? Yes — but only if intentionally designed that way . AI can support renewable-energy balancing, carbon reporting, and optimization of industrial processes ( World Resources Institute, 2025 ). But those benefits rely on the clean energy powering AI itself . Without clean power: “AI risks accelerating emissions faster than it reduces them.” — Sustainability analysts ( Chan et al., 2025 ) What Business Leaders Should Do Now 1️⃣ Make AI infrastructure sustainability-visible Corporate ESG needs data on:  • Model energy use  • Water for cooling  • Emissions location-by-location Requires mandatory disclosure  ( MIT News, 2025 ) 2️⃣ Procure power strategically Shift AI workloads toward:  ✔ Renewable grids  ✔ Time-of-day optimized compute  ✔ Lower-carbon regions ( International Energy Agency, 2025e ) 3️⃣ Deploy efficiency-first AI ✔ Smaller models where possible  ✔ Hardware re-use cycles  ✔ Edge+cloud hybrid to reduce unnecessary inference ( Buyya et al., 2023 ) AI is no longer a purely digital disruption, it’s a resource-intensive infrastructure transformation. The organizations that scale AI responsibly — aligning performance, cost, and climate strategy will shape the competitive edge of the next decade. References Buyya, R. et al. (2023). Energy-efficiency and sustainability in next-generation cloud computing .   https://arxiv.org/abs/2303.10572   Carbon Brief. (2025). AI and energy impact charts .   https://www.carbonbrief.org/ai-five-charts-that-put-data-centre-energy-use-and-emissions-into-context/   Chan, X. et al. (2025). Electricity demand and grid impacts of AI data centers .   https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.07218   Guidi, G. et al. (2024). Environmental burden of U.S. data centers in the AI era .   https://arxiv.org/abs/2411.09786   International Energy Agency. (2025a). Understanding the energy–AI nexus .   https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-and-ai/understanding-the-energy-ai-nexus   International Energy Agency. (2025b). Energy demand from AI .   https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-and-ai/energy-demand-from-ai   International Energy Agency. (2025c). Accelerated computing growth insights .   https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-and-ai/energy-demand-from-ai   International Energy Agency. (2025d). Executive summary: AI footprint .   https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-and-ai/executive-summary   International Energy Agency. (2025e). Energy and AI overview .   https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-and-ai   Latif, I. et al. (2024). Power demand of GPU-accelerated nodes .   https://arxiv.org/abs/2412.08602   MIT News. (2025). Generative AI climate impact .   https://news.mit.edu/2025/responding-to-generative-ai-climate-impact-0930   World Resources Institute. (2025).  AI supporting climate transition .   https://www.wri.org Learn more about   Rockbird Media

By Zenia Pearl V. Nicolas Interior view of the Wooyoungmi flagship store in Seoul’s Itaewon district.  Image courtesy of Wooyoungmi / Vogue. Wooyoungmi’s Seoul Flagship Signals South Korea’s Quiet Luxury Moment South Korea’s contemporary menswear brand Wooyoungmi , founded by designer Woo Young-mi , has opened a new flagship store  in Seoul’s Itaewon  district this November 2025 — a move that underscores the brand’s intent to deepen its identity at home while strengthening its international visibility ( Vogue ). The store marks a new format for Wooyoungmi, as previous retail concepts in Seoul, such as the Manmade Dosan  space in Gangnam, featured multiple labels from its parent company, Solid Corporation. The Itaewon branch, by contrast, is exclusively dedicated to the Wooyoungmi line , reinforcing the brand’s independent voice within the global menswear scene. According to Vogue , Wooyoungmi products are currently available in 24 countries  across 70 stockists , and its parent company reported €72 million  in revenue for 2024, reflecting consistent year-on-year growth. Roughly 60% of sales come from South Korea , showing that its domestic market remains both a creative and commercial anchor ( Vogue ). A Seoul Store That Feels Like a Statement Beyond its retail function, the new flagship serves as a cultural message: Korean design can stand on the world stage without losing its local character.  The store integrates experiential features such as custom interiors and a café, echoing the trend toward immersive “quiet luxury” environments, where ambience and craftsmanship are as vital as the garments themselves ( Vogue ). By emphasizing tactile, in-person experiences at a time when online fashion dominates, Wooyoungmi transforms its retail presence into what strategists call emotional real estate  — a physical space that builds long-term loyalty through atmosphere and belonging rather than transaction alone. Korea’s Refined Global Footprint Industry analysts note that South Korea is fast becoming a hub for a new wave of design-driven luxury, where labels such as Wooyoungmi embody minimalist aesthetics grounded in precision and subtle craftsmanship. This trend complements the global appetite for understated design, often referred to as “quiet luxury,”  which favors timeless tailoring over overt branding ( Le Monde ). Rather than replicating Parisian or Milanese formulas, Seoul’s emerging designers from fashion to beauty are exporting a uniquely Korean interpretation of refinement: technical mastery with cultural depth. Why It Matters Beyond Seoul Exterior and interior views of Wooyoungmi’s flagship store in Seoul’s Itaewon district — a minimalist architectural statement redefining South Korea’s quiet luxury movement. Image courtesy of Wooyoungmi / Vogue (Photography by Ashley Ogawa Clarke, 2025). Wooyoungmi’s expansion shows how Asian luxury labels can mature on their own terms. By leveraging strong domestic foundations while maintaining a global presence, the brand offers a blueprint for regional creatives aiming to internationalize without losing authenticity. For Southeast Asian markets like the Philippines, this evolution hints at what’s possible when a brand builds from culture outward  not by chasing Western validation but by refining its own narrative of excellence. In that sense, Wooyoungmi isn’t simply adding another boutique to Seoul’s skyline; it’s helping define what K-luxury  truly means in practice, design integrity, cultural confidence, and craftsmanship that speaks softly but endures. References  Vogue. (2025, November). It established South Korea’s fashion identity. Now, Wooyoungmi is ready for more.  