We sat down with Rebecca Bemhena to hear how her background in luxury fashion retail has shaped her approach to curating one of the sector's most anticipated gatherings. As VP Content at Shoptalk Luxe, she leads the research, strategy, and development of the event's agenda. Bemhena shares her perspective on why Abu Dhabi is the natural home for this conversation, how heritage maisons and disruptor brands can learn from one another, and where AI enhances rather than replaces human intimacy in luxury.
How would you describe Shoptalk Luxe in one sentence?
It is the world's most senior gathering of the entire luxury and premium consumer ecosystem, bringing together heritage maisons, next-gen disruptor brands, and global retailers with tech innovators, investors, and analysts who are collectively defining the future of elevated retail.
Why was now the right moment to launch a dedicated luxury and premium retail edition of Shoptalk?
We've moved past the debate of whether tech belongs in elevated retail. In 2026, technology is the new craftsmanship. Whether in the boutiques of Shanghai or the private terminals of Abu Dhabi, the modern client expects a level of anticipatory service that only sophisticated data ecosystems can deliver at scale.
Shoptalk Luxe was created as the definitive space for this new elevated retail, where the heritage of the past meets the predictive power of the future.
Why Abu Dhabi, and why Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental?
Abu Dhabi is uniquely positioned as a bridge between East and West, making it a natural crossroads for global trade and elevated retail. But beyond geography, there's an energy here — a commitment to innovation and 'the next' that mirrors our own, as well as an incredible cultural heritage. In a way, this mirrors the two sides of the coin that represents elevated retail today.
As for the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, it's the physical embodiment of what we're talking about: a legendary heritage landmark that consistently sets the standard for modern, elevated service. It isn't just a venue. It provides the exact luxe atmosphere our community thrives in.
How have you curated the agenda to balance heritage luxury players with disruptive new voices?
The magic happens in the tension between the two. We've been intentional about programming CEOs of heritage maisons alongside CEOs of modern disruptor brands, AI tech companies and global VCs funding the future.
The agenda is designed to move past innovation for its own sake. We want to hear how a luxury or premium brand maintains its soul whilst using data to predict what a client wants before they even know they want it. It's about learning from the past to build a more intelligent future.
Where do you see the most exciting real-world applications of AI that enhance, rather than replace, human intimacy in luxury retail?
I always say that the best technology in luxury should be invisible. It's not about replacing the boutique associate with a robot; it's about giving that associate superpowers.
Imagine a personal shopper having instant, data-driven insights into a client's global preferences, allowing them to offer a truly bespoke recommendation that feels like magic. That's where AI can shine in elevated retail. It removes the friction from the transaction so that the human connection can actually take centre stage.
What does success look like after this first edition?
Success is measured by the connections made and the tangible insights gained. At Shoptalk, we're famous for our Meetup programme — we're facilitating over 20,000 curated, one-to-one meetings during these three days. If a brand or retailer finds the tech partner that helps them crack their unified commerce strategy, or if an Abu Dhabi-based startup finds a global investor, that's a win. Ultimately, we want everyone to leave feeling that they haven't just seen the future of elevated retail, but that they've helped build it.
Shoptalk Luxe takes place 27–29 January 2026 at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi. Visit https://luxe.shoptalk.com to learn more.
ABOUT REBECCA BEMHENA
Rebecca Bemhena is VP Content at Shoptalk Luxe, where she leads the research, strategy and development of the event's agenda, establishing it as the premier conference platform for global luxury and premium retail. She is responsible for curating the speaker line-up and programming across five stages, bringing together heritage maisons, disruptor brands, tech innovators and investors.
Bemhena has dedicated her career to shaping industry-leading content, with a background in luxury fashion retail. At Shoptalk Luxe 2026, she is leading key sessions including 'The Sunset Session: Redefining Growth in a Founder-Led Luxury House' and 'The Shoptalk Luxe Edit: The New Playbook to Elevate Retail'.
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