Yael Kochman
September 29, 2024
As the leader of the retail and commerce tech ecosystem in Israel, I’m constantly being asked which retail events and conferences startups and retailers should attend?
In 2019, we compiled a list of the top 10 retail tech conferences, but since then more conferences and events joined the list and it was time to get it updated. For some of these events I can testify from personal experience, some from recommendations, and others I can only say I found them online and are on my wishlist, but in any case, all of the events on this list are top retail events to consider if you are working in retail tech or retail innovation, or if you work for a tech startup in the space.
Events are listed according to the date they occur, not according to importance. 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.
FUTR | NYC, US | September 5, 2024
The FUTR North America event is a gathering for those interested in the future of retail, marketing, and commerce. It offers insights into the latest trends and innovations, featuring discussions with industry leaders on the challenges and opportunities ahead. This event is a great opportunity to network and learn from experts who are shaping the future of these industries. The agenda covers a wide range of topics, making it a valuable experience for anyone involved in these fields.
Future of Retail | London, UK | September 17, 2024
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.
Dreamforce | San Francisco, USA | September 17-19, 2024
Dreamforce 2024 is Salesforce’s largest annual event, bringing together professionals from around the world for a deep dive into AI, CRM, data technologies, and more. The event features over 1,500 sessions, product launches, hands-on training, and networking opportunities. Attendees will hear from visionary speakers and engage in discussions on the future of business and technology. Dreamfest, the signature concert event, will feature Imagine Dragons and P!NK, raising funds for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals. It’s a key opportunity for learning, networking, and inspiration, whether attending in person or virtually
Paris Retail Week | Paris, France | September 17-19, 2024
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
eCommerce Expo | London, UK | September 18-19, 2024
This major event brings together over 12,000 senior professionals from B2C and B2B eCommerce, offering more than 200 hours of CPD-accredited content and sessions focused on customer experience, operations, logistics, and more. With over 300 world-leading solution providers, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest trends, technologies, and strategies shaping the future of eCommerce. The event will also feature expert-led discussions, networking opportunities, and product showcases.
Vogue’s Fashion Futures | New York, USA | September 26, 2024
Retail Summits | Various locations, USA | October 3 – December 10, 2024
Retail Summits hosts a series of eCommerce-focused events designed for retail professionals, brands, and solution providers to share insights, strategies, and foster valuable networking opportunities. These one-day, boutique-style events feature panel discussions, presentations, and one-on-one meetings, covering key topics such as marketing, operations, and customer experience. Upcoming summits will take place in cities such as Austin, Chicago, Miami, and more.
GroceryShop | Las Vegas, USA | October 7-9, 2024
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.
Savant eCommerce Munich | Munich, Germany | October 7-8, 2024
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.
ShopTalk Fall | Chicago, USA | October 16-18, 2024
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.
Tech for Retail | Paris, France | November 26-27, 2024
Tech For Retail is a European trade show dedicated to showcasing innovations and digital tools in the retail industry. The event will take place on November 26-27, 2024, at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. It 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.
Mapic Innovation Forum | Cannes, France | November 26-28, 2024
MAPIC 2024 will be held in the glamorous Palais des Festivals in Cannes. It will spotlight innovation, AI, and sustainability as key themes shaping the future of retail. With over 5,000 participants and 1,600 global brands expected, the event will explore how technology can transform physical retail spaces and enhance customer experiences. Key discussions will focus on mixed-use developments, integrating functions like product testing and immersive experiences into retail environments. Additionally, the event will feature sessions on sustainable practices, AI in customer service, and leisure innovations that drive customer engagement. A little tech, a little glamour, and a lot of innovation on the French Riviera!
CES | Las Vegas, USA | January 7-10, 2025
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 Big Show | NYC, USA | January 11-14, 2025
This year I had the pleasure to attend NRF’s Retail Big Show myself, and wow was it big! A dedicated innovation zone, thousands of presenters, lots of side events and plenty of networking opportunities. It was great to catch up with old friends and meet new ones, and I even took a picture with Steve Dennis!
NRF PROTECT | Texas, USA | June 23-25, 2025
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.
EuroCIS | Dusseldorf, Germany | February 18-20, 2025
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.
eCommerce Berlin Expo | Berlin, Germany | February 19-20, 2025
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.
Smart Retail Expo | London, UK | February, 25 – 26, 2025
Haven’t attended, but looks like a great event, and always a good excuse to visit London just when it’s coming out of its winter nap.
