As the retail industry continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, staying ahead of trends has never been more crucial.
The upcoming year offers a lineup of conferences and events where retail's brightest minds will gather to address the industry's most pressing challenges. Retail leaders will share their thoughts on AI, consumer behavior, loyalty programs and technology.
These gatherings represent opportunities to explore strategies that are reshaping the customer experiences across the retail landscape. Beyond the keynotes and panels, you'll find specialized tracks tailored to executive leadership, which provide actionable frameworks for navigating retail's rapidly changing terrain.
The highlighted retail conferences also offer networking opportunities with fellow retail leaders who face similar challenges. The connections formed and understanding gained at these events can prove transformative for organizations seeking to maintain a competitive advantage.
Below you will find a carefully curated selection of 2026's most impactful retail conferences that promise to deliver insights for retail’s leaders.
Top retail conferences in 2026
NRF: Retail’s Big Show
Jan. 11-13
New York, New York
Fanatics founder and CEO Michael Rubin will deliver the opening keynote address at this year’s Big Show. Other confirmed retail speakers include BJ’s Wholesale Club CEO Bob Eddy, Ulta Beauty CEO Kecia Steelman, Saks Global CEO Marc Metrick and Away CEO Jessica Schinazi.
The event, which is held over three days, is expected to attract over 5,000 brands and nearly 40,000 attendees from 100 countries.
ICR Conference
Jan. 12-14
Orlando, Florida
The ICR Conference brings together hundreds of public and private company management teams, investors, analysts, bankers and media, among others, to better understand consumer trends. Panels include topics such as M&A, IPO Bootcamp and ESG & shareholder activism.
RILA Retail CEO Forum
Jan. 24-27
Ojai, California
This invitation-only event is for chief executives and is designed for “clarity, connection and candid conversation.” Featured speakers include Best Buy CEO Corie Barry, Wayfair co-founder and CEO Niraj Shah and Signet Jewelers CEO J.K. Symancyk.
LINK: The Retail Supply Chain Conference
Feb. 1-4
Orlando, Florida
This conference, which is hosted by the Retail Industry Leaders Association, states that it is the only dedicated supply chain event built by and for retailers, grocers, brands and product manufacturers. Speakers include Jamie Bragg, chief supply chain officer at Tailored Brands; Hal Lawton, CEO at Tractor Supply; Kirsten Piacentini, chief supply chain officer at L.L. Bean; and Kevin Kuntz, senior vice president of global supply chain logistics and operations at Gap.
ETail
Feb. 23-26
Palm Desert, California
This year’s focus at ETail includes loyalty, search, the customer journey and AI. Tracks include data and personalization, customer retention, brand and community, and customer acquisition.
Speakers include ThriftBooks CEO Ken Goldstein, QVC Group Chief Business Development Officer Brian Beitler and Target’s senior director of product management and e-Commerce, Kunal Banerjee.
Shoptalk Spring
March 24-26
Las Vegas
The theme of Shoptalk Spring is “Retail in the Age of AI,” which promises AI discussions “woven throughout the agenda.” Current speakers include Anne Mehlman, brand president at Crocs; Barbie Cameron, chief stores officer at Macy’s Inc.; Creighton Kiper, senior vice president of home at Walmart; and Heather Bennett, president at Michaels Stores.
World Retail Congress
April 27-29
Berlin, Germany
World Retail Congress has developed an agenda with senior retail leaders in mind. The theme this year is “Retail’s Roadmap to 2030: Winning Customers Today. Securing the Future.” Speakers include Alexandra von der Gruen, vice president of retail and franchise Europe at Adidas; Bracken Darrell, president and CEO of VF Corporation; Craig Brommers, chief marketing officer at American Eagle; and Clare Waight Keller, creative director at Uniqlo.
ETail Connect
May 12-14
Miami, Florida
Etail Connect is an exclusive, invitation-only event for senior retail leaders. Attendees will “forge powerful connections and gain the insights needed to drive innovation and growth.” Speakers include Rebecca Ginns, global head of Perigold at Wayfair; Katie Tripodi, director of digital merchandising and new business at Hanes Brands Inc.; and Wade Tonkin, global affiliate marketing director at Fanatics.
Shoptalk Europe
June 9-11
Barcelona, Spain
Themes for Shoptalk Europe include AI-driven transformation, authentic consumer connections, creative content that converts and supply chain as a strategic advantage. Speakers include Peter Wood, CEO of AllSaints; Ashley Kechter, global president of Vuori; Fiona Tan, chief technology officer at Wayfair; and Mark Elkins, general manager of global e-commerce at L'Oréal.
Commerce Next Growth Show
June 23-24
New York City, New York
Topics for Commerce Next Growth Show include agentic AI in retail, loyalty and retention, e-commerce tech innovations and commerce media. Speakers include Kelly Mahoney, chief marketing officer at Ulta Beauty; Tom Ward, chief operating officer at Sam’s Club; and Joe Kudla, founder and CEO of Vuori.
ETail Boston
Aug. 10-12
Boston, Massachusetts
Details have not yet been released, but past conference speakers have included Carolyn Pollock, former chief marketing officer at Tailored Brands; Melissa Worth, senior vice president of the Americas at New Balance; Matt Trainor, senior vice president of creative at Lands’ End; and Jon Blotner, president of commercial and operations at Wayfair.