Retrieved November 12, 2025, from   https://www.vogue.com/article/it-established-south-koreas-fashion-identity-now-wooyoungmi-is-ready-for-more Le Monde. (2025, August 12). South Korea is shaking up the beauty market.  Retrieved November 12, 2025, from   https://www.lemonde.fr/en/economy/article/2025/08/12/south-korea-is-shaking-up-the-beauty-market_6744280_19.html Wooyoungmi. (2025). Store locations.  Retrieved November 12, 2025, from   https://en.wooyoungmi.com/stores.html Check Out Our Upcoming Xchange Conference  Events

RESA Vietnam 2024: Breaking barriers and seizing new opportunities, rockbird media is opening the doors to the first-ever Retail & E-Commerce Summit Asia 2024 Vietnam this year. As you anticipate the impressive lineup of speakers, we have the opportunity to converse with Fred Trat, Family Mart’s General Manager of Marketing and Head of Omnichannel. Read more to discover key insights from his career journey. In Vietnam's vibrant convenience store market, one company is making a notable impact by emphasizing innovation and customer loyalty, drawing customers in a competitive environment. Leading the change, General Manager Fred Trat is in charge of expanding Family Mart across the nation. It is a fact that nearly 94% of F&B business owners globally are focusing their attention on innovation and striving to advance their businesses. Fred stresses how there is “ just only one purpose, that’s to attract the customer and improve the transaction at the start. The point is that we need to listen to the customer, it’s a must in the F&B industry. ” Fred will be sharing his thoughts on strategy to attract customers while highlighting Family Marts competitive edge of frequent product updates and offerings.  It is imperative that companies engage actively with customers on social media and seek constant feedback through surveys. Fred ensures that Family Mart stays ahead of the competition by meeting customer expectations and the importance of fostering strong customer loyalty. It is notable that Family Mart was one of the first to innovate the loyalty program through its green card. According to Fred they need to keep the customer loyal to them by providing schemes so they can come more frequently to the store and buy more and in return get more.  Alongside Fred’s busy schedule overseeing the c-store operations, he fondly recalls how it was such a great memory and moment for him that he had visited Family Mart Japan. He specified how he enjoys learning from various events and sharing his knowledge, finding enriching experiences in various sessions and interactions with different departments at Family Mart Japan. It’s a realization that comes to mind that you will find yourself continually drawn back to learning and that learning is a never ending process.The insights gained from Japan, particularly in navigating post-pandemic transformations and maintaining brand leadership, are instrumental for Fred in shaping Family Mart Vietnam’s strategy. Inspired by his visit, Fred begins applying these learnings shortly after returning.  “It's not only about promotion or an attractive visual design of the store; it’s about loyalty to make the customer come and stay with you. The need to increase the collaboration between marketing, between the sales, and between the merchandise team to increase the perfect plan that fits with the customer audience.” It's crucial for leaders to evolve continually, grow, and actively share their knowledge with peers to better meet the evolving needs and desires of their customers. Join us at the Retail and E-commerce Summit Asia on August 22, 2024, at Mai House, Saigon Ho Chi Minh, to gain valuable insights from Fred Trat on the marketing industry. Learn more about   Rockbird Media

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — As the retail and e-commerce industry continues to rapidly evolve, this summit provides a platform for professionals to explore emerging trends, cutting-edge technologies, and innovative business models that are reshaping the retail experience. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge and actionable insights that will empower them to stay ahead of the curve and successfully navigate the digital retail transformation. Are you curious about Malaysia's plans to advance both globally and in Southeast Asia? The 15th edition of Rockbird Media's premier event, RESA or Retail & E-commerce Summit Asia, is returning and is expected to have a big impact in Malaysia. This event will be entitled ‘’Retail & E-Commerce Summit Asia: Beyond The Sphere: Igniting The Future” and has been carefully planned and organized to examine and share the most recent ideas on engaging, action-packed tactics for growing a successful e-commerce company. Insight from retail and e-commerce titans, as well as creative founders and innovators from leading companies in Malaysia, will gather for this one-day strategy meeting. Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity to be part of a transformative event that promises to shape the future of retail and e-commerce in Asia. Join us on February 26, 2025, at the InterContinental Malaysia for the Retail & E-Commerce Summit Asia. For more information and to register for the event, visit our website: RESA Malaysia 2025 | rockbird media B2B Conference Together, let's explore the unthinkable to expand our network and find new ideas!