The Smart Retail Expo is a leading event for retailers and technology companies to showcase and discuss the latest innovations in the industry. The event brings together industry leaders and experts to share their knowledge and insights on the future of retail technology, including topics such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and the Internet of Things.
Retail Week Live | London, UK | February, 2025 (Tech & Digital section)
One of the biggest retail events in London, produced by Retail Week which also publishes one of the most popular retail publications. I’ve been a speaker at this event in the past, it’s quite big, and has many different sessions all happening at the same time. If UK is your target market, I’d recommend checking it out.
DX3 Canada | Toronto, Canada | March 4-5, 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, DX3, Canada’s premier conference on retail, marketing, and technology, brings together industry leaders to explore the latest trends and strategies shaping the future of retail. This annual event offers a valuable platform for attendees to gain insights and network with experts, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving retail landscape.
ShopTalk Spring | Las Vegas, USA | March 24-27, 2025
ShopTalk is by far the best event for retail innovation. They are awesome at content curation and while it attracts a lot of relevant people, it’s still not as big as NRF so tends to feel a bit less overwhelming.
EuroSys | Rotterdam, Netherlands | March 30-April 3, 2025
The EuroSys conference is a premier event for computer systems researchers, practitioners, and engineers. It is held annually in various European cities and brings together leading experts to present and discuss the latest advances in computer systems research and technology.
Re:Tech Disrupt | Online | April, 2025
The Re:Tech Disrupt Supply Chain & Sustainability Webinar is part of Re:Tech’s event series focused on the future of retail innovation. This online edition is designed to explore key trends and challenges in the supply chain, with a particular focus on sustainability. Attendees will hear from leading experts on how emerging technologies, such as AI and automation, are reshaping supply chain operations, helping businesses achieve sustainability goals, and driving efficiency across industries.
Retail Technology Show | London, UK | April 2-3, 2025
The Retail Technology Show also features an extensive conference program, with keynote speakers and panel discussions covering a wide range of topics that are relevant to the retail industry. I haven’t been yet, but looks like a great event, definitely on the list! If you are looking for innovation, check out Baringa’s startup safari for the top new tech startups.
Smart Retail Tech | Las Vegas, USA | April 16-17, 2025
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.
eTail East | Florida, USA | May 7-9, 2025
Etail has events all over the works – eTail west in Palm Springs, eTail UK and eTail Toronto and other events such as Future of Stores in Miami – I never attended, but seems worth checking out.
World Retail Congress | London, UK | May 12-14, 2025
They say it’s one of the best events, 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.
Retail Asia Expo | Hong Kong | May 14-16, 2025
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.
Retail Technology | Stockholm, Sweden | May 14-15, 2025
Retail Expo Stockholm primarily focuses on the Nordic retail market, making it highly relevant for those interested in this region. However, the event also features broader trends and innovations in retail technology, digital transformation, and sustainability that can be valuable to a wider audience. While the emphasis is on the Nordic market, the insights and networking opportunities are beneficial for anyone looking to learn about retail advancements that could apply globally.
Seamless Middle East | Dubai | May 20-22, 2025
A global 2-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. This event is part of a series of events with the European event taking place 18-19 of October in Berlin.
The Lead Innovation Summit | NYC, USA | May 28-29, 2025
This is my new favorite event. Heard great things from friends who attended last year, and this year I was invited as a speaker – can’t wait! It’s a smaller event, around 3,000 people, taking place in NYC, say no more – you had me at Hello. But seriously, D2C is the next thing for smaller and bigger brands alike, and this event is the leading one in the space. There is a 20% discount for Re:Tech members attending or sponsoring – reach out for more information.
ShopTalk Europe | Barcelona, Spain | June 2-4, 2025
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. I will be a speaker for the first time this year, and really excited!
Viva Technology | Paris, France | June 11-14, 2025
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.
Retail Fest UK | Oakley Court, UK | June 19, 2025
This looks like an especially fun event, with outdoor activities, roundtable discussions and lots of networking opportunities, plus a super special location just outside of London. Definitely on my wish list for next year!
Retail Innovation Conference | Chicago, USA | June, 2025
The Retail Innovation Conference & Expo is an annual event for leading retailers, industry experts, and tech companies to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the retail industry.
CommerceNext | NYC, USA | June 24-26, 2025
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 of not event better.
NRF Nexus | California, USA | July, 2025
Looks like a smaller meetup hosted by NRF, should be a great networking opportunity.
