EdTech Innovation Hub Founder Emma Thompson joins RTIH AI in Retail Awards judging panel

We’re hugely pleased to announce the addition of Emma Thompson, Director of Content at Paxton Media, and Co-founder and Editor at our sister title, EdTech Innovation Hub, to our RTIH AI in Retail Awards judging panel.

Emma is an educational writer, researcher, and former teacher with a background in Early Years and primary education. She is the author of The Power of Words: Vocabulary Development in the Early Years, published by Sage, which explores how educators can embed effective vocabulary teaching in the classroom.

She has contributed to major education publications, including TES, Schools Week, The Headteacher, Teachwire, and Teach Primary, and is a recognised voice in EdTech, curriculum development, research, and teacher training.

A former research lead and an accredited coach (EMCC), Emma has worked extensively in professional development, mentoring, and EdTech integration in schools. She co-founded Primary Essentials, an annual online CPD conference that brings practical, research informed training to teachers.

Don’t delay, enter today!

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.

This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com

Key 2025 dates

Friday, 18th July: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 22nd July: 2025 finalists revealed

Wednesday, 23rd July - Friday, 8th August: Judging days

Wednesday, 3rd September: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.