Speaking Engagements

NRF '25 Retail's Big Show
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center NYC

NRF '25 Retail's Big Show

Making Your Stores Irreplaceable: How Retailers Can Survive and Thrive in the Replacement Economy

We live in an age where everything can be replaced through an app on a handheld device. So, how can physical stores compete with these easier, cheaper, and more convenient digital replacements? They can tap into other human desires, such as the need for sensory stimulation, belonging to a community, and participating in cultural celebrations. For the last three decades, Kevin Ervin Kelley—an experience designer and author of IRREPLACEABLE—has been helping retailers compete on dimensions other than price, variety, and convenience. During this provocative presentation, he will outline the key principles, tools, and techniques he and his team deploy to help retailers deliver store experiences that are irreplaceable.

Learn more and register here.

CMA | SIMA 2025 Conference
JW Marriott Hill Country - San Antonio, TX

CMA | SIMA 2025 Conference

Innovative Ideas for Omni-Store Excellence

In today's fast-evolving retail environment, businesses are constantly balancing the changing needs of the shopper, the pressures of the economic climate, and the relentless drive for innovation. The 2025 conference will explore how to manage this delicate retail balancing act.

How do you elevate the shopping experience and make it more compelling? Join Kevin Kelley as he shares everything he's learned in the field and the boardroom in his debut book, Irreplaceable: How to Create Extraordinary Places that Bring People Together.

Sign up here!

The NGA Show 2025
Caesars Forum Convention Center - Las Vegas, NV

The NGA Show 2025

Shaping the Future of Grocery: Innovation, Disruption, and the Next Generation of Store Design

The NGA Show is the only show created exclusively for the grocery industry and brings together a community of independent grocers and the food retail industry to learn, engage, share, network, and innovate.

Join Kevin Kelley for two sessions: "Tech Innovation Summit" (Sunday) and "Shaping the Future of Grocery" (Monday). As a lifelong advocate of bringing people together in prosocial settings, Kevin's expertise is in studying how the environment of a place affects our behavior, perception, and decision-making.

Join us at this exciting event here!

Shoptalk Spring 2025
Mandalay Bay Hotel - Las Vegas, NV

Shoptalk Spring 2025

Track Speech

Shoptalk Spring 2025 will bring together a speaking faculty of over 200 luminaries and 10,000 attendees across retail, consumer brands, and retail tech. It is where the future of retail is defined.

Join Kevin Kelley (Thursday, March 27 at 10:15AM) for his insights working with executive leaders in their efforts to develop new kinds of immersive brand experiences that have the power to convene people in places.

Sign up here!

Past Speaking Engagements

Javits Center NYC

2024 Summer Fancy Food Show

Retail's Hidden Strength: Convening Consumers in Place

Join Kevin Kelley, renowned retail architect and author of 'IRREPLACEABLE', to uncover the next big thing in retail. Forget chasing after robots and AI trends. Instead, let's focus on what truly matters: human connection and experience.

Kevin argues that beyond meeting basic needs, consumers crave immersive experiences and a sense of belonging--and because of this, small to medium-sized brands can thrive by offering more than just products. Through real-world case studies, Kevin will showcase how successful food retailers are leading the way by creating unique, unforgettable experiences that bring communities together. Don't miss this thought-provoking session that will reshape your understanding of retail's true power! 

Register here!

Hyatt Regency Columbus - Columbus, OH

Columbus Region Economic Development 411

Keynote Speech

Economic development is constantly evolving. Keeping up with the latest challenges and opportunities is essential for staying relevant and effective. Join Kevin Kelley for his keynote speech and reshape your outlook on the Region's future and your role in it.

ED411 is where ideas flourish and partnerships grow. Learn more and join the conversation here!

The Fairmont - Washington D.C.

NGA 2024 Executive Conference & Public Policy Summit

The Retail Rebels

Join Kevin Kelley for his talk on The Retail Rebels: Learn how independent retailers can thrive admidst competition on Tuesday, October 29 at 4:15PM at the 2024 Executive Conference & Public Policy Summit.

This annual event hosted by the National Grocers Association (NGA) is designed for the leadership teams of the independent grocery industry.

Register here!

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