Events
Webinars, live sessions and the Optima flagship conference. A programme of events for Category, Sales and commercial leaders. All free unless stated. Register using the form below.
Confirmed programme, June to November 2026
All Phase 1 events are free and public unless marked otherwise, listed in date order.
Beyond the Listing
Simon Dunn and Paul [surname TBC] in conversation, exploring what the commercial interface between supplier and retailer actually reveals, and what it means for category thinking. A live demonstration of the Both Sides of the Table perspective.
Register →Wave 2 in the context of AI and commercial analytics
A look at the Wave 2 research findings through the lens of AI and commercial analytics: what the data shows about how analytical capability is shifting, and what that means for the supplier-retailer dynamic. Featuring Graeme Scott-Dodd.
Register →AI in Category Management, free taster session
A free introduction to the AI in Category Management programme: what it covers, who it is for, and what delegates can expect. Includes a walkthrough of the curriculum and a live Q&A. Not a sales webinar, a live demonstration of the quality of the programme.
Exact date within the week to be confirmed. This event opens the waitlist for the first commercial cohort (week of 19 October).
Register →Optima flagship conference 2026
The first Optima conference. An event that can say things the IGD conference structurally cannot. A full-day programme for commercial practitioners who want to engage with independent thinking on where category management, AI and the supplier-retailer relationship are heading.
Suggested dates: Tuesday 10 or Wednesday 11 November. Venue TBC, committed when waitlist reaches 40+ registrations. Conference waitlist opens from September. This is the last free public event and the pivot into the paid community programme.
Join the waitlist →Speaking appearances
Not Optima-hosted, listed separately, not registerable through this page.
ECR in Motion, Bonn
Approximately 15 September 2026. Simon presents Wave 2 research findings and joins a panel at ECR in Motion in Bonn. Optima's first formal European audience moment.
GS1 conference (date to be confirmed)
Simon speaks at the GS1 UK conference. Date and format to be added when confirmed.
Register for an event
One form for all events. Select which one you're registering for below.
From December 2026, the monthly webinar programme moves to a paid subscription format. Details at [community/paid tier page].
Past events
Recordings will appear here as events are completed.