In today’s fast-paced world, businesses must evolve or risk falling behind. Digital business solutions are no longer optional; they are essential. I’ve seen firsthand how companies that embrace technology and innovation not only survive but thrive. The key lies in understanding the strategies that drive digital transformation and applying them with precision and purpose. Embracing Digital Business Solutions for Growth Digital business solutions are the backbone of modern enterprises. They streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and open new revenue streams. But adopting these solutions requires more than just installing software or launching a website. It demands a strategic approach. Start by identifying pain points in your current processes. Are manual tasks slowing your team down? Is customer engagement lacking? Once you pinpoint these areas, explore digital tools that can address them. For example, cloud computing can improve collaboration across departments, while AI-powered analytics can provide insights into customer behavior. Actionable tip: Conduct a digital readiness assessment to understand where your business stands. Prioritize solutions that align with your core objectives. Invest in training your workforce to maximize the benefits of new technologies. By focusing on these steps, you set a strong foundation for sustainable growth through digital innovation. Digital workspace showcasing business technology Leveraging Data Analytics to Drive Decisions Data is the new currency. Businesses that harness data effectively gain a competitive edge. Digital business solutions often come with powerful analytics capabilities that transform raw data into actionable insights. Imagine having real-time dashboards that track sales, customer preferences, and market trends. This information allows you to make informed decisions quickly. For instance, if a product isn’t performing well, you can adjust your marketing strategy or inventory levels immediately. To get started: Collect data from multiple sources – sales, social media, customer feedback. Use analytics tools to identify patterns and trends. Share insights across teams to foster a data-driven culture. Remember, data alone isn’t enough. The key is interpreting it correctly and acting on it decisively. Data analytics dashboard providing business insights What is an example of digital innovation? Digital innovation can take many forms, but one standout example is the rise of e-commerce platforms integrated with AI-driven personalization. Take a retailer who uses AI to analyze customer browsing and purchase history. The system then recommends products tailored to individual tastes, increasing conversion rates and customer satisfaction. Another example is the use of blockchain technology in supply chain management. By providing transparent and tamper-proof records, blockchain enhances trust and efficiency between suppliers and buyers. These innovations don’t just improve existing processes; they create entirely new business models. The companies that adopt such technologies early often set industry standards and capture significant market share. Cultivating a Culture of Innovation Technology alone won’t drive success. The people behind the technology matter just as much. Cultivating a culture that encourages experimentation, learning, and agility is crucial. Encourage your teams to challenge the status quo and propose new ideas. Celebrate small wins and learn from failures. This mindset fosters continuous improvement and keeps your business adaptable in a rapidly changing environment. Practical steps to build this culture include: Hosting regular innovation workshops or hackathons. Providing resources for skill development in emerging technologies. Creating cross-functional teams to break down silos and encourage collaboration. When innovation becomes part of your company’s DNA, digital transformation accelerates naturally. Partnering with Experts to Accelerate Innovation No business is an island. Collaborating with technology partners, consultants, and industry experts can fast-track your digital journey. These partners bring specialized knowledge and experience that can help you avoid common pitfalls. For example, working with a digital marketing agency can enhance your online presence and customer engagement. Partnering with a cloud service provider ensures your infrastructure is scalable and secure. When selecting partners, look for those who understand your industry and share your vision for growth. Clear communication and aligned goals are essential for a successful partnership. By leveraging external expertise, you can focus on what you do best while accelerating your digital innovation efforts. Moving Forward with Confidence Digital transformation is a journey, not a destination. It requires commitment, flexibility, and a clear vision. By embracing digital business solutions, leveraging data, fostering innovation, and partnering wisely, you position your company for long-term success. If you want to explore how business digital innovation can transform your operations and open new opportunities, start by assessing your current capabilities and setting clear goals. The future belongs to those who innovate boldly and act decisively. Remember, the right strategies today will shape the industry leaders of tomorrow. Let’s make sure you’re one of them.

