11 Best Retail Conferences You Just Gotta Attend in 2025
Fast-Paced Retail Adventure: The retail world changes rapidly, and keeping pace with trends, technologies, and consumer behaviors is crucial to avoid falling behind competitors and missing out on innovative strategies.
Industry Shifts Galore: Attending retail conferences helps you stay updated on fast-evolving trends like AI-driven personalization, supply chain innovations, and omnichannel strategies, ensuring you remain at the industry's cutting edge.
Network or Be Left Out: Retail conferences offer invaluable networking opportunities, allowing you to learn from peers, build partnerships, and engage in deal-making beyond daily operations.
Inspiration in Fresh Perspectives: Stepping outside the usual grind and experiencing new ideas at conferences can spark inspiration through real-world case studies, helping you devise innovative solutions.
Your Conference Passport Ready: A comprehensive list of top retail conferences in 2025 provides a roadmap to gaining knowledge, exploring new technologies, and fostering connections that keep your business ahead of the curve.
Retail moves fast—both online and in-store. If you're not keeping up with the latest trends, tech, and consumer behaviors, it’s easy to fall behind.
Without attending the best retail conferences, you risk:
- Missing out on industry shifts—AI-driven personalization, supply chain innovations, and omnichannel strategies evolve fast.
- Falling behind competitors—They’re networking, learning, and making deals while you're stuck in the day-to-day grind.
- Struggling to find inspiration—Big ideas don’t happen in a vacuum. You need fresh perspectives and real-world case studies.
Retail changes because consumers change. And the best way to stay ahead? Learn from the experts, connect with peers, and see the latest innovations firsthand.
That’s why we’ve rounded up the best retail conferences—both in-person and online—so you can stay competitive, make valuable connections, and get inspired for the future.
The 11 Best Retail Conferences in 2025, Your Handy Shortlist
Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge, explore new technologies in retail, develop partnerships with exhibitors, or understand the latest market, these conferences are a great place to start:
- Retail Technology Show - London, UK (April 2-3, 2025)
- FUTR Europe - London, UK (April 24, 2025)
- eTail Connect - Palm Beach, FL (May 7-9, 2025)
- World Retail Congress - London, UK (May 12-14, 2025)
- Internet Retailing Expo - Multiple locations and dates
- RetailX Spring Festival - Houndsditch, London (May 14, 2025)
- RCC STORE Conference - Toronto, Canada (June 3-4, 2025)
- CommerceNext - New York, NY (June 24-26, 2025)
- NRF Nexus - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (July 14-16, 2025)
- Shoptalk Fall - Chicago, IL (September 17-19, 2025)
- Groceryshop - Las Vegas, NV (September 28 - October 1, 2025)
The 11 Best Retail Conferences of 2025
Here are the top retail conferences that made my shortlist. Each review breaks down the event’s dates, location, pricing, and what makes it a must-attend for retailers looking to stay ahead.
1. Retail Technology Show - London, UK (April 2-3, 2025)
- Dates: April 2-3, 2025
- Location: ExCeL London, UK
- Pricing: Free
- Website: Retail Technology Show
- Social Media: LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook
Overview:
The Retail Technology Show is an annual event bringing together retail professionals and technology providers to explore the latest innovations in the industry.
Notable past speakers have included Archie Norman, Chairman of Marks & Spencer plc; Henrik Nordvall, CEO of H&M UK & Ireland; and Sophie Neary, Managing Director of Retail & FMCG at Google.
Why you should attend:
The Retail Technology Show is a must-attend event that brings together retailers and tech innovators to tackle industry challenges and explore the future of retail.
You’ll find hands-on product demos, expert-led sessions on AI, supply chain efficiency, and customer experience, plus insights from top retail leaders.
It’s a chance to connect with industry peers, discover practical solutions, and bring back strategies to improve your business.
2. FUTR Europe - London, UK (April 24, 2025)
- Dates: April 24, 2025
- Location: Convene, 155 Bishopsgate, London
- Pricing: Free
- Website: FUTR Europe
- Social Media: Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram
Overview:
FUTR Europe is a one-day event connecting leaders in retail, marketing, and tech. It includes content streams, tech showcases, and networking.
