Looking for a Retail Expert Who's Actually Done It?

    Dean Salakas presenting keynote on retail strategies - professional speaker headshot

    From shop floor to national stage – Dean has built, scaled, and sold multiple businesses and now shares those hard-won lessons across Australia.

    4
    Successful Exits
    18+
    Years CEO Experience
    40+
    Industry Awards
    100+
    Publications

    About Dean Salakas

    Dean Salakas is one of Australia's most connected and experienced retail entrepreneurs – now helping others by sharing his journey as a speaker, advisor, and media commentator.

    Interactive retail technology innovation at The Party People

    Innovations That Changed The Game

    1999

    Click and Collect Pioneer

    Launched The Party People online with E-commerce and became the first Australian retailer to offer "Click and Collect"

    2003

    Google Ads Pioneer

    Became Google Australia's first advertiser and shortly after also became Bing's first Australian advertiser

    2004

    Woolworths Logistics Pioneer

    Conceptualised and launched an innovative ordering algorithm in just 3 months saving $4M+ annually and won the Woolworths Innovation Award

    2015

    Shark Tank Australia

    Pitched The Party People and declined a $400k offer from Janine Allis

    2019

    Smart Mirror Pioneer

    Trialed Smart Mirrors in Australia and in 2023 launched the first worlds first Shoppable Augmented Reality mirror globally

    Dean Salakas at The Party People headquarters

    Industry Recognition

    40+ Industry Awards

    Including 2024 Top Innovator and Customer Experience Excellence & 2019 Retail Leader Of The Year

    Retail Innovation Pioneer

    First Australian retailer with Click & Collect, Google Australia's first Advertiser & World's first shoppable AR mirror

    Industry Leadership

    Advisory board member for NORA, eTail Australia & Online Retail Summit

    Published Thought Leader

    100+ publications in Power Retail, Inside Retail, Smart Company & more

    Retail Community Co-Founder

    Co-founded the fastest growing retail community on WhatsApp growing to over 900 members in just 5 weeks

    My Mission Today

    Having successfully built and exited multiple businesses, I now dedicate my expertise to helping other entrepreneurs and established companies achieve similar transformational growth. Whether through strategic advisory services or inspiring keynote presentations, my focus is on delivering actionable insights that create lasting impact and drive measurable results.

    Strategic Retail Advisory

    CEO-Level Insights • Growth Strategy • Innovation

    Transform your retail business with proven strategies from someone who built Australia's largest party store. I provide CEO-level strategic guidance, innovation roadmaps, and hands-on support for sustainable growth and successful exits.

    Innovation Strategy
    Retail Industry Connections
    Growth Strategy & Exit Planning
    Front-line & Management Store Training
    Service Provider Pitch & Sales Strategy

    Keynote Speaking

    Industry Expert • Proven Track Record • Inspiring Stories

    Energize your audience with keynote presentations from a proven industry leader. Drawing from real CEO experiences, successful exits, and retail innovations, I deliver actionable insights that drive lasting change.

    How to Get The Most Out Of A Conference
    How I built a customer community and what I learned
    When to be an early adopter and when to be a late Adapter
    5 Hacks to Grow on a Shoestring
    Pitch Hacks to get win more often

    Why Choose Dean Salakas?

    Proven Track Record

    Built and successfully exited 3 businesses, including Australia's largest party store

    Innovation Pioneer

    First Australian Click & Collect, Google's first advertiser, world-first AR retail tech

    Industry Recognition

    40+ awards, advisory board positions, published expert in major industry publications

    Ready to Achieve Similar Results?

    Join the growing list of businesses and events that have benefited from proven strategies, innovative thinking, and results-driven expertise.

    Speaking Engagements & Media Appearances

    Dean Salakas presenting keynote on retail strategies at industry conference

    Keynote Speaking

    Keynoting, holding or participating in panels, hosting round tables, MC'ing

    Dean Salakas featured on Shark Tank Australia television appearance

    Media Appearances

    Appeared on Shark Tank, Was an actor for Disney, Author for Smart Company, regular podcast host and guest

    Speaking Portfolio & Industry Recognition

    Recognized speaker at major industry conferences with published thought leadership across retail and business publications.

    Major Conference Speaking Engagements:

    • Online Retailer Conference & Expo

    • Retail Fest

    • eTail Australia

    • The Customer Show

    • Retail Fulfillment Summit

    See more →

    Published Thought Leadership:

    • Power Retail (Multiple Articles)

    • Inside Retail (Featured Expert)

    • Smart Company (Industry Analysis)

    • Wikipedia (Business Feature)

    • NORA Publications

    See more →

    Industry Recognition & Client Testimonials

    Trusted by industry leaders, recognized by peers, and proven through results. Here's what clients and industry experts say about working with me.

    "Our audience loved Dean! He gave practical insights many of our attendees were able to bring back to their teams. His presentation and speaking style was authentic, natural and honest. We hope to work with Dean again."

    Mary Anne Ghobrial
    Director, The Customer Show

    "Dean is a highly experienced ecommerce professional who always strives to deliver presentations that are very relevant and tailored to the audience ranging from start up to corporate. We were very impressed with his content and delivery style."

    Alice Kuepper
    Director, Online Retailer Conference & Expo

    "Recognized as one of Australia's leading retail innovators with 40+ industry awards including 2024 Top Innovator and Customer Experience Excellence awards. Featured on Wikipedia as a notable Australian business."

    Industry Recognition
    40+ Awards & Achievements

    Would you like to explore working together?

    Whether you're planning a keynote, a media interview, or a business strategy session — I'd love to hear from you.

    Location
    Sydney, Australia (available globally)

    24-Hour Response

    I usually respond to all inquiries within 24 hours. For urgent requests, please call directly.