Digitizing and Modernizing Supply Chain The retail industry has undergone significant transformations in recent years, driven by shifting consumer preferences and the rise of e-commerce. These changes have had a profound impact on the supply chain, prompting businesses to adapt their operations to meet the evolving demands of modern retail. In this article, we will explore the key impacts of changing retail preferences on the supply chain and how organizations can effectively respond to these shifts. The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically transformed the business landscape, prompting organizations to adapt to new challenges and explore innovative ways to thrive. One area that has emerged as a key driver of success is the supply chain. By embracing digital transformation and modernizing their supply chain operations, businesses can position themselves to leverage post-pandemic growth opportunities effectively. George Pepes, Retail Strategist APAC, Zebra Technologies, eloquently highlighted the intricate nature of today’s supply chain and the challenges involved in meeting customer expectations. Recognizing the paramount importance of technology in the realm of e-commerce, he emphasized its pivotal role in enabling enhanced visibility, swift order fulfillment, and a transformative impact on the entire retail industry. In order to provide deeper insights into the complexities of the supply chain, he elaborated on the sequential process encompassing the Warehouse/Distribution Center, the in-store experience, customer engagement, retail operations, and the pivotal involvement of third-party logistics partners, all working in concert to optimize the supply chain ecosystem. Furthermore, John Ezekiel Miclat, Sales Engineer, Philippines, extensively discussed an array of cutting-edge in-store inventory solutions in the supply chain. These solutions encompass a comprehensive range of advanced tools and technologies, including mobile computers and tablets, handheld and fixed RFID readers, scanners, printers, software, services, intelligent edge solutions, and supplies. shared by John Ezekiel Miclat, Sales Engineer, Philippines. How can retailers in the Philippines effectively harness the power of strategic technology? In the context of the Philippines, there has been a relatively slower pace of technology adoption among retailers. However, this presents a unique opportunity for pioneering businesses to take the lead and inspire others to follow suit. The ongoing pandemic has catalyzed expediting technological advancements, facilitating a shift from traditional pen-and-paper methods to more efficient barcode systems. Embracing technology has become critically important in effectively managing the transformative changes brought about by the current pandemic. By proactively integrating strategic technology solutions, retailers in the Philippines can position themselves at the forefront of innovation, enabling them to navigate the challenges of today’s rapidly evolving landscape and emerge as industry leaders. Importance of Digitization and Modernization in the Supply Chain  1. Streamlined Operations through Automation The process of digitizing the supply chain involves a multitude of interconnected procedures, and the adoption of advanced technologies yields numerous beneficial outcomes. By embracing such implementations, businesses can significantly reduce the occurrence of human error, expedite order processing, elevate inventory management capabilities, and optimize logistical operations. Moreover, this transformative approach empowers companies to promptly respond to ever-evolving customer demands, effectively mitigate costs, and ultimately enhance overall productivity. The strategic integration of advanced technologies not only amplifies operational efficiency but also positions businesses for sustained growth and competitiveness in the dynamic marketplace. 2. Visibility and Transparency Modernizing the supply chain enables businesses to gain immediate insight and clarity into their entire network. Leveraging digital platforms, cloud-based solutions, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices can help businesses to effectively monitor and track their inventory, shipments, and production procedures. Thus, this facilitates great decision-making and fosters improved cooperation with suppliers, customers, and partners. 3. Data-Driven Insights for Strategic Planning Digitization generates an abundance of valuable data within the supply chain. By leveraging analytics and advanced reporting tools, businesses can extract meaningful insights from this data. These insights facilitate informed decision-making, proactive risk management, and strategic planning. By understanding customer behaviors, market trends, and demand patterns, organizations can optimize their inventory levels, forecast accurately, and identify opportunities for growth. Data-driven insights also enable businesses to adapt quickly to evolving market conditions and customer preferences. 4. Agile and Resilient Supply Chain Networks The pandemic has highlighted the importance of building agile and resilient supply chain networks. By digitizing and modernizing their operations, businesses can create flexible and adaptable supply chains. This flexibility allows for quick adjustments in sourcing, production, and distribution, enabling organizations to respond swiftly to disruptions or changes in demand. Additionally, digitization enables the implementation of predictive analytics and scenario planning, helping businesses identify potential risks and develop contingency strategies. 