Yael Kochman
December 30, 2025
One of the most frequently asked questions in our community discussion groups (are you not there yet?), is which retail tech events and conferences are really worth attending?
In 2019, we compiled a list of the top 10 retail tech event and conferences, but since then more conferences and events joined the list and so we keep updating it every year to keep it relevant and up to date. Some of the recommendations on this list come from personal experience, some sourced from community recommendations, and some are still on my wishlist – making this the list of top retail events to consider if you are working in retail tech or retail innovation.
But first –
Attending retail conferences can provide a wealth of benefits for individuals and organizations working in the retail industry. These events offer a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders, network with peers, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies.
One of the main benefits of attending retail conferences is the opportunity to learn from experts in the field. Conference organizers typically invite keynote speakers and panelists who are leaders in the industry, and who have a wealth of experience and knowledge to share. These speakers often cover a wide range of topics, such as digital transformation, customer experience, and supply chain management, providing attendees with valuable insights that they can apply to their own businesses.
Another benefit of attending retail conferences is the opportunity to network with peers. These events bring together individuals and organizations from all over the industry, providing a chance to make new connections and build relationships with people who share similar interests and challenges. This networking can lead to new partnerships, collaborations, or even job opportunities.
Retail conferences also provide an opportunity to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies. Many of these events feature exhibitors and vendors showcasing new products and services, and attendees can learn about the latest innovations in areas such as artificial intelligence, mobile commerce, and data analytics. This knowledge can help organizations stay competitive in the ever-changing retail landscape.
In addition, attending a retail conference can also be a great way to get inspired. Hearing success stories from industry leaders and other companies, learning about new and creative ideas, and being in an environment surrounded by like-minded individuals can give attendees a renewed sense of energy and motivation for their own business or job.
CES | Las Vegas, USA | January 6-9, 2026
CES is a premier global event showcasing the latest in consumer technology. While it’s not retail-specific, its growing relevance to the retail industry is undeniable, particularly in areas like digital transformation, AI, and customer experience innovations. Attendees can explore cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future of retail, making it an important event for those looking to stay ahead of industry trends and integrate new tech solutions into their strategies.
NRF- Retail’s Big Show | New York, USA | January 11-13, 2026
The biggest retail event of the year. NRF brings together global retailers, tech innovators, executives, and industry leaders for four days of keynotes, panels, workshops, exhibitions, and networking. From customer experience to AI-driven commerce, supply chain innovation, and omnichannel transformation – this is where the entire retail ecosystem gathers to define the year ahead. In 2026 NRF is presenting a new AI stage (River Pavilion level) focused on both general AI in retail and agentic AI. Alongside NRF there are many side events taking place, check out our article about navigating NRF 2026 to learn more.
AiR Annual Summit and Gala (during NRF) | New York, USA | January 12, 2026
The AiR Annual Summit & Gala is the flagship networking and thought-leadership event hosted by RETHINK Retail during NRF Retail’s Big Show in New York City. Meet the people actually using AI to change retail. Watch retail’s top innovators showcase real-world AI strategies and what’s working today, then swap your badge for a cocktail at the Gala, featuring mind-bending AI art and conversations with industry leaders rethinking retail.
ShopTalk LUXE | Abu Dhabi, Dubai | January 27-29, 2026
The new premier global event for senior leaders in luxury & premium retail, ShoptalkLuxe is connecting C-suite executives from top brands with technology innovators to shape the future of elevated customer experiences through advanced tech, AI, immersive retail, and exclusive networking, focusing on strategies for exclusivity, data-driven personalization, and next-gen delivery. It’s a dedicated, high-level platform for discussing innovation and challenges in the high-end market, distinct from regular retail events.
As part of the community of Re:Tech, you can claim your exclusive discount here or with the code RETECH15.
E-commerce Berlin Expo | Berlin, Germany | February 17-18, 2026
The E-commerce Berlin Expo is a significant event for professionals in the e-commerce industry, offering a platform to connect with over 11,000 participants. It features a wide range of exhibitors showcasing the latest in e-commerce technology, logistics, and digital marketing. The expo also includes insightful talks and panels from industry leaders, making it a valuable experience for anyone looking to stay updated on the latest trends and practical solutions in e-commerce. This event is particularly useful for networking and discovering new tools to enhance online business operations.
EuroCIS | Düsseldorf, Germany | February 22-26, 2026
EuroCIS is an essential event for those focused on the future of retail technology. It offers a deep dive into practical innovations like AI, data analytics, and digital solutions that are directly impacting the retail sector. This trade fair is an opportunity to explore how technology is being implemented in real-world retail settings, making it highly relevant for professionals looking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving industry.
