At the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, we host a variety of academic and student-focused events. Our academic-focused events concentrate on discussing cutting-edge retail topics lead by renowned academics and retail practitioners.
Retail Summits
Each year, we hold an international academic summit on retail, focusing on the major issues facing the sector. Our speakers have ranged from professors from the best universities in North America and Europe to senior executives from leading companies in retail and its ecosystem. As of 2021, the Retail Summit is supported by KPMG.
Retail Thought Leader Series
The Retail Thought Leadership Series hosts retail experts who share interesting challenges and solutions within the retail industry. The series provides an interactive opportunity for students, faculty and industry leaders to gain valuable insights about current and upcoming trends in retail from academic and industry experts.
Student-focused events
Our student-focused events, such as student challenges and competitions, aim to push students beyond the classroom to develop innovative ideas for the future of retail.
Retail Innovation Challenge (RIC)
In response to COVID-19, we launched a Retail Innovation Challenge (RIC) to give university student teams a real-life learning experience to assist local SME retailers to rethink and rebuild their businesses during and post-pandemic.
Global Retail Challenge (GRC)
We developed this innovative international entrepreneurial challenge with Washington-based Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA). Starting in 2018, we invited student teams from universities around the world to develop innovative ideas on the circular economy as it applies to retail. The competition is structured around weekly e-modules using “design thinking” methodology followed by a 3-4 day final phase that is held with all participants at McGill University.
Retail Day
In 2018, we hosted a Retail Day – “the Disruption of Retail” – an all-day conference on the retail industry and its exciting future. Students had the opportunity to hear from some of the top players in retail as well take part in a unique case competition in collaboration with Nespresso.
