Speaking Engagements
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NRF '25 Retail's Big Show
Making Your Stores Irreplaceable: How Retailers Can Survive and Thrive in the Replacement Economy
We live in an age where everything can be replaced through an app on a handheld device. So, how can physical stores compete with these easier, cheaper, and more convenient digital replacements? They can tap into other human desires, such as the need for sensory stimulation, belonging to a community, and participating in cultural celebrations. For the last three decades, Kevin Ervin Kelley—an experience designer and author of IRREPLACEABLE—has been helping retailers compete on dimensions other than price, variety, and convenience. During this provocative presentation, he will outline the key principles, tools, and techniques he and his team deploy to help retailers deliver store experiences that are irreplaceable.
Past Speaking Engagements
CNU 31 Charlotte
CNU 31 Walking Tours
The Congress for the New Urbanism is bringing its 31st annual Congress to the Queen City May 31 to June 3, and we are excited to convene in our home town! Many efforts of our firm from the past 30+ years will be showcased, from Historic South End, to communities like Birkdale Village, Antiquity and more.
Our firm will be participating in three of the scheduled CNU 31 walking tours — A New Hope (VI) and 5 Points Forward on May 31, and No Cars Allowed - Neighborhood Development on June 2. One of the two featured Hope VI neighborhoods is Brightwalk, the transformation of a former housing project into a mixed-income, mixed-use, intergenerational community that has become a national model of community development. 5 Points Forward is a grassroots urban vision planning effort for the 5 Points Plaza area in the Historic West End of Charlotte — a public planning process that has brought the residents together to frame the vision for their own neighborhood. The No Cars Allowed - Neighborhood Development tour will feature new mixed-use residential projects that are providing alternate methods of transportation without the typical parking requirements found in traditional multifamily developments.
For more information, click here.
2024 Summer Fancy Food Show
Retail's Hidden Strength: Convening Consumers in Place
Join Kevin Kelley, renowned retail architect and author of 'IRREPLACEABLE', to uncover the next big thing in retail. Forget chasing after robots and AI trends. Instead, let's focus on what truly matters: human connection and experience.
Kevin argues that beyond meeting basic needs, consumers crave immersive experiences and a sense of belonging--and because of this, small to medium-sized brands can thrive by offering more than just products. Through real-world case studies, Kevin will showcase how successful food retailers are leading the way by creating unique, unforgettable experiences that bring communities together. Don't miss this thought-provoking session that will reshape your understanding of retail's true power!
Register here!
PCBC
Leader-to-Leader Program
Kevin Kelley, AIA, is an architect who gets inside the minds of consumers to understand how physical environments affect behavior and purchase decisions. His recently-released book, Irreplaceable: How to Create Extraordinary Places that Bring People Together, explores how and why physical places are essential to civil society, business, and community—and how we can do a better job of creating them.
Register here for an insightful event!