Australian retail brands are increasingly looking beyond domestic borders to fuel their next phase of growth. But international expansion requires more than ambition — choosing the right markets, building operational capability, and navigating new leasing environments are all critical to success.

From selecting the right international markets to understanding what global landlords look for in new entrants, the panel shares the strategies, lessons and realities of taking Australian brands onto the global stage.

As retail continues to evolve, traditional lease structures are being challenged. Turnover-based deals, hybrid models and shorter terms are gaining traction as all parties look for agreements that reflect trading reality, not just traditional benchmarks.

Industry leaders from government, agency and occupier sides explore how the NSW government, landlords and tenants are working together to rethink lease structures that better reflect modern retail realities. From flexible lease models to faster negotiation processes and greater transparency, the conversation focuses on how collaboration is unlocking new ways to support growth, innovation and sustainable performance across retail portfolios.

Launching a new store or delivering a refurbishment is often one of the most exciting moments in retail. But between concept approval and opening day lies a complex delivery process where risk, cost pressures and competing priorities can quickly impact timelines and outcomes.

Drawing on real project experiences, the panel will discuss the common challenges faced during retail fit-outs and refurbishments — from design coordination and construction delivery to landlord approvals, budgeting and program management — and the strategies that help brands move from concept to store opening with confidence.

Expanding a QSR footprint today requires sharper decisions than ever before. Changing consumer behaviour, rising occupancy costs and new format opportunities — including smaller footprints and flexible concepts — are reshaping how brands approach growth.

Hear how leading and expanding QSR brands are navigating expansion in a market that demands speed, flexibility and commercial discipline. From identifying the right growth locations and adapting store formats to building resilient restaurant portfolios and leveraging technology, this conversation unpacks the strategic decisions shaping the next phase of QSR expansion.

Retail decisions are becoming faster, smarter and increasingly data-driven. Location decisions are no longer made on gut feel alone, with retailers using real-time insights to select sites, negotiate rents and respond to changing customer and trading patterns.

From foot traffic analytics and trade area insights to store performance and customer behaviour data, retailers now have deeper visibility than ever before. Hear practical examples of how data-led thinking is shaping property decisions, strengthening negotiations and driving better outcomes across retail portfolios.