What role does data play in bridging the gap between traditional and digital storytelling?
The event will be centred around a deeper understanding of the true impact of Visual Merchandising and Digital through data. We have a data expert who will be mediating the panel, and we will be driving conversation around the best of traditional and digital storytelling and how at times, they can come together to perform the ultimate customer experience.
Speakers
Melissa Pellegrini
Head of Customer Insights @ David Jones
Introducing Melissa Pellegrini, Head of Customer Insights at David Jones.
With extensive experience in retail and FMCG, Melissa specialises in driving customer-focused growth, managing innovation programs, optimising advertising effectiveness, and developing high-performing teams.
Her expertise spans pricing strategy, financial modelling, and delivering major projects, making her a leading voice in leveraging data to unlock opportunities and shape retail success.
David Doyle
Creative Director @ Dashing Group
Having worked with the most iconic brands and businesses in Australasia for over ten years at Dashing, David is all about staying curious. His expertise spans the entire creative process, from concept to execution.
David will share insights from his recent retail tours across Asia, New York, and Europe, as well as his visit to NRF 2025, the retail’s biggest show.
He will explore the power of physical activations and the lasting influence of traditional visual merchandising in creating impactful displays.
Miles Ruge
Client Director @ Kepler
Miles Ruge is customer obsessed. Having studied journalism at university, he chose to chase the connections he saw with customers each day working in Retail.
For the last 19 years he's worked across leadership, strategic, and operational roles for some of the country's most premium brands from the Country Road Group, to M.J. Bale, and R.M.Williams.
Now working as a Client Director for Kepler Analytics, he's helping Retailers to leverage data and insights in physical Retail.
Nick Gray
Founder @ I Got You
Introducing Nick Gray. He is emerging as one of today's leading voices in the retail industry, his thought leadership and insights have shaped the strategy of globally recognised retailers, brands and wholesalers. With over 25 years of experience, Nick's journey includes pivotal roles at world-renowned companies like Adidas, Nike, Sneaker Boy, Diesel and Westfield.
His work is deeply rooted in the belief that people, emotions and customers should be at the core of every business decision, driving meaningful connections and brand success.
Marieke van Bruggen
Retail Experience Analyst & Data Strategist
Marieke van Bruggen is a passionate, data-driven leader with over 20 years of experience in retail and e-commerce, across brands including Incu, Country Road Group, Mecca and David Jones. She is skilled at using analytics to optimise omnichannel retail content and experiences in order to drive sales and customer engagement. Throughout her career, Marieke has developed and implemented data-driven strategies that have improved product discovery, conversion rates and customer satisfaction. Her success in using data to create superior shopping experiences led to her being announced as a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert for 2025.
