2020 has been a pivotal year for ecommerce in the region. The COVID lockdown saw big name retailers having to completely re-think their reliance on physical outlets and pivot to online platforms and delivery models. The way we purchase and consume everything – from food, clothing, electronics and even medicines had to change overnight. This created significant disruption for some and tremendous opportunity for others.

As the way we attend events has also changed we are running this event for the first time via the Holofair platform. HoloFair is a 3D virtual events platform developed by Outreal XR, a Dtec company. Its unique features, such as face scanning and communication tools, allow event organizers to host virtual exhibitions and conferences that supplement physical events. From virtual walkthrough to venue customization, HoloFair has got all the bases covered!

Important note: Please allow yourself a few minutes to register on the app and create your avatar before the event start time. Your avatar will be able to walk around the exhibition hall and chat to others before entering the auditorium for the speaker sessions.

You can access the event from here: https://holofair.app/?event=zone&DTEC

AGENDA:

Arrival and in app networking/ familiarization

Dtec Introduction: Hans Christensen, VP Dtec 

Welcome introduction by the VP of Dtec, the UAE’s largest tech startup hub.

Fireside Chat: Digitizing the Luxury Experience – Edward Sabbagh, Managing Director – Middle East, Farfetch 

The physical experience of shopping has been a key factor for the luxury market in the region. This potentially led to a slower adoption of digitalization than other brands. With the enforced shut down of physical outlets during the COVID-19 lockdown how did the luxury brands rise to the e-commerce challenge and what were the long-term learnings? How did local SMEs benefit through partnerships with big brands?

Moderator: Tamara Pupic, Entrepreneur ME

Panel Session: Offline to Online – Taking Advantage of the e-commerce boom 

E-commerce is buzzing in the UAE right now with consumers increasingly ordering everything from groceries to medicines online. So what does this mean for SMEs and startups and what are the opportunities for online retailers, distribution partners, payment gateways and logistics providers?

Panelists:

• Khalil Alami, CEO, Telr
• Rayan Osseiran, Founder, Shorages
• Renaud de Gonfreville, CEO, Ziwo

Moderator: Tamara Pupic, Entrepreneur ME

Offline to Online panel session Q&A

Closing Comments & networking