We’re excited to bring back the Bira Direct Conference – returning for the first time in several years. A day dedicated to connection, inspiration, and business growth.
Whether you're a Bira Direct member or supplier, this is your opportunity to hear what’s next for your buying group and how we’re building a stronger, more collaborative future together.
Thursday, 9 October 2025 | 9:30am - 5pm
The Mount Country Manor Hotel, Wolverhampton
Why Attend?
This one-day event brings together independent retailers and our network of trusted suppliers for a unique mix of insight, innovation, and networking.
What to expect:
- The future vision and strategy for Bira Direct
- Expert sessions on using AI, social media, and visual merchandising to drive growth in Independent Retail Shops
- Real-life success stories from members
- Quality time to connect with suppliers and fellow members
- Complimentary food and refreshments throughout the day
For Members:
Attendance is completely free, and Bira will cover the cost if you’d like to stay overnight and join us for a relaxed dinner. Rooms are limited, so early booking is advised!
For Suppliers:
The conference is completely free to attend, and you're invited to make the most of the networking and learning opportunities. If you’d like to stay over, The Mount is offering an exclusive 20% discount on B&B rates when you mention the Bira Direct Conference at the time of booking.
📞 Call 01902 752055 (Option 1) to book – rooms are available on a first come, first served basis.
Fill out the quick registration form below, and our team will be in touch with you soon!
Key topics at the conference will include:
• Visual Merchandising: Create store layouts that guide shoppers and boost sales
• Promotions & Shopper Psychology: Learn how to communicate offers that drive purchases.
• Till & Counter Skills: Turn every customer interaction into profit and loyalty.
• Shopper Behaviour Insights: Understand what really influences buying decisions.
• AI Essentials: Discover tools to save time, generate leads, and streamline marketing.
• Practical AI Applications: Learn AI strategies tailored to independent retailers.
• Prompting Mastery: Maximise results from AI tools quickly and efficiently.
• AI Ethics & Safety: Use AI responsibly in your business.
• Social Media Skills: Find out which platforms work, what content to post, and how to save time.
• Actionable Tips You Can Use Immediately: Walk away with practical, ready-to-implement strategies.
Bira Conference Agenda:
09:30: Registration – Tea & coffee on arrival
10:00: Welcome & Introduction – Jeff Moody, MD, Bira Direct
10:15: Sales & Marketing Strategy Update – Bev Bailey, Claire Leigh, Lisa Richardson
10:45: Nick Widdowson, Training Director, Popai - Visual Merchandising
• Module 1: Fundamentals of shopper behaviour
• Module 2: Wayfinding, Navigation & Zones
11:45: Comfort Break
12:00: cont. Nick Widdowson, Training Director, Popai - Visual Merchandising
• Module 3: Promotions & Shopper Marketing
• Module 4: Role of the Till & Counter/Q&A
12:45: Lunch Break (until 13:30)
13:30: Welcome Back – Andrew Goodacre, CEO, Bira
13:45: Michelle Betts, Founder at ByJove Media - Using social media in retail, easy wins & Q&A
14:30: Thomas Akintan & Kevin Loi Heng, Avalon Insights - AI in Retail, Essential skills & tools for marketing
15:30: Comfort Break
15:45: The Future of Bira Direct – Vision & Q&A
16:15: Closing Remarks – Jeff Moody
16:30: Drinks Reception – Networking & refreshments
17:00: Close
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