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Retail Symposium

Retail Symposium

Bring the power of the hospitality industry to your store or supermarket

Are you a retailer, supermarket entrepreneur, or business manager coming to Horecava for innovation and inspiration? Smart move. During the Horecava Retail Symposium, you will discover how to translate the energy of the hospitality industry into a profitable retail floor. You will learn about hospitality, pick up on the latest food trends, and see how to turn customers into real guests.

Why you do not want to miss this

In one compact session, you will take away concrete ideas for your formula. Think of smart hospitality elements in the store, coffee as an extra source of income or service moment, and practical steps towards working more sustainably. You will also receive our Horecava retail advice route: a clear route through the trade fair that takes you as a retailer to relevant stands, demos, and talks. This way, you can get the most out of your visit.

REQUEST A FREE TICKET!*

*Please note: the programme for the Retail Symposium is in Dutch.

Speakers Retail Symposium

Ilse Brommersma

Ilse Brommersma is a hospitality expert.

Starting out as a hospitality consultant in Maastricht, Ilse Brommersma focused on hospitality within Albert Heijn, hospitals and aviation (Transavia). She has also been coaching court security guards for almost nine years and has worked on projects for Sligro, Roda JC and caterer Albron. Ilse: ‘I always want to connect the “soul” of an organisation with the hard facts of the “business”. Many retailers focus too much on the business side and are selling themselves short.’

Rober Delver

Rober Delver is owner of retail & consulting firm “Rober”

Rober Delver is an experienced retail strategist and formula builder with 35 years of international experience in food retail. As a pioneer and connector, he develops innovative store and product concepts, with a passion for innovation, results and collaboration.

Lydia Sijbers en Kim de Smit

Lydia Sijbers & Kim de Smit are food trend spotters at Foodsafari

Foodsafari develops inspirational tours for food professionals. Together we set off into the city, visiting places that spark inspiration. We bring you into contact with entrepreneurs, trends and ideas that you can experience for yourself. Each tour is tailor-made and stimulates the senses, conversation and creativity. For teams who want to discover, learn and laugh.

Moderator

Chris Lukkassen

Chris Lukkassen is a chairperson, presenter and energetic connector.

With a background on stage and a talent for clearly communicating complex topics, Chris Lukassen creates a dynamic atmosphere in which every participant feels heard. His style combines spontaneity with structure: sharp questions, a clear thread and a touch of humour.

Programme

Date: Wednesday, 14 January 2026
Location: TrendLAB Theatre | Hall 3, Entrance K

8.45 hour: Welcome
9.15 hour: Start of symposium

Moderator: Chris Lukkassen

  • The Horecava Retail Symposium (1,5 hours): featuring leading speakers Ilse Brommersma, Rober Delver, Kim de Smit, and Lydia Sijbers.
  • Sub-programme (0,5 - 1 hours): shorter sessions and interactive experiences for those seeking more in-depth information.
  • Networking area & inspiration points (0,5 hours): meet fellow decision-makers and be surprised by new ways of thinking.
  • Horecava exhibition floor: visit stands, showcases and concepts relevant to the healthcare sector.
Bezoekers bekijken en fotograferen lekkernijen op een horecabeurs, met de tekst 'De kracht van horeca' over de foto

Partners Retail Symposium

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JDV

Koninklijke Nederlandse Slagers (KNS)

Koninklijke Nederlandse Slagers (KNS)

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Want to strengthen your retail formula with the power of hospitality, generate more revenue, and increase your margin? Make sure you're there.

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REQUEST A FREE TICKET!*

Read all retail news

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How supermarkets, retailers and the hospitality industry reinforce each other

The hospitality industry and retail are growing ever closer together. There are great opportunities when both sectors inspire each other: hospitality offers experience and hospitality, retail excels in efficiency and scale. Those who combine these strengths wisely create strong, future-proof retail concepts.

READ MORE
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Five food trends for tomorrow's supermarket

Tomorrow's supermarket will not only be about price and efficiency, but also about experience, meaning and innovation. Five hospitality concepts from Utrecht show where the opportunities lie: from authentic heritage to Instagram-worthy snacks and personalised drinks. Those who respond to these trends now will win over tomorrow's consumers.

READ MORE
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Convenience in coffee remains, but customers are looking for higher quality

Coffee is no longer just about convenience, but about enjoyment. This presents a huge opportunity for supermarkets to combine experience and quality. Through storytelling, smart shelf presentation and collaboration with local baristas, supermarkets can strategically use coffee as a distinctive product group.

READ MORE
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From hospitality to retail, with experience

The supermarket of the future will not only sell products, but also experiences. According to retail developer Rober Delver, the strength lies in the smart “retailing” of hospitality inspiration. By focusing on experience and convenience, the shop will change from a place you have to be to a place you like to visit.

READ MORE
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These are opportunities for retailers

Hospitality is not a “soft issue”, but hard business. According to Ilse Brommersma, successful retail is not only about efficiency, but also about connection and experience. Those who see customers as guests and invest in their people create 9-plus experiences that bind customers. The hospitality industry shows how this works, and there is a huge opportunity for retailers here.

READ MORE
Tim van Tiel
Tim van Tiel
Senior Sales Consultant
t.v.tiel@rai.nl
06 390 54 305
LinkedIn

 

Become a partner?

Does your company or institution align with the content of the Retail Symposium? Then become a partner! During this substantive event, you will come into contact with your target group, there will be plenty of opportunities for networking, you will be visible in all communications about the event, and you will have the opportunity to make visitors an exclusive trade fair offer after Horecava.

Want to work together to promote sustainability? Become a partner of the Retail Symposium and reach decision-makers in the hospitality industry. Check the brochure for all the options.

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