The two-day programme will include opportunities to:

  • Hear from Alibaba leaders and industry experts discussing the latest trends and innovations from China
  • Learn from European businesses as they share their experiences and key insights for building a successful China strategy
  • Choose from a selection of practical workshops targeted to your business needs, led by Alibaba businesses and partners
  • Meet 1:1 with Alibaba business development teams and regional partners (through our virtual expo stands)


For more information on the event and to register, please visit: https://www.alibaba-events.com/gateway-to-growth/

Agenda:

Day 1

9:30                   Welcome and introduction of the day
9:45 – 10:35      Understanding the China Opportunity
This opening session will bring together different perspectives – from Alibaba senior leadership to successful northern European businesses – to demystify the current market opportunity in China.
Speakers:

  • Michael Evans, President, Alibaba Group
  • Claire Hennah, Global Vice President of eCommerce, Unilever
  • Jun Fang, VP Data and Digital, Unilever China
  • Stinne Fröslev, COO, Elexir Pharma

10:40 – 11:40     Connecting to Chinese consumers: How are brands creating richer online experiences for their customers in China? Gain insights into digital savvy Chinese consumers and hear from brand leaders who are turning shoppers into fans.
Speakers:

  • Chris Tung, CMO, Alibaba Group
  • Ashley Dudarenok, Founder of Alarice & ChoZan
  • Richard Arnold, Group Managing Director, Manchester United
  • Louise Cheadle, Co-founder, Teapigs
  • Emma Plumridge, Head of Export, Teapigs

11:45 – 12:45   BREAK / Expo and Networking
12:50 – 13:10   Follow the growth: A conversation with Vitabiotics on current and future market opportunities
Speakers:

  • Tej Lalvani, CEO, Vitabiotics
  • Benji Lamb, China Director, Vitabiotics​

13:15 – 13:55   Livestream Commerce in 2021
Dive into the biggest trend shaping ecommerce in China right now, and learn how you can use this tool to build your following, gain customer feedback and ultimately drive sales.
Speakers:

  • Mark and Zoe, Founders, And Luxe (livestream commerce consultancy)
  • Simon Boyd, Sales Director, SmoothSkin
  • Roderick Buchanan, Commercial Director, British Museum

14:00 – 14:45  Question time: Moderated panel discussion with audience q&a
Speakers:

  • David Lloyd, Alibaba Group
  • Jesper Halle, Commercial Consul, Royal Danish Consulate General in Shanghai
  • Abi Imasekha, Head of International & Commercial Marketing, Harvey Nichols

14:45 – 15:00    Close / wrap for Day 1
 

Day 2

9:30               Welcome and introduction of the day
9:33 – 9:45     Intro of day
9:45 – 10:45  The Future is Now: Learn how China is reimagining retail, payments and digital experiences, and what this means for your future growth.
Speakers:

  • Mark Tanner, Managing Director, China Skinny
  • David Roth, CEO, The Store WPP, EMEA and Asia
  • Roland Palmer, Director of Alipay North-West Europe
  • Yang Sun, General Manager of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence UK&I, Nordics, Baltics and Russia

10:50 – 11:35   Session 1: Break out workshops
11:40 – 12:40   BREAK / Expo and Networking
12:45 – 13:30  Session 2: Break out workshops
13:30 – 13:45  Close / wrap for Day 2 (with David Lloyd)