Leaders in the retail sector are gearing up to tackle some of the industry’s most impactful issues and trends during the upcoming 2025 conference season.
From finding the best ways to leverage AI to digging into the future of omnichannel retail, the events come as retailers navigate the volatile economic climate reeling from the lingering effects of inflation.
The conferences run from two to four days and boast notable speakers, work sessions, panels, keynotes, receptions and innovation labs to test new technologies and to get an early look at new products entering the industry.
While companies are in the midst of retail’s most important quarter, eyes are on the future. As planning begins for the new year, Retail Dive has curated a list of the most notable retail conferences in 2025 to keep on your radar in the months ahead.
Top Retail Conferences for 2025
NRF: Retail’s Big Show
Jan. 11-14
Javits Convention Center, New York
This four-day event attracts 5,000 brands and nearly 40,000 attendees from around the globe. The event boasts its ability to help attendees “build valuable partnerships that will propel your sales — and your career — forward.” The 2025 speaker lineup includes executives from Target, Walmart, Shopify, Starbucks and more.
ICR Conference
Jan. 13-15
JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton Resort, Orlando, Florida
The invitation-only event brings together about 2,600 corporate management teams, private equity investors, institutional investors, sell-side analysts, media and sponsors for three days of presentations, panels and receptions. Past attendees have included Bark, J. Jill, Crocs and American Eagle.
ETail
Feb. 24-27
JW Marriott Desert Springs, Palm Springs, California
ETail bills itself as a leading industry conference. Launched in 1999, eTail now runs 16 conferences worldwide and calls itself 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 Pacsun, L’Oreal and The North Face round out the attendee list.
Shoptalk Spring
March 24-27
Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas
Shoptalk “[addresses] the entire retail ecosystem, focusing predominantly on the North American market,” according to its website. In addition to its main-stage spotlight talks and multitrack session options, the conference team is launching a new event for 2025. The New Market event “[brings] a fresh perspective to the attention industry” within the context of fierce competition for consumers' attention by retailers.
Although the conference agenda for 2025 has not been released, Shoptalk said it connects more than 10,000 executives.
ETail Asia
May 14-15
Equarius Hotel, Sentosa, Singapore
Billed as “Asia’s premier e-commerce and digital marketing retail summit,” eTail Asia is expecting a robust and growing roster of speakers from companies such as Tiffany & Co., LVMH and Coupang.
Shoptalk Europe
June 2-4
Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain
More than 4,000 “industry players” are expected to join in this event where attendees will address “digital transformation in retail for the evolving European market.”
Shoptalk Fall
TBD
Organizers said attendees can expect to experience innovative brands with the same opportunity as the conference in Las Vegas to make thousands of connections.
Retail Innovation Conference & Expo
TBD
Technology and innovation are the focus points for RICE. The conference features cutting-edge technology, speakers and networking opportunities.
CommerceNext
June 24-26
New York Hilton Midtown, New York
CommerceNext brings together digital, marketing and technology retail leaders, according to its website.
While the 2025 agenda and speakers list has not yet been released, former attendees include executives from Walmart, J. Crew and Sephora. Organizers promise an exciting 2025 experience of about 2,500 attendees who can expect to hear from industry leaders, make connections with innovative tech companies, and attend sessions with actionable insights.
