12 Best Retail Conferences To Attend In 2024
Attending retail conferences is a fantastic way for industry leaders to stay on top of trends, network with peers, and learn from experts. In 2024, there are several conferences worth attending. Here's my summary of each conference and an explanation of why it's great, with key details so you can plan to attend.
Best Retail Conferences 2024 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:
- World Retail Congress - Paris, France (April 2024)
- Retail Technology Show - London, UK (April 2024)
- FUTR Europe - London, UK (April 2024)
- eTail Connect - Palm Beach, FL (May 2024)
- RetailX Spring Festival - London, UK (May 2024)
- Internet Retailing Expo - Birmingham, UK (May 2024)
- STOREConference - Ontario, Canada (May 2024)
- Retail Innovation Conference - Chicago, IL (June 2024)
- CommerceNext - New York, NY (June 2024)
- NRF Nexus - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (July 2024)
- Groceryshop - Las Vegas, NV (October 2024)
- Shoptalk Fall - Chicago, IL (October 2024)
Find more details about each conference below.
Best Retail Conferences Of 2024
1. World Retail Congress - Paris, France (April 2024)
- Dates: April 16-18, 2024
- Location: Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile France
- Pricing: £2495
- Website: World Retail Congress
Overview:
The World Retail Congress, a must-attend event organized by the National Retail Federation, brings together the leaders of the global retail industry, including industry professionals, solution providers, and decision-makers. Past speakers included CEOs and top executives from some of the world's most successful retailers such as Zyda Rylands and Thiery Andretta.
Why You Should Attend:
The World Retail Congress is a crucial gathering to understand where the industry is headed. Topics include sustainability in retail, digital transformation, consumer behavior changes, and innovative retail technologies.
2. Retail Technology Show - London, UK (April 2024)
- Dates: April 24-25, 2024
- Location: Olympia London
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Website: Retail Technology Show
- Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn
Overview:
The Retail Technology Show in London is a premier event highlighting retail technology's forefront, from AI and IoT to e-commerce and data analytics.
Why You Should Attend:
The Retail Technology Show is a crucial meetup for retailers, tech providers, and industry experts to dive into the latest innovations transforming retail operations across the supply chain and in-store experiences. Attendees can experience live demos, engage in discussions, and learn from case studies by industry pioneers, making it a must-attend for those looking to stay ahead in retail tech.
3. FUTR Europe - London, UK (April 2024)
- Dates: April 30, 2024
- Location: County Hall London
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Website: FUTR Europe
- Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn
Overview:
FUTR Europe is about the future of retail, marketing, and commerce. This one-day event focuses on fresh thinking and progressive change in the industry, covering customer engagement, social media trends, retail strategy, and digital innovation.
Why You Should Attend:
This conference is a powerhouse of ideas for anyone looking to push the boundaries of retail and marketing. It's particularly relevant for those seeking to tap into the latest consumer trends and leverage digital platforms for growth in today’s rapidly changing market.
4. eTail Connect Palm Beach, FL (May 2024)
- Dates: May 6-8, 2024
- Location: Hilton West Palm Beach, FL
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Website: eTail Connect
Overview:
eTail Connect, a premier event in America, focuses on the needs of senior retail professionals and decision-makers from top US retailers, covering topics including omnichannel strategies, personalization, customer engagement, and digital marketing trends.
Why You Should Attend:
With its intimate setting and focus on high-level strategy, eTail Connect is ideal for senior leaders looking to network with peers and find tailored solutions to the unique challenges facing their organizations.
5. RetailX Spring Festival - London, UK (May 2024)
- Dates: May 14, 2024
- Location: 133 Houndsditch London, UK
- Pricing: Free
- Website: RetailX Spring Festival
- Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
Overview:
The RetailX Spring Festival, a major retail event in London, celebrates the intersection of physical and digital retail, exploring how brands and retailers can blend online and offline experiences, from supply chain to in-store innovations, to meet the evolving needs of consumers.
Why You Should Attend:
This festival is a fantastic opportunity to explore the future of retail in a world where the lines between online and offline shopping are increasingly blurred. It’s a must for those looking to create seamless customer journeys.
6. Internet Retailing Expo - Birmingham, UK (May 2024)
- Dates: May 22-23, 2024
- Location: NEC Birmingham, UK
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Website: Internet Retailing Expo
- Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn
Overview:
The Internet Retailing Expo, a key trade show in Birmingham, is essential for retail professionals involved in the e-commerce and multi-channel retail sector, covering a broad range of topics including digital marketing, supply chain logistics, customer service, and the latest in e-commerce technology.
Why You Should Attend:
The Internet Retailing Expo offers a comprehensive overview of the strategies, tools, and insights needed to thrive in the digital retail space. The expo features workshops, live demos, and keynote speeches from industry leaders.
7. STORE Conference - Ontario, Canada (May 2024)
- Dates: May 28-29, 2024
- Location: Toronto Congress Centre
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Website: STORE Conference
- Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn
Overview:
The STORE Conference is Canada's largest retail conference, offering insights into retail innovation, consumer trends, and transformative technologies. It draws a wide range of participants, from independent retailers to global brands, covering topics like sustainability, retail marketing, and customer engagement.
Why You Should Attend:
This conference is essential for those looking to gain an understanding of the Canadian retail landscape and network with industry leaders. It provides actionable insights that can help retailers of all sizes adapt and grow in a competitive market.
8. Retail Innovation Conference - Chicago, IL (June 2024)
- Dates: June 4-6, 2024
- Location: Mccormick Place, Chicago
- Pricing:
- Expo pass: $35
- Track pass: $1395
- Full pass: $1895
- Website: Retail Innovation Conference
- Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn
Overview:
The Retail Innovation Conference is a two-day event, focused on the latest trends and technologies shaping the retail industry. It is known for its interactive workshops and high-caliber speakers such as Carrie Sweeney and Amy Jain.
Why You Should Attend:
Attendees can expect sessions on omnichannel strategies, innovative retail tech, customer experience, and digital transformation initiatives. Ideal for those looking to stay ahead of the curve in retail innovation, this conference offers deep dives into the technologies and strategies that are transforming the sector. It's a great place to find inspiration and practical solutions to drive your business forward.
9. CommerceNext - New York, NY (June 2024)
- Dates: June 11-13, 2024
- Location: New York Hilton Midtown
- Pricing: Free
- Website: CommerceNext
- Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn
Overview:
CommerceNext in New York City is a summit for next-level customer acquisition strategies and practices in the retail sector covering marketing innovation, customer retention, and growth strategies.
Why You Should Attend:
This summit is a goldmine for marketers in the retail space looking to boost customer acquisition and loyalty. The event features leading retailers, direct-to-consumer brands, and innovative tech companies to stay competitive in the industry's fast-paced retail environment.
10. NRF Nexus - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (July 2024)
- Dates: July 15-17, 2024
- Location: Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Website: NRF Nexus
- Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn
Overview:
NRF Nexus is focused on the intersection of technology, marketing, and digital innovation within the retail sector.
Why You Should Attend:
If you’re a senior executive looking to leverage technology for strategic advantage, NRF Nexus offers deep insights into data analytics, customer engagement strategies, and the future of retail technology. It’s an exclusive event designed for senior-level executives.
11. Groceryshop - Las Vegas, NV (October 2024)
- Dates: October 7-9, 2024
- Location: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, NV
- Pricing: Starts at $1950
- Website: Groceryshop
- Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn
Overview:
Groceryshop caters specifically to the grocery and consumer packaged goods industries, