NRCE 2025: Shaping retail sector’s AI-powered future

CEBU, Philippines — As digital transformation continues to reshape the global retail landscape, the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) is set to convene the country’s largest gathering of retail professionals at the 31st National Retail Conference and Expo (NRCE) on July 31 to August 1, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center Manila.

Now on its third decade, the NRCE serves as a barometer for the industry’s evolving priorities—this year zeroing in on innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), and leadership resilience as catalysts for sustained growth.

According to PRA, thousands of stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, executives, and technology experts, are expected to attend the two-day event designed to equip the sector with actionable strategies amid rising market volatility and shifting consumer behavior.

One of the keynote speakers is Dominic Ligot, founder and CEO of Cirrolytix, a leading voice in ethical and inclusive AI. With AI adoption accelerating across industries, Ligot’s session, “Demystifying AI for Retail: Unlocking Its Potential for Growth and Innovation,” is set to guide retailers on how to integrate AI without succumbing to complexity or hype.

Drawing from cross-sector experience, Ligot will outline how data-driven technologies can enhance operational efficiency, customer experience, and bottom-line performance.

Leadership under pressure and agility in crisis are also key themes at this year’s NRCE.

In a crossover from the world of competitive sports, Coach Charles Tiu—head coach of the College of St. Benilde Blazers and Strong Group Athletics—will present “The Game-Changer’s Mindset: Transforming Setbacks into Breakthrough Success.”

Known for steering teams to gold medal finishes at the 2019 William Jones Cup and the 2020 Dubai International Basketball Championship, Tiu is expected to share insights on building resilient teams, navigating adversity, and driving high-performance cultures—lessons that resonate far beyond the court.

The 2025 NRCE also doubles as a key networking platform for retail’s ecosystem, from mall operators and tech providers to logistics and marketing firms.(CEBU NEWS)