Co-op Retail Conference 2026 full line-up: unmissable insight at a defining moment for co-op retail

Co-op Retail Conference 2026 – taking place at the Crowne Plaza Glasgow from Thursday 19‑Saturday 21 March – will address the key changes in the sector. The event is proudly sponsored by Lobyco who help retailers grow lasting customer relationships through personalised, digital-first loyalty experiences. 

The prestigious event is for leaders from consumer‑owned retail co-operatives across the UK, offers meaningful insights, in-depth discussion and excellent networking opportunities. Representatives from more than 25 organisations – from the UK’s largest consumer owned retailers, to suppliers and other organisations working across the retail and co-operative sector. 

As well as a packed line-up of sessions and speakers. the event offers excellent networking opportunities throughout. 

Thursday Welcome Dinner: Sponsored by Marsanz and Joalpe, in partnership with Formbar

The Thursday Welcome Dinner is the first social occasion of the conference. As well as a drinks reception and buffet dinner, there will be games and plenty of networking opportunities.

Following the strategic acquisition of Joalpe Portugal by Marsanz, a new, more powerful retail solution has emerged for the UK market. Co-op Retail Conference event proudly marks the first major showcase of the expanded Marsanz capability – now strengthened by the integration of Joalpe – bringing together two highly respected European manufacturers under one unified vision, in partnership with Formbar.

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Friday Gala Dinner: Sponsored by Longwall Security

The Friday night Gala Dinner and drinks reception is sponsored by Longwall Security, a trusted cyber security partner for UK retailers and co-operatives.  

A charity raffle will also take place raising funds for Longwall Security’s chosen charity Childnet, helping make the internet a great and safe place for children and young people  

In addition to a three-course meal, the evening entertainment includes after dinner speaker Fred MacAulay, one of Scotland’s best-loved stand-up comedians, as well as a Ceilidh led by local band, The Jiggers.

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Joining the stellar line-up on Friday and Saturday 

The full conference line-up is: 

• The Outlook for UK Grocery Retail. Access the latest retail trends and innovations from IGD’s (Institute of Grocery Distribution) Graham McClean
• New horizons: Co-operation for a modern UK retail environment. Debbie Robinson (CEO, OurCoop), Martin Rogers (Director of Partnership Development, Co‑op Group), Ben Stimson (CEO, Southern Co‑op). Chaired by Rose Marley (CEO, Co‑operatives UK)
• Personalisation and engagement: An international perspective. Hosted by Rebecca Harvey (Co‑op News) with Coop Denmark’s Anders Felbo Pold
• Fireside chat: Purpose in practice – turning values into advantage hosted by Becky Willan (Given – part of Anthesis Group) with Ben & Jerry’s Head of Social Mission EU/ANZ, Jessie Macneil-Brown
• Fair finance at scale: Credit unions and the power of co‑op retail. A conversation hosted by broadcaster and journalist Kirsty Wark with ABCUL’s Matt Bland, Glasgow Credit Union’s Claire Blackburn and Nest Insight’s Jo Phillips
• Keynote from the Co‑operative Party with Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow and Joe Fortune, General Secretary, Co‑operative Party
• (Saturday) Co‑operative education: New horizons, new opportunities. As the Co‑operative College evolves its model, join us to discuss what the needs are for the sector – and how they can be met – with representatives from across the sector