The internet of everything (IoE) promises to disrupt every aspect of our lives and the retail experience is no exception. From tracking beacons to AI adverts, IoE will change how we shop and how retailers cater for our consumer needs.
Google made waves last month by announcing its own charge into the retail sector with a rival to Apple’s iBeacon, EddyStone. Using Bluetooth technology, beacons send notifications to consumers as they shop, ensuring that the IRL retail experience is just as informative as its online counterpart.
But while beacons and other IoE applications allow retailers to synchronise their processes and create an array of new marketing experiences, questions remain about consumer trust and privacy: namely, will anyone actually want store assistants to be able to mine their shopping data?
We’ve assembled a panel of experts to discuss these questions and more from 1–2:30pm BST on 18 August:
Bob Garland, vertical solutions architect, Cisco
Bob is highly experienced in the application of technologies around the internet of everything, collaboration, data-centre, cloud, networks, mobility and analytics to business issues. He has worked for Cisco since 2006 in a variety of roles from technical pre-sales to solution architecture.
Simon Gill, chief creative officer, UK, DigitasLBi
He’s been with the agency since its inception as LBI back in 2006, contributing to many of its award successes. Recent achievements include work for Honda, Microsoft, Sony Mobile, Virgin Atlantic and the infamous #RaveCave.
Laura Lilienthal, marketing director, EVRYTHNG
Laura is a marketing strategy specialist and is responsible for raising awareness of EVRYTHNG, the IoT Smart Products Platform. She is passionate about disruptive technologies and connecting innovative brands with IoT technologies.
Simon Liss, Head of Strategy & Innovation, Omnifi
Simon is a forward thinking digital innovator. He started a mobile agency before the iPhone was launched and in 2014 co-founded connected space startup Omnifi. The agency works exclusively within retail and leisure environments – using clever technology to bring digital and physical worlds closer together.
Danielle Pinnington, managing director, Shoppercentric
With a long and established career in FMCG and consumer market research, Danielle set up the specialist independent shopper research agency Shoppercentric in 2004. Shoppercentric clients include the likes of Mondelez, Lego, ASDA, Unilever, Wickes and many others.
This live discussion takes places in the comments section below. To take part, sign in (or sign up) as a Guardian comments user and submit your question or query below. You can post something now for the panel to pick up on the day or join us live.
This live Q&A is provided by Cisco, sponsors of the Guardian Media & Tech Network’s connected world hub