Past speakers include Andre Filomeno, SVP Flying Tiger Copenhagen; Claire Hennah, Chief Customer Officer Unilever; and Bruno J. Mendy, Managing Director Office Depot.
Why you should attend:
FUTR Europe focuses on the future of retail, marketing, and commerce, bringing together brands, disruptors, and innovators.
You’ll hear from industry leaders on emerging trends, attend interactive workshops, and see firsthand how new technologies are reshaping consumer experiences.
The event blends insights from retail, DTC, and ecommerce, giving you a well-rounded view of what’s next. It’s an opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and leave with practical strategies to keep your business ahead.
3. eTail Connect - Palm Beach, FL (May 7-9, 2025)
- Date: May 7-9, 2025
- Location: Hilton West Palm Beach, FL
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Website: eTail Connect
Overview:
eTail Connect is an invitation-only event tailored for senior ecommerce and digital marketing executives from leading retailers and brands.
The event is designed to provide high-level networking opportunities and pre-qualified benchmarking meetings, addressing the specific challenges faced by retailers.
Why you should attend:
You’ll connect with senior ecommerce and marketing leaders to tackle current challenges through tailored sessions and one-on-one meetings.
The event’s small, focused setup ensures meaningful conversations, helping you explore new tech and share ideas. You’ll leave with actionable insights and a clear plan to move your team forward.
4. World Retail Congress - London, UK (May 12-14 2025)
- Dates: May 12-14, 2025
- Location: Hilton Park Lane, London
- Pricing: Starts at £2,495
- Website: World Retail Congress
- Social Media: LinkedIn, X, Instagram
Overview:
The World Retail Congress is an annual event that unites global retail leaders to discuss industry challenges and innovations. It serves as a premier platform for senior executives to share insights and shape the future of retail.
Notable past speakers include Stefano Pessina, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, and Laura J. Alber, CEO of Williams-Sonoma.
Why you should attend:
World Retail Congress brings together global retail leaders to discuss the biggest challenges and opportunities shaping the industry. You’ll hear from CEOs, policymakers, and innovators on topics like digital transformation, sustainability, and consumer trends.
The event includes high-level discussions, exclusive networking opportunities, and practical insights tailored for decision-makers.
5. Internet Retailing Expo - Multiple locations and dates
- Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
- Location: Multiple locations (see table below)
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Website: Internet Retailing Expo
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn, X
Internet Retailing Expo: Multiple Locations and Dates
| Locations | Dates |
| Internet Retailing Expo | NEC Birmingham | May 13-14, 2025 |
| Internet Retailing Expo | ExCel, London | October 1-2, 2025 |
Overview:
The Internet Retailing Expo (IRX) is a leading event for ecommerce, retail, and marketing professionals to explore innovations and strategies driving the industry.
It has provided a platform for networking, learning, and collaboration. The event inspires professionals to stay ahead in the ever-evolving retail landscape.
Why you should attend:
You'll engage with key players in the ecommerce industry in a dynamic setting. The event offers valuable networking opportunities and insights into digital and retail innovations.
It's ideal for you and your team to explore strategies for increasing ecommerce revenue and understanding consumer behavior.
6. RetailX Spring Festival - Houndsditch, London (May 14, 2025)
- Dates: May 14, 2025
- Location: Convene Houndsditch, London
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Website: RetailX Spring Festival
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook
Overview:
The RetailX Spring Festival is a yearly event designed for retail and ecommerce professionals to explore new strategies and technologies shaping the industry.
It focuses on fostering collaboration through insightful sessions and networking opportunities.
Why you should attend:
RetailX Spring Festival will focus on the latest innovations and strategies shaping the future of retail.
Unlike other conferences, it will bring together industry leaders, startups, and tech pioneers for hands-on workshops, panel discussions, and live demos.
You’ll hear from experts on ecommerce trends, supply chain advancements, and customer experience strategies, leaving you with practical insights and connections to keep your business ahead.
7. RCC STORE Conference - Toronto, Canada (June 3-4, 2025)
- Date: June 3-4, 2025
- Location: Toronto Congress Centre
- Pricing: Starts at $449.99
- Website: STORE Conference
- Social Media: Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram
Overview:
The RCC STORE Conference is Canada’s premier retail event. Hosted by the Retail Council of Canada, it brings together industry professionals for insights, networking, and innovative solutions.
