QR Horizons Summit

Event

QR Horizons Summit

Powering a connected future

12:00 - 18:00 | 23 June 2026 | Tobacco Dock, London

The QR revolution is here and it’s already transforming how products connect with people

Join us at London’s iconic Tobacco Dock for the QR Horizons Summit, where innovation meets opportunity and the future of product intelligence comes to life.

Discover how QR codes powered by GS1 are transforming customer experience, driving supply chain efficiency and enabling compliance across an increasingly regulated retail landscape.

The second barcode revolution has begun

The second barcode revolution has begun

Retailers and brands face growing demands for compliance, transparency and trusted product data.

The product on the shelf is becoming intelligent but it requires a new kind of data capability to:

  • Carry richer, more dynamic information
  • Communicate seamlessly with the world around it
  • Bridge physical and digital experiences

And with mandatory digital product passports launching from 2027 across the EU and UK, the shift to product intelligence is no longer optional.

Why join us?

QR codes are no longer a simple link. 

They are the new gateway to end‑to‑end digital transformation. 

At the Summit, you’ll hear from industry pioneers and global brands as they share practical strategies, real-world use cases and the emerging technologies shaping commerce.

Why you should be there

Learn from retailers and brands already implementing next‑gen QR and experience the new technology yourself.

Hear the why, when and how behind this industry‑wide revolution and the support available for organisations like yours. 

Some of the organisatons joining the Summit

What you'll take away

As the shift toward next‑generation product identifiers accelerates, brands and retailers are looking for clear, practical ways to prepare. The summit is designed to give you the clarity, confidence and connections you need to move forward.

Insights

Valuable connections with industry peers who are already navigating the transition

Meet and learn from brands and partners further along the journey. Gain real-world insights through open discussions and shared use cases—and build a network as valuable as the content itself.

QR code

Hands‑on experience with next‑gen products and QR codes powered by GS1

Explore the technologies reshaping shopper engagement. See real‑world demos of QR codes powered by GS1 and how they unlock richer product data and streamline both operations and customer experiences.

Roadmap

A clear roadmap for where to start and how to prioritise your journey

Whether you’re exploring or already building a strategy, gain clarity on key milestones, decisions and challenges—so you know what to do first, what to avoid and how to scale with confidence.

Agenda

Together, we’ll explore some of the most important topics shaping the industry today — from the role of AI and digital product passports to reducing food waste across the supply chain and elevating consumer experiences through connected packaging.

Please note the agenda is currently subject to change as speakers are confirmed.

Registration and networking.

Welcome to the QR Horizons Summit and an outline of the afternoon ahead.

Featuring:

  • Magda Dudziak-Cwieczkowska, head of QR, GS1 UK

How trusted data underpins the future of retail and the role of next-generation barcodes in enabling connected products, greater transparency and richer digital experiences.

Featuring:

  • Anne Godfrey, CEO, GS1 UK

What happens when a barcode stops being just a product identifier and becomes a tool for freshness, safety, transparency and reducing food waste. And what it takes to make that work across retailers, suppliers and the wider industry.

Featuring:

  • Peter Draper, supply chain development & change director, Tesco
  • Clive Stephens, head of R&D, Cranswick
  • Colin, Peacock, group strategy coordinator, ECR loss

Featuring:

  • Henry Chivers, strategic business development manager

Whilst digital product passports may be the trigger, the strategic opportunity goes beyond compliance. By treating product identity as core infrastructure, connected products can deliver value across their entire lifecycle. From improved traceability and brand protection to better returns, accessibility and new models for repair and resale.

Featuring:

  • Jody Plows, CEO, Nobody’s Child
  • Merryn Haines-Gadd, senior specialist – textiles, WRAP

Short break for coffee and refreshments.

Featuring:

  • Laura Sturgess, senior account executive, io.tt
  • Max Dawes, COO, Zappar

As QR codes powered by GS1 unlock access to richer product data, brands are rethinking how they connect with consumers before, during, and after purchase. We explore what connected packaging makes possible. From AI powered shopping experiences and personalised content to allergen transparency, traceability and to fork visibility.

Featuring:

  • Rob Doyle, IT engineering director, digital consumer, Unilever
  • Julianne Ponan MBE, founder & CEO, Creative Nature
  • Hannah Gibson, founder, Diverse Integration

Featuring:

  • Sarah Doery, product lead – technology & data, CEC

Featuring:

  • Sarah Bradbury, CEO, IGD

Key takeaways on transitioning to next-generation barcodes, with practical guidance on pilots and how to leverage GS1 UK tools and partner support.

Featuring:

  • Iain Walker, industry engagement director, GS1 UK

Summit finishes and an opportunity to continue the conversation over a drink, food and further networking.

Featuring:

Speakers

The Summit offers an exceptional lineup of speakers from across the industry who are already on the journey with QR codes powered by GS1, sharing real-world insights, learnings and inspiration.

Summit supporters

CEC
IOTT
Zappar
QR Horizons Summit

Register

Ready to bridge the gap between physical products and digital intelligence?

Register your interest in the QR Horizons Summit. We have a limited number of spaces remaining and are carefully reviewing registrations. We’ll be in touch to confirm if you’ve secured a place.

 

QR horizons summit

Any questions

If you have any questions, or if you’re interested in speaking or sponsorship opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.