5. Embracing E-commerce and Omnichannel Strategies The rise of e-commerce during the pandemic has accelerated the need for businesses to embrace digital channels and omnichannel strategies. Digitizing the supply chain facilitates seamless integration between online and offline sales channels, enabling businesses to deliver a consistent and personalized customer experience. By optimizing inventory management, order fulfillment, and last-mile delivery, organizations can meet customer expectations for speed, convenience, and reliability. The modernization and digitization of supply chain processes must be given top priority by businesses. Organizations may reach their full potential by reducing processes, improving visibility, utilizing data-driven insights, developing agility, and adopting digital platforms. Businesses that invest in digitalization are better positioned for long-term success and resiliency in an ever-evolving marketplace. A Strategic Framework for Accelerating Modernization  George Pepes, Retail Strategist APAC, unveiled the highly acclaimed Zebra Warehouse Maturity Model—a visionary strategic framework designed to expedite the process of modernization. He delved into the intricacies of their cutting-edge warehouse management systems, revealing profound insights into optimizing workers’ workflows. 1. Improve operations This involves enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of various operational processes within a business. By implementing strategies and technologies aimed at streamlining workflows, businesses can achieve greater individual worker productivity. 2. Connect Workers Establishing better communication and collaboration among workers is crucial for achieving greater team productivity and ensuring consistency in workflow. 3. Integrate Integrating various systems and data sources across the supply chain allows for greater visibility and utilization of assets. By leveraging technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices and data analytics, businesses can gain real-time insights into the status and location of assets such as inventory, equipment, and vehicles. 4. Be responsive In today’s dynamic business environment, the ability to respond quickly and effectively to changing circumstances is crucial. By leveraging data analytics, machine learning algorithms, and real-time monitoring, businesses can receive the best next-move guidance and make informed decisions in a timely manner. Being responsive enables businesses to stay ahead of the competition and better meet customer demands. 5. Predict and adopt A forward-thinking approach involves not only reacting to current challenges but also proactively identifying opportunities for opportunities. Learn more about   Rockbird Media

The retail landscape is evolving faster than ever. As technology advances and consumer behavior shifts, businesses must adapt to stay ahead. One of the most exciting developments reshaping the industry is the rise of retail media. This powerful tool is transforming how brands connect with customers, optimize marketing spend, and drive sales. Today, I want to take you on a journey through the future of retail media trends, highlighting what’s next and how you can leverage these changes to fuel growth. Exploring the Latest Retail Media Trends Retail media is no longer just a buzzword. It’s a strategic channel that blends advertising with commerce, creating new opportunities for brands and retailers alike. Here are some of the most impactful trends shaping this space: Data-Driven Personalization: Retailers are harnessing first-party data to deliver hyper-targeted ads. This means customers see offers tailored to their preferences and shopping habits, increasing engagement and conversion rates. Omnichannel Integration: Seamless experiences across online and offline channels are becoming the norm. Retail media platforms now connect digital ads with in-store promotions, creating a unified customer journey. Programmatic Advertising Growth: Automation is streamlining ad buying and placement. Programmatic retail media allows brands to optimize campaigns in real-time, improving efficiency and ROI. Enhanced Measurement and Attribution: Advanced analytics tools provide clearer insights into how retail media impacts sales. This transparency helps marketers justify budgets and refine strategies. Sustainability and Ethical Marketing: Consumers demand responsible business practices. Retail media campaigns increasingly highlight eco-friendly products and ethical sourcing, aligning with customer values. These trends are not just theoretical. They are actively shaping how businesses operate and compete in Asia’s dynamic markets. Retail media analytics dashboard in use What is retail media? At its core, retail media is a form of advertising that takes place within retail environments. This can be on e-commerce websites, mobile apps, or even physical stores. The goal is to reach shoppers at the point of purchase or decision-making, making ads more relevant and timely. For example, when you browse an online supermarket, you might see sponsored product placements or personalized deals based on your past purchases. In a physical store, digital screens might display targeted promotions as you walk down the aisle. This integration of advertising and shopping creates a powerful feedback loop that benefits both retailers and brands. Retail media platforms provide the technology and data infrastructure to manage these campaigns efficiently. They enable brands to bid for ad space, target specific audiences, and measure performance with precision. This level of control and insight was unimaginable just a few years ago. Digital signage in retail store aisle How Businesses Can Capitalize on Retail Media Understanding the future trends is one thing, but putting them into action is where the real value lies. Here are practical steps businesses can take to harness retail media effectively: Invest in Data Infrastructure Build robust systems to collect and analyze customer data. This foundation is critical for delivering personalized experiences and measuring campaign success. Partner with Leading Retail Media Platforms Collaborate with