DLLS Sep 26

Meet trusted, community-based vendors in a relaxed setting that feels personal

• 11:40-12:10          I          12:10-12:40          I          12:40-13:10

Meet trusted, community-based vendors in a relaxed setting that feels personal

• 15:10-15:40          |          15:40-16:10          I          16:10-16:40

PANEL DISCUSSION:

The on-demand marketplace has chased sheer speed for years, often relying on brute force and endless driver capacity to survive the rush. Real, sustainable margin growth requires shifting focus away from manual firefighting and toward algorithmic intelligence. This panel breaks down how leading operations integrate hyper-local data, real-time traffic, and location tech to guarantee pinpoint delivery windows. We will explore the tech stacks changing the game, from AI routing engine deployments to Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers and automated feedback loops. Leaders will discover how to stop fighting friction and start converting dynamic route optimization into driver retention, customer loyalty, and bottom-line growth.

PANEL:

Supply chain strategies look great on paper, but they frequently shatter the moment real-world disruptions hit the network. True resilience is evolving from rigid, reactive planning to autonomous, intelligent execution that adapts in real time. This panel breaks down how pioneering networks use AI to gain total visibility and make complex operational decisions in seconds rather than days. We will explore the practical technology driving this shift, moving past theoretical concepts to focus on tools that actively protect your margins. Embracing intelligent execution means moving from a state of constant firefighting to building a self-correcting supply chain that stays ahead of market volatility.

PANEL:

Retail returns have been treated as a costly nuisance for years, with businesses focusing on just processing the volume rather than reclaiming the value. It is time to stop looking at reverse logistics as a financial drain and start using it as a profit recovery tool. This session tackles how automated inspection, refurbishment, and cross-border compliance can speed up product resale across the UK and Europe. The goal is to move beyond simple returns handling and start using returns data to prevent future bottlenecks while hitting sustainability targets. Mastering reverse logistics means transforming an expensive headache into a streamlined operation that protects your margins.

Organiser Lauren and our chair, Lynsey, kick off the day with a warm welcome. Grab your seat as we outline some housekeeping, what to expect, and how to get the most out of your time!

PANEL:

The gap between clicking 'buy now' and the doorbell ringing is where brand loyalty is either won or lost. In an era of next-day delivery and real-time tracking, a smooth post-purchase experience is no longer a luxury—it is the baseline expectation. This panel unpicks the psychological triggers that transform a one-time shopper into a repeat customer, pinpointing the exact moments in the delivery journey that matter most. We will explore how much control businesses actually have over their brand perception once a package leaves the warehouse. By understanding these shifting consumer demands, leaders can bridge the gap between operational execution and customer retention.

KEYNOTE:

The final mile has been treated as a costly chore for years, with businesses focusing on just surviving delivery windows rather than winning customers. This keynote is for operations leaders who want to stop looking at final-mile delivery as an expensive bottleneck and start using it as a growth engine. We will examine how to connect AI, smarter routing, and customer-facing platforms to create an experience that builds genuine loyalty. That means moving beyond basic tracking notifications toward a seamless delivery journey that slashes customer service costs. By mastering the final mile, you transform a standard operational function into your strongest competitive advantage.

PANEL:

Warehouse automation often feels like an all-or-nothing gamble, leaving many businesses frozen by high upfront costs and unpredictable economic shifts. However, waiting out the uncertainty is no longer a viable strategy. This discussion floor explores how shared-user automation breaks down these financial barriers, offering a flexible, lower-risk route to scaling up tech without breaking the bank. We will dive into the real challenges of large-scale deployment and map out how to build a bulletproof business case that wins boardroom approval. By shifting the focus to shared infrastructure and resilient design, leaders can de-risk their supply chains and unlock sustainable efficiency during volatile times.