EuroShop | Düsseldorf, Germany | February 22-26, 2026
EuroShop is the world’s largest event dedicated to innovation in physical retail. Held every three years, it showcases the most advanced smart-store technologies: next-generation POS, automation, computer vision, robotics, store analytics, IoT infrastructure, digital signage, and immersive in-store experiences.
It is the global stage for understanding the future of brick-and-mortar retail, attracting the world’s leading retailers, brands, integrators, and technology companies.
Retail & Hospitality ISAC Summit | Austin, Texas | April 13-15, 2026
A technology-focused event on cybersecurity for retail and hospitality: payment security, fraud prevention, data protection, digital trust, and AI-based threat detection.
With the rise in attacks on retail systems, this event has become highly relevant within the Retail Tech ecosystem.
RTS | London, UK | April 22-23, 2026
Retail Technology Show (RTS) brings together thousands of retailers, brands, and technology providers. The event focuses on practical, applied innovation across the entire in-store and digital retail ecosystem – from AI and data analytics to checkout automation, payments, supply chain tools, and store operations technology.
World Retail Congress | Berlin. Germany | April 27-29, 2026
We received some recommendation about the veteran event, which seems to attract many C-Level execs, but I haven’t had the pleasure of attending yet. One of the highlights of the World Retail Congress is the keynote speakers, who are leaders in their respective fields and have a wealth of experience and knowledge to share. Additionally, the conference offers a variety of panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities.
EuroSys Conference | Edinburgh, UK | April 27-30, 2026
A major systems and computing conference showcasing cutting-edge research in software systems, cloud infrastructure, performance, and large-scale computing technologies.
AiR Virtual Summit virtual | April 29, 2026
The AiR Virtual Summit 2026, hosted by RETHINK Retail, brings together top retail-industry and AI leaders for a half-day virtual event that explores how artificial intelligence and human insight merge to define the future of retail.
eTail Connect | Miami, USA | May 12-14, 2026
An invite-only senior-level forum connecting retail and ecommerce leaders for strategic discussions, one-to-one meetings, and insights on personalization, growth, and ital transformation..
Seamless Middle East | Dubai, UAE | May 12-14, 2026
A global 3-day conference with over 500 speakers covering the latest trends, market disruptors and technologies shaping the payments, fintech, retail, digital, logisitcs and e-commerce world. Lots of networking opportunities including a dedicated networking lounge, guest buyer program and networking app.
eTail Connect | Miami, USA | May 12-14, 2026
An invite-only senior-level forum connecting retail and ecommerce leaders for strategic discussions, one-to-one meetings, and insights on personalization, growth, and digital transformation.
Retail MediaX Europe | London, UK | May 14, 2026
Retail MediaX Europe is RetailX’s flagship event, bringing together Europe’s leading retailers, brands, and media partners to explore the future of retail media. The event focuses on strategy, measurement, technology, and collaboration, and is held alongside dedicated summits and awards, making it RetailX’s largest and most influential gathering of the year.
The Lead Innovation Summit | NYC, USA | May 20-21, 2026
Having participated in The Lead Summit a few years ago, I can say it stands out as a community-driven event. What makes The Lead different is that it started by building a strong D2C brands community first, and only then scaled into broader topics and a larger conference format. As a result, the content feels curated by the community rather than imposed top-down, and the level of engagement, both in the sessions and on the exhibition floor, feels higher than at many comparable events. With roughly 2,000 to 3,000 attendees, it strikes a good balance: large enough to enable meaningful networking, yet intimate enough not to feel overwhelming. The focus on e-commerce and digital marketing makes it especially relevant for operators as well as vendors in these spaces, and the 1:1 matchmaking platform, similar to what you see at Shoptalk, adds practical value to the experience.
NRF Protect | Grapevine, Texas | June 8-10, 2026
NRF Protect is a part of the broader NRF events lineup, focusing specifically on retail security, loss prevention, and risk management. It complements the main NRF event by providing in-depth sessions on cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and crisis management. It’s a valuable addition to NRF’s suite of events, offering more specialized content for professionals in these critical areas.
ShopTalk Europe | Barcelona, Spain | June 9-11, 2026
The little sister of ShopTalk. In the past, the event was hosted in London but has now moved to the amazing Barcelona. Although there is some attendance from the US as well, this conference is most relevant to those targeting the European market.
eTail Europe | London, UK | June 16-17, 2026
eTail Europe is one of the key eCommerce and Retail Tech conferences in Europe. Topics include Retail Media, UX optimization, AI-powered personalization, omnichannel orchestration, and digital transformation. The event combines strategic content with practical case studies and is a central platform for understanding the evolving European retail landscape.