platforms that offer advanced targeting, programmatic capabilities, and comprehensive analytics. This partnership can accelerate your entry into retail media. Create Engaging, Relevant Content Ads should resonate with your audience. Use insights from data to craft messages that speak directly to customer needs and preferences. Test and Optimize Continuously Retail media is dynamic. Run A/B tests, monitor results, and adjust strategies to maximize impact. Align Marketing with Sales Goals Ensure your retail media campaigns support broader business objectives, such as increasing market share or launching new products. By following these steps, businesses can unlock new revenue streams and deepen customer relationships. The Role of Technology in Shaping Retail Media Technology is the engine driving retail media’s rapid evolution. Several innovations are particularly influential: Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI algorithms analyze vast amounts of data to predict customer behavior and optimize ad delivery. This leads to smarter targeting and better outcomes. Augmented Reality (AR): AR enhances the shopping experience by allowing customers to visualize products in their environment before buying. Retail media can incorporate AR ads to boost engagement. 5G Connectivity: Faster internet speeds enable richer media formats like video and interactive ads, improving the quality of retail media campaigns. Blockchain: This technology promises greater transparency and security in ad transactions, helping to combat fraud and build trust. Embracing these technologies will be essential for businesses aiming to lead in retail media. Futuristic retail store with digital and AR technology Looking Ahead: What the Future Holds The future of retail media is bright and full of potential. As more retailers and brands adopt these strategies, we can expect: Greater Collaboration Across Ecosystems Retailers, brands, and tech providers will work more closely to create seamless, data-driven marketing experiences. Expansion into New Markets Emerging economies in Asia will see rapid growth in retail media adoption, driven by increasing digital penetration and consumer demand. Focus on Customer Privacy With rising concerns about data security, retail media will evolve to balance personalization with privacy, using techniques like anonymized data and consent management. Integration with Sustainability Goals Retail media campaigns will increasingly promote sustainable products and practices, reflecting broader corporate responsibility trends. For business leaders and executives, staying informed and agile is key. The companies that embrace retail media today will be the ones shaping tomorrow’s retail landscape. Retail media is more than just a marketing channel - it’s a transformative force redefining how brands connect with consumers. By understanding the trends, leveraging technology, and executing smart strategies, businesses can unlock unprecedented growth opportunities. If you want to dive deeper into this exciting field, check out this retail media resource for insights and connections that can propel your business forward.

By Zenia Pearl V. Nicolas In a world of on-demand webinars, chat threads, and AI summaries, it’s tempting to think, “Why attend events at all? I’ll just catch the recap.” Retail innovators gather under one roof—main stage insights energize the audience at RESA Malaysia 2025. Why Attending Events Still Beats Staying Behind the Screen But the data points in the opposite direction: events are quietly becoming one of the most effective levers for growth, learning, and reputation —for both companies and individuals. 1. Events are quietly becoming one of the most powerful growth channels Across the industry, marketers are not treating events as “just branding” anymore. A 2024 compilation of event statistics found that 83% of marketers say events are critical for their business growth  and 77% say events are their most effective marketing channel  ahead of email, paid media, and social content ( Splash, 2024 ). On the B2B side, 82% of organizers rate their in-person events as very or somewhat effective  in achieving business objectives and more than half of attendees say they plan to go to more  in-person events, not fewer, in the coming year ( MarketingProfs, 2025 ). In other words: the people who actually plan and attend events believe they work and they’re doubling down. 2. Deals and decisions move faster face-to-face There’s a reason senior leaders still leave their screens and fly to conferences or executive gatherings. Multiple studies show that face-to-face interaction shifts business outcomes : Research cited in hospitality and meetings reports shows that in-person meetings can be linked to around 36% higher revenue and significantly more deals closed , compared to remote-only interactions ( Accor, 2024 ;  Meetings & Conventions Asia, 2024 ). A Harvard Business Review–referenced survey found that 95% of professionals see face-to-face meetings as critical for building long-term business relationships, a foundation you simply can’t replicate with email threads and slide decks alone ( Forbes, 2025 ). Events compress what usually takes months of emails into one concentrated cycle of conversations, demos, objections, and trust-building. That’s why commercial teams still fight for event budgets. 3. Learning is faster, deeper and way more contextual Conferences and industry events are not just “talking marathons.” They’ve become high-density learning environments  where you can see how theory behaves in reality. The American Psychological Association notes that conferences offer exposure to cutting-edge work, methods, and debates  that don’t always make it into formal publications right away ( APA, 2024 ). Professional development studies highlight that attending conferences improves knowledge, builds expertise, and sharpens practice, especially when sessions are combined with informal discussions and networking (Harrison, 2010). Other research stresses that events help professionals stay updated on industry shifts, innovation, and regulatory or market changes, which directly feeds into better decision-making and career momentum ( Global Conference Alliance, 2024 ;  Moneythumb, 2025 ). You don’t just “consume content” at an event; you see how other people interpret it, challenge it, and turn it into action. 