Clive Humby to headline GCA Conference 2027
Data science pioneer Clive Humby OBE has been confirmed as a keynote speaker at the Garden Centre Association's annual conference in January 2027.
Humby, who co-founded consumer insights company dunnhumby and helped develop the Tesco Clubcard, will speak on 26 January at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon.
His presentation will focus on data strategy, consumer behaviour and how businesses can use data to gain competitive advantage.
GCA Chairman Ben Harrison said Humby's expertise in customer analytics and data science would provide valuable insight for members seeking to better understand customers and shape business strategy.
Humby is widely recognised for coining the phrase "Data is the New Oil" in 1996 and has advised businesses and governments on data strategy across more than 30 global markets.
He also helped create ACORN, the UK's first geodemographic segmentation tool, and continues to work in areas including behavioural analytics, artificial intelligence and responsible data use.
GCA Chief Executive Peter Burks said understanding customers has never been more important and Humby's expertise would encourage members to think differently about how they use data.
The annual GCA conference attracts hundreds of delegates from across the garden centre industry for business insight, networking and professional development.
Further speaker announcements are expected ahead of the conference, with an early bird discount available on bookings made before the end of July.
For further information and to buy tickets, please visit the GCA’s online members’ section: www.gca.org.uk. There’s an early bird 10% discount available for those booking before the end of July.