Viva Technology (VivaTech) | Paris, France | June 17-20, 2026
Viva Technology is a major event dedicated to innovation and startups, bringing together leaders in tech, business, and investment. It’s not limited to any specific region or industry, making it a global platform for exploring the latest advancements in technology, from AI and robotics to digital transformation in various sectors, including retail. The event offers a mix of keynote speeches, startup pitches, and networking opportunities, making it valuable for anyone interested in cutting-edge tech and its impact on different industries.
CommerceNext GrowthShow | New York City, USA | June 23-24, 2026
An event hosted by the great CommerceNext community. I’m a big fan of their webinars, and pretty sure the live event is just as great, if not even better.
NRF Nexus | Colorado, USA | July 22-24, 2026
Looks like a smaller meetup hosted by NRF, should be a great networking opportunity.
Retail Asia Conference & Expo (RACE) | Hong Kong | September 1-3, 2026
Retail Asia Expo is an annual trade fair held in Hong Kong that brings together retailers, manufacturers, and other industry professionals from around the world. The expo features a wide range of products and services, including point-of-sale systems, retail design and visual merchandising, in-store marketing and promotions, and more.
NRF Retails Big Show Europe| Paris, France | September 15-17, 2026
A key event for professionals in omnichannel commerce. This annual event gathers retailers, E-Commerce experts, and solution providers to explore the latest trends and innovations in retail. It offers more than 200 sessions, including workshops, keynotes, and guided tours, and covers critical topics such as logistics, customer experience, omnichannel strategies, and emerging technologies in retail. With over 370 exhibitors and 20,000 attendees, it’s an excellent opportunity for networking and discovering new solutions to optimize business operations.
Groceryshop | Las Vegas, USA | September 22-24, 2026
Same as ShopTalk, but focused on food retailers and CPGs. Heard great things, for me going all the way to Vegas twice in one year is too much! But if food retail is your thing, this is definitely the top event.
ShopTalk Fall | Nashville, USA | September 29 – October 1, 2026
ShopTalk Fall is a leading event in the retail industry. It brings together over 4,000 attendees, including top executives from renowned brands and innovative startups, to explore the latest trends and technologies in retail. Attendees can participate in keynotes, panels, and the highly popular Meetup program, which facilitates meaningful 1:1 meetings, ensuring productive networking opportunities. The event also features various social activities and peer-led discussions, making it a comprehensive platform for retail professionals to connect and share insights.
Future of Retail | London, UK | October6, 2026
The FT Future of Retail Summit is a focused event addressing the challenges and opportunities in the retail industry, especially in the context of inflation and evolving consumer behaviors. It brings together key industry leaders to discuss technology investments, customer loyalty, and sustainability. The event emphasizes strategic insights into E-Commerce, digital innovation, and supply chain management, making it a valuable opportunity for those looking to navigate the future of retail.
AiR Virtual Summits | virtual | October 28. 2026
The AiR Virtual Summit 2026, hosted by RETHINK Retail, brings together top retail industry and AI leaders for a half-day virtual event that explores how artificial intelligence and human insight merge to define the future of retail.
Savant Retail Congress Munich | Munich, Germany | October 28, 2026
This exclusive event brings together over 150 senior executives from top brands and retailers in the DACH region, focusing on cutting-edge developments in eCommerce, digital transformation, and customer experience. Attendees will gain insights on topics such as omnichannel customer engagement, mobile strategy, and leveraging AI for real-time personalization and social commerce.
Smart Retail Tech Expo | London, UK | November 11-12, 2026
The Smart Retail Tech Expo is an event dedicated to showcasing the latest innovations in retail technology, focusing on enhancing both online and in-store customer experiences. Attendees can explore a wide range of topics, including digital transformation, customer engagement strategies, and sustainability. The expo provides practical insights from industry experts and features hands-on demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies, making it an invaluable opportunity for those looking to stay at the forefront of retail innovation.
Tech for Retail | Paris, France | November 30 – December 1, 2026
Tech For Retail is a European trade show dedicated to showcasing innovations and digital tools in the retail industry. The event will feature over 300 exhibitors and startups, and more than 150 conferences, providing a comprehensive look at the latest advancements in areas such as supply chain management, customer loyalty, and eco-responsible solutions. The event is designed for C-level executives and decision-makers to explore cutting-edge technologies that are transforming retail, from digitalization to AI-driven solutions.
There are so many events to choose from, and my advice? Don’t try to go to all of them, as some of the content, presenters and even sometimes speakers, could be overlapping. Instead, focus on 3-5 physical events per year, and add a few virtual events that don’t require traveling.
If you’d like to consult with us on which events are more relevant to your or your brand, or if you’d like to join our community to engage in these discussions, let’s chat!