4. Networking at events is different from “having contacts” Most professionals technically “know” hundreds of people online. Very few can actually call someone, ask for real help, and get it. Events are where that difference is built. New partnerships taking shape — attendees form genuine professional connections at RESA Malaysia 2025. A global virtual vs. in-person events survey found that 44% of in-person attendees rated networking sessions as the most valuable part of an event , whereas virtual formats were primarily valued for content and education ( Kaltura, 2023 ). Other reports on networking highlight benefits like: warm introductions that lead to partnerships and collaborations visibility within a niche or region trust-building that simply doesn’t happen via cold outreach career opportunities and referrals that surface months after the event ( Team Referral Network, 2019 ;  Moneythumb, 2025 ). Events don’t just expand a contact list, they change the quality of the relationships behind it. 5. Events are repositioning brands as “present” and credible For companies, not showing up at key industry events sends a message, even if it’s unintentional. In B2B, executives increasingly view strategic events as a space to: signal that the brand is active, serious, and listening test new narratives, positioning, or offerings live gather unfiltered feedback from decision-makers in the room Recent event-industry benchmarks show that a large majority of organizers plan to maintain or increase in-person events and budgets, because they see them as growth drivers, not cost centers ( BluePoint, 2025 ;  Cvent, 2025 ). A speaker delivers a focused presentation to industry leaders during a breakout session at RESA Malaysia 2025, driving thoughtful dialogue and actionable learning. If a market is gathering and your brand is absent, people notice. Presence itself becomes part of positioning. 6. Hybrid and in-person formats are evolving around what attendees actually want The point is no longer “online vs. offline.” Recent research on hybrid and conference formats shows that attendees still want the interaction, serendipity and energy of the in-person component , even when virtual options are available ( Ram et al., 2024 ). Younger attendees in particular are pushing organizers to design events that feel: more personalized more experiential more aligned with how they actually learn and connect ( Freeman Report, 2023 ). Events are shifting from passive “sit-and-listen” experiences to active environments—labs for ideas, community, and collaboration . 7. The real advantage of attending events: compounding The biggest ROI of attending events doesn’t always appear the next day. It shows up when: a conversation from a side session turns into a partnership three months later something heard in a panel reshapes a strategy deck one introduction unlocks a whole new client segment consistent presence in an event ecosystem builds a reputation that starts speaking before anyone does When you zoom out, events are not just “days out of office.” They’re accelerators: for deals, insight, relationships and brand trust. Skipping them might save travel and time in the short term. Showing up, strategically and consistently, changes who knows you, how they see you, and what opportunities find you next. References  Accor. (2024, March 12). Why face-to-face meetings matter for revenue generation and business growth . HospitalityNet. https://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4124621.html American Psychological Association (APA). (2024, February). Benefits of student and professional conference participation . https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2024/02/student-conference BluePoint Antwerp. (2025, November 26). Why in-person events are once again powerful growth drivers for businesses . https://www.bluepointantwerpen.be/en/blog/2025/11/26/why-in-person-events-are-once-again-powerful-growth-drivers-for-businesses/ Cvent. (2025, January). Event industry statistics and trends 2025 .   https://www.cvent.com/en/blog/events/event-statistics Forbes Business Council. (2025, April 18). How to maximize the ROI of in-person events . Forbes.   https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2025/04/18/how-to-maximize-the-roi-of-in-person-events/ Freeman. (2023, May 8). Younger attendees want more personalized and meaningful in-person experience . Associations Now.   https://associationsnow.com/2023/05/survey-in-person-meeting-attendees-are-younger-want-personalized-experience/ Global Conference Alliance. (2024). Why it’s important to attend professional conferences .   https://globalconference.ca/why-is-it-important-for-professionals-to-attend-professional-conferences/ Harrison, J. (2010). Unique benefits of conference attendance as a method of professional development for LIS professionals. The Journal of Academic Librarianship , 36(3), 260–266. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232935944   Kaltura. (2023). State of virtual events report .   https://corp.kaltura.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/The-State-of-virtual-events-2023_6.pdf MarketingProfs. (2025, January 29). B2B in-person event effectiveness and trends .   https://www.marketingprofs.com/charts/2025/52813/b2b-in-person-event-trends Meetings & Conventions Asia. (2024, June 19). Why face-to-face meetings are preferred: It’s the revenue .   https://www.meetings-conventions-asia.com/News/Planners-Portfolio/Why-face-to-face-meetings-are-preferred-Its-the-revenue MoneyThumb. (2025, January 10). Benefits of attending industry conferences and networking events .   https://www.moneythumb.com/blog/the-benefits-of-attending-conferences-and-other-networking-events-in-your-business-niche/ Ram, M., et al. (2024). How hybrid conferences reshape professional engagement. Journal of Education and Health Promotion , 13(1), 455–467.   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11005117/ Splash. (2024). Event marketing statistics: Why events remain essential in 2024 .   https://splashthat.com/blog/event-marketing-statistics Team Referral Network. (2019). 9 reasons why attending networking events boosts entrepreneurial success .   https://teamreferralnetwork.com/news/2019/09/9-reasons-why-attending-networking-events-is-crucial-for-entrepreneurial-success

