Hear from industry leaders
Retail executives, entrepreneurs and innovators from across Canada share keynotes, fireside chats and panels on the future of retail, emerging trends and career opportunities.
Hosted by the David Sobey Retailing Centre
RetailNEXTStudent Summit
Discover the future of retail. Build your network. Find your future.
- Dates
- October 16–17, 2026
- Location
- Saint Mary's University
- City
- Halifax, Nova Scotia
An experience designed to inspire
The next generation of retail leaders starts here
The retail industry is one of Canada's largest employers and offers more career opportunities than most students realize. The inaugural RetailNEXT Student Summit brings together 100 university students from across Canada for an immersive two-day experience designed to inspire, challenge and connect.
We are inviting universities across Canada to send teams of 3–5 students to experience firsthand the people, ideas, technology and career opportunities shaping the future of retail.
What will students experience?
Two days, six ways to grow
Build a national network
Connect with retail executives and students from universities across Canada, and develop relationships that lead to internships, mentorships and careers.
Solve real retail challenges
Put classroom knowledge into action through a hands-on case competition and retail hackathon, working in teams on real-world problems.
Discover career possibilities
Explore the many paths available in retail — marketing, merchandising, e-commerce, technology, analytics, supply chain, operations and more.
Develop employer-ready skills
Build practical experience in problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, communication, leadership, presentation and critical thinking.
More than a conference
Students leave with new perspectives, practical experience, valuable connections and a clearer sense of where a career in retail could take them.
Agenda
Friday evening to Saturday night
Friday, October 16 | 6:00–8:30 PM
Evening Reception
Join retail executives and students from across Canada for an evening of dinner, conversation and connection. Retail leaders are seated throughout the student tables, so students can ask questions, hear career stories and build meaningful connections.
- VIP Remarks and Keynote
- Dinner
- Open Networking
Saturday, October 17 | 7:45 AM–6:00 PM
Summit Day
Morning
- Breakfast and Event Kick Off
- Keynote
- Case Competition
- Retail Trivia
Afternoon
- Lunch and Fireside Chat
- Hackathon
- Future of Retail - Panel Discussion
- Building Your Future in Retail - Panel Discussion
- Networking Social
Speakers
Leaders Shaping Canadian Retail
Julia Knox
Chief Retail Officer & Chief Technology and Transformation Officer
Sobeys Inc.
Dave Stevens
Chief Technology Officer
Groupe Dynamite
David Lui
CEO, Kit + Ace
Co-Founder, Unity Brands
Joe Jackman
Founder & Chairman
Jackman Reinvents
Debbie Lai
VP Marketing
Staples Canada
Tanbir Grover
Former Chief Marketing & Digital Officer
Pet Valu
Jackie Ross
Founder & CEO
JRoss Retail Recruiters
Michelle Bourassa
Senior HR Manager
Ardene
Candice Walker
Director, eCommerce & Digital Retail
Best Buy Canada
And more to be announced
Eligibility
Send a team from your university
Space is limited to 100 students, and teams are confirmed on a first-come basis.
Register your team- Universities can send teams of 3–5 students. Please notify us if sending more than two teams, as space is limited.
- Students must be enrolled in Commerce. Exceptions can be made where a student has a specific interest in a retail function — for example, a Computer Science student exploring retail technology.
- For students from outside of Saint Mary's University, please have university admin register teams directly by emailing: DAVIDSOBEYCENTRE@SMU.CA
RetailNEXT
Shaping the next generation of retail leaders.