As such, it has become a key gathering for the nation’s retail sector.
Why you should attend:
You’ll gain practical advice and insights from top retail leaders who know the industry inside and out. For this two-day event, your team will learn about trends shaping the future, like new tech, customer behavior, and sustainability.
There will be keynotes, panels, and workshops tailored to help you solve real-world challenges. You’ll meet peers and innovators, swap ideas, and find tools to take your business forward.
8. CommerceNext - New York, NY (June 24-26, 2025)
- Dates: June 24-26, 2025
- Location: New York Hilton Midtown
- Pricing: Starts at $2,495
- Website: CommerceNext
- Social Media: LinkedIn, X, Facebook
Overview:
CommerceNext is a community, event series, and conference designed for marketers at retail and direct-to-consumer brands. Hosted in New York City, it has been a premier platform for industry professionals to share insights and strategies.
Notable past speakers include Doug Mack, former CEO of Fanatics; Angela Clark, VP of Digital Studio at Patagonia; and Ryan Fagan, VP of Digital at Lowe's.
Why you should attend:
CommerceNext is built for retail and ecommerce leaders who want to stay ahead in digital marketing, customer acquisition, and AI-driven commerce.
Unlike other retail conferences, it focuses specifically on growth strategies, offering data-driven sessions led by top executives from major brands.
You'll hear firsthand insights from industry leaders, join discussions on emerging trends, and connect with peers facing the same challenges.
9. NRF Nexus - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (July 14-16, 2025)
- Dates: July 14-16, 2025
- Location: Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Website: NRF Nexus
- Social Media: LinkedIn, X, Facebook
Overview:
NRF Nexus, hosted by the National Retail Federation, is an annual event held in California for senior retail leaders in technology, digital, and marketing.
With a focus on innovation and enhancing consumer engagement, the event brings together top executives to share insights and strategies.
Why you should attend:
NRF Nexus is where retail leaders in marketing, technology, and digital innovation come together to explore the future of the industry.
It goes beyond traditional retail conferences by focusing on AI, customer experience, and omnichannel strategies with in-depth discussions and actionable insights.
If you’re looking to stay ahead of digital trends and connect with experts shaping the future, this is the place to be.
10. Shoptalk Fall - Chicago, IL (September 17-19, 2025)
- Dates: September 17-19, 2025
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Website: Shoptalk Fall
- Social Media: Instagram, X, Facebook, LinkedIn
Overview:
Shoptalk Fall is a leading event for professionals in the retail industry, bringing together established brands, startups, technology providers, and investors to explore the future of retail.
It has quickly become a key platform for sharing insights and fostering collaboration.
Why you should attend:
Shoptalk Fall brings together retailers, brands, and tech innovators to explore the future of retail. Unlike other industry events, it focuses on emerging trends in AI, digital transformation, and shifting consumer behaviors.
You'll hear from top executives, join hands-on workshops, and connect with peers tackling the same challenges.
If you want fresh insights and real-world strategies to stay ahead, this is the event for you.
11. Groceryshop - Las Vegas, NV (September 28 - October 1, 2025)
- Dates: September 28 - October 1, 2025
- Location: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, NV
- Pricing: Starts at $950
- Website: Groceryshop
- Social Media: LinkedIn, X, Facebook
Overview:
Groceryshop is an annual conference that brings together leaders from the grocery and consumer packaged goods (CPG) industries to explore the latest trends, technologies, and business models shaping the sector.
It has quickly become a premier event for industry innovation.
Why you should attend:
You'll gain insights into cutting-edge technologies and industry trends that are shaping the future of grocery retail.
The event offers networking opportunities with key players and industry experts. It's a chance for your team to explore innovative solutions, learn from in-depth sessions, and connect with peers in the grocery and CPG sectors.
Other Retail Conferences & Events
Depending on your retail niche, you might be looking for events that cater more specifically to your selling strategy. Here are some additional recommendations I've compiled.
- An assortment of key food and grocery trade shows
- Trade shows for merchandising strategies around store layout and product selection
Stay Ahead or Fall Behind
Whether you’re scaling an online brand, optimizing in-store experiences, or bridging the gap between both, the right conference can make all the difference.
Invest in your growth, connect with industry leaders, and walk away with strategies that keep you ahead of the curve.
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