By Zenia Pearl V. Nicolas For more than a decade, hospitality brands built their customer understanding around digital footprints, page views, retargeting data, and hospitality event data  collected from live experiences. Privacy laws, cookie deprecation, and shifting user behavior have reshaped the landscape. Studies show a clear pattern: Many brands are losing access to familiar tracking tools used to read customer behavior (McKinsey & Company, 2021). Nearly half of consumers now decline tracking permissions in digital channels (Accenture, 2024). People are becoming far more selective about the information they share online (Deloitte Insights, 2023). With digital signals thinning out, many hospitality groups are directing their attention to something previously treated mainly as a branding play: events . What Makes Event Data Different Unlike digital interactions that are often fragmented, incomplete, or influenced by algorithms, events capture behavior in real situations. Voluntary participation People choose to attend, initiate conversations, and engage with experiences.A benchmark report showed that over 90% of attendees willingly share information when the value is clear (Freeman, 2019). Emotion-driven decision-making Hospitality spending is tied closely to emotion.Research found that emotional motivators influence up to 70% of consumer decisions, especially in travel and experience-led categories (Magids et al., 2015). Events are one of the few environments where emotional drivers can be observed directly: through the way people move through spaces, respond to presentations, or gravitate toward specific offerings. Authentic preference signals Clicks tell you what someone touched . Events tell you what someone cares about .The difference is qualitative, and it reshapes how brands interpret demand. Context-rich interactions Event conversations often reveal the “why” behind a decision — curiosity, budget, personal interest, or unmet needs — something web analytics cannot uncover. Why Hospitality Brands Are Paying Attention Hotels, resorts, wellness retreats, and tourism brands all operate in highly competitive environments where loyalty is fragile. Industry research highlights the stakes: A majority of travelers are willing to switch brands after just one negative experience (PwC, 2018). Most customers expect companies to understand their preferences and personal context (Salesforce, 2024). To deliver personalization at this level, brands need more than digital breadcrumbs. They need insights rooted in human behavior , not browser activity. Events give hospitality executives the closest view of what guests truly value — wellness-driven travel, sustainability, luxury design, food experiences, community, or adventure. These signals help brands shape offerings, improve guest journeys, and forecast future demand more accurately. How rockbird media Approaches Event Intelligence Within rockbird media ’s ecosystem of hospitality, retail, HR and tech events, the goal is not simply to gather people, it’s to understand them. Our formats are designed to generate: High-intent interactions  from decision-makers Consent-based, high-fidelity first-party data Behavioral signals visible only in real-world engagement Industry-specific insights from conversations, roundtables, and live sessions Contextual understanding  that strengthens marketing and product decisions This blend of human proximity and strategic data collection helps brands move away from assumptions and toward grounded, experience-driven insights. Hospitality is a people-centered industry. The clearest understanding of guests still emerges from environments where their authentic behavior is visible. Events remain one of the few places where this level of clarity is possible and increasingly, essential. References Accenture. (2024).   The empowered consumer. https://www.accenture.com/us-en/insights/consulting/empowered-consumer Deloitte Insights. (2023).   TMT predictions 2024. https://www.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/technology/technology-media-and-telecom-predictions/2024.html Freeman. (2019).   The Freeman® data benchmark study: Executive summary  [PDF].   https://www.eventmarketer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/freeman-data-benchmark-study-executive-summary_2019_event-marketer.pdf Magids, S., Zorfas, A., & Leemon, D. (2015).   The new science of customer emotions.  Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2015/11/the-new-science-of-customer-emotions   McKinsey & Company. (2021).   The demise of third-party cookies and identifiers. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/growth-marketing-and-sales/our-insights/the-demise-of-third-party-cookies-and-identifiers PwC. (2018).   Experience is everything: Here’s how to get it right  [PDF]. https://www.pwc.com/ng/en/assets/pdf/experience-is-everything.pdf Salesforce. (2024).   What are customer expectations? https://www.salesforce.com/ap/small-business/what-are-customer-expectations/ Learn more about   Rockbird Media