New! Dedicated Retail and Brands Day

In 2012, we mirror the growth in retail MVNOs and branded mobile services by kicking off a third day dedicated to retailers and brands. The format of this third day will be around catalyst case studies, panel discussions and 1:1 interviews followed by roundtable discussions on the topic addressed. At the end of the sessions each roundtable will have a chance to feedback their thoughts to the chair and each other. This day will be orientated so that the many brands and retailers reviewing their mobile strategy can analyse the need for full MVNO status, partial branded mobile services or alternative methods to consumer via apps, mobile couponing etc. The roundtable format will allow natural networking between operators, existing retail and brand MVNOs, enablers, mobile advertisers and current retailers and brands (who are eligible for the 2/3rds MVNO discount).

Retail networking Day

10.35 Catalyst Discussion One: What is the role of the MVNO, the MVNE and the MNO and why it should matter to you as retailers and brands?

Discussion: Delegates to discuss among roundtable where they are seated with mix of MVNO and retail/brand ecosystem:

1. 1.     Examples of good working partnerships between MVNO, MVNE, MNOs
2. 2.     Worst case scenarios between the various MVNO, MVNE, MNO partners
3. 3.     What are the key things brand and retailers reviewing the mobile opportunity want to achieve?
4. Who are the key partners and what are the best business models to achieve these goals?
5. 5.     (Head of table to be decided and to take notes to feedback)

12.00  Catalyst Discussion Two: What Should Your Brand or Retail Business Mobile Proposition Look Like to Get Investment Funding?

Discussion: Delegates to discuss among roundtable where they are seated with mix of MVNO and retail/brand ecosystem:

1. 1.     Why have so many MVNOs gone bust or withdrawn from the market in the last ten years?
2. 2.     What are the common factors for longevity among those that remain?
3. 3.     How key is established brand presence which is then maximized via MVNO?
4. 4.     What should the financial model of the MVNO look like; how fast should you ramp up your marketing activity to sustain subscription and avoid churn?
5. 5.     (Head of table to be decided and to take notes to feedback)

12.45 HOT TOPIC PANEL DISCUSSION: How Are Retailers and Brands Tackling Mobile?

13.15 Lunch and Networking Break: Visit the MVNE Walk In Centre

1. 1.     (To be discussed over lunch) Should moving into mobile be seen as a revenue generating activity primarily for retailers and brands?
2. 2.     Should mobile be seen more as an extension of brand and a tool for customer retention?
3. 3.     What is the risk when approaching MVNO status in the wrong way? (Small margins/tough competition/core brand damage)
4. 4.     What are the opportunities with becoming an MVNO as a retail company or brand? (mcommerce, location-based services, personalized marketing, core brand extension, ultimate B2C delivery?
5. 5.     (Head of table to be decided and to take notes to feedback)

14.15 Catalyst Discussion Three: Should You Have Entire Autonomy of Your MVNO Business or Should You Just Focus On Consumer-Facing Elements?

14.35 Discussion: Delegates to discuss among roundtable where they are seated with mix of MVNO and retail/brand ecosystem:

1. 1.     Examples of various MVNO agreements – what are the advantages to light, full and hybrid models?
2. 2.     What are your aims and would each model match or limit these goals?
3. 3.     Horror partnership stories and what your agreement should look like to be successful from the start

15.00 Final feedback is taken from all the working groups on each of the sessions as a summary and shared with the floor – each spokesperson has 5 minutes at the microphone to give key insights in as revealing, witty and valuable way as possible. No pressure!