The Future of Loyalty
From Points & Perks to Intelligent, Emotion-Driven Relationships.
Loyalty must evolve from a promotional mechanic into a strategic growth engine.
The brands that win will move beyond transactions and build ecosystems of value: recognition, relevance, community, experience and exclusivity.
Gordon Ramsay's Heddon Street Kitchen, 3-9 Heddon St, London W1B 4BE
30th April 2026
PANEL SPONSOR
.png?width=500&height=141&name=validify-wordmark-navy%20(1).png "validify-wordmark-navy (1)")
Loyalty is being redefined. Rising acquisition costs, margin pressure and AI-driven personalisation are exposing the limits of traditional “earn and burn” programmes. Points and discounts alone are no longer enough to drive meaningful retention or long-term brand affinity.
Today, loyalty must evolve from a promotional mechanic into a strategic growth engine. The brands that win will move beyond transactions and build ecosystems of value: recognition, relevance, community, experience and exclusivity.
At this senior-level dinner discussion, we’ll explore:
-
Is the traditional points-based model reaching saturation?
-
How can AI and predictive insight shift loyalty from reactive rewards to proactive engagement?
-
How should loyalty support first-party data strategy in a post-cookie world?
-
Can experience, community and status outperform discounting?
-
What does modern loyalty success look like beyond repeat purchase — advocacy, lifetime value and share of wallet?
Agenda
6.00pm
Check in, canapes & refreshments
6.30pm
One to one intro meetings
7.20pm
First course
7.40pm
Panel Discussion and Presentation
8.30pm
Main Course
9.05pm
Dessert and Coffees
10.00pm
Wrap up!
Moderators & Panelists
Giles Smith
Senior Retailer and Consultant (Moderator)
Giles is a senior digital leader who blends technology, strategy and creativity to help major brands transform customer experiences. Currently CTO at Logicbroker and a founding MACH Alliance board member, he has led digital and omnichannel transformation at Selfridges, Burberry and other global retailers, and now advises C-level leaders on digital product, technology strategy and leadership while speaking at key industry events.
Shaun Loughlin
Digital & Technology Director, LeMieux
Shaun is a seasoned ecommerce expert with 20 years of hands-on experience across all facets of the industry. Throughout his career, he's honed his expertise in marketing, user experience, logistics, cross-border retail, technology, data management, and analytics.
He has a particular passion for scaling early-stage ecommerce brands internationally, a subject he has even spoken about at 10 Downing Street. Most recently, Shaun has helped the UK’s leading equestrian brand LeMieux achieve a remarkable 200% ecommerce growth in just under three years.
Paul Wilkinson
Customer Rewards & Loyalty Director, Lloyds Banking Group
Paul worked on grovery innovation for 15 years at Tesco, Amazon and Deliveroo, during which time he was instrumental in establishing Tesco Labs and launching advanced grocery voice shopping experiences on Alexa. He most recently moved to Lloyds Banking Group where he is currently building their new, whole of bank, loyalty program.
Location
Retail Innovation Dinners
Validify's retail innovation dinners create an environment for senior decision makers from leading retailers and brand executives and retail solution providers to meet, talk, learn and share ideas. It’s a place to meet your peers facing similar challenges and gain insight from industry experts.
We shine a spotlight on some of the best retail tech solutions, share & discuss real life cases studies and all in the privacy of our own area in suitably wonderful surroundings.
One to one meetings
Our curated one to one meetings allow you to meet and connect with some of the newest and most innovative solution providers that will help you get the most out of the upcoming Peak trading period.
The solution providers will each have five minutes to introduce themselves in a series of rapid fire introductions at the beginning of the event.