speaker-photo

David Kepron

Retail Studio Principal, Little Diversified Architectural Consulting Inc.
David Kepron is a globally recognized retail and hospitality design leader whose multidisciplinary career spans architecture, brand experience, education, authorship, and art. He was inducted into the Retail Design Institute’s Legion of Honor in 2024 for his exceptional contributions to advancing the practice of retail experience design.  Before joining Little as Retail Studio Principal, David served as Vice President of Global Design Strategies at Marriott International, where he reimagined guest room and lobby concepts for brands such as Westin, Aloft, Element, and Residence Inn, and helped define the design strategy for Moxy and other premium hotel brands. His expertise lies at the intersection of culture, technology, and design, creating spaces that resonate emotionally, perform operationally, and drive loyalty.  David is the founder of NXTLVL Experience Design, a consultancy exploring customer engagement through social anthropology, neuroscience, and digital transformation. A sought-after international speaker, podcast host, and educator, he has taught at the Fashion Institute of Technology and Drexel University while serving on industry boards for PAVE, the George Mason Center for Retail Transformation, and Concordia University’s Next Generation Cities Institute.  With a career devoted to shaping authentic and empathetic brand environments worldwide, David continues to influence the global dialogue on the future of design, customer experience, and innovation. 
9:00 - 10:00 AM

Wednesday May 6

Opening Keynote - Retail Reset: Trends Shaping the Next Era of the Store

Retail is evolving faster than ever, and the role of the physical store is shifting along with it. As digital capabilities grow and consumer expectations continue to change, retailers across North America are rethinking what stores are meant to do, and how they deliver value. In this forward-looking panel presentation representing well-known retailers and brands, we’ll explore the key trends shaping today’s retail landscape, from experience-driven environments and service-based flagships to technology integration, operational efficiency and the growing influence of hospitality and community. Through real-world examples, we’ll examine how brands are responding to pressure points such as rising costs, shifting shopper behaviors and the need to seamlessly connect physical and digital channels. Join us for a fast-paced look at the ideas, innovations and strategies redefining the store, and what they signal for the future of retail design. Takeaways:

  • Discover key trends shaping North American retail design and store strategy
  • Understand how leading brands are adapting stores for an increasingly digital world
  • Learn practical insights on balancing experience, efficiency and technology in physical retail