From the most cutting-edge trends and business models to the newest discoveries in how consumers shop and buy, retail conferences and trade shows usher in opportunities to explore the most urgent issues facing the industry. From the use of AI to payments to sustainability and the evolution of stores, attendees gain insights into business while experiencing some of the newest technology.
While conferences this year tout in-person attendance in the thousands, it wasn’t too long ago that the rapid spread of COVID-19 forced many to cancel the events or operate exclusively online. Last year was NRF’s first year back in person following its virtual conference in 2021. Shoptalk canceled both 2020 and 2021 conferences due to the pandemic.
Many organizers have already released dates for next year’s conferences and expos. Here are a few of the top retail events to consider attending in the coming year.
NRF: Retail’s Big Show (Jan. 13 to Jan. 16 - New York)
The conference attracts more than 6,000 brands and 40,000 attendees from around the globe for its four-day event, including an opening party. The 2024 speaker lineup includes executives from Walmart, Sephora, Crocs, Michaels, Adidas, Target, Ikea and GameStop. The 2024 conference boasts its ability to facilitate “relationships that matter most, gain new insights to help make bold choices in the year ahead and experience the futuristic tech that is transforming retail.”
ETail (Feb. 26 to Feb. 29 - Palm Springs, California)
Etail bills itself as the leading e-commerce and omnichannel conference. Launched in 1999, eTail now runs nine conferences worldwide as the place where “the top minds in retail meet, collaborate and learn about what's disrupting the industry today,” according to its website. Executives from Sam’s Club, PetSmart, Indochino and ThirdLove and Sitch Fix round out the speakers list.
Shoptalk (March 17 to March 20 - Las Vegas)
Connecting more than 10,000 executives, Shoptalk is “where retail, technology and innovation intersect,” according to its website.The gathering is known for its main stage spotlight talks and multi-track session options for attendees interested in more targeted, focused engagement on specific topics. Executives from Ulta Beauty, Pacsun and Victoria’s Secret are on next year’s roster of speakers. The expo is robust with approximately 900 exhibitors from technology companies and solution providers.
Shoptalk Europe (June 3 to June 5 - Barcelona, Spain)
More than 3,500 attendees are expected to join in this event where “the world’s greatest retailers” and brands, startups, tech companies, investors, real estate operators, media and analysts will congregate, according to its website. The conference will also feature meetups onsite with over 20,000 meetings.
Shoptalk Fall (Oct. 16 to Oct. 18 - Chicago, Illinois)
For the first time, Shoptalk will host a fall conference so “you won’t have to wait another year to be part of the conversations that help you set the course of your business,” according to the website. Organizers said attendees can expect to experience innovative brands with the same opportunity as the conference in Las Vegas to make thousands of connections.
Shoptalk Meetup for Women - TBD
Although this iteration of Shoptalk is a virtual experience, it brings together more than 1,000 women leaders across multiple retail categories for three days to develop potential partnerships and make connections that can accelerate their career and business goals, according to its website. This year, the conference was held virtually from Sept. 26 to Sept. 28.
Retail Innovation Conference & Expo (June 4 to June 6 - Chicago, Illinois)
Technology and innovation are the focus points for RICE. The conference features cutting-edge technology, speakers and networking opportunities. The expo floor is a community space for engagement and collaborations. “We don’t just discuss innovations – we bring them to life,” according to its site.
CommerceNext is not only a conference, but a community, according to its website. It bills itself as being part of the largest global e-commerce events portfolio. Past speakers include executives from Anthropologie, Domino’s, Forever 21, Coach, L’Oreal, Walmart and more. In addition to its conference, it hosts virtual and in-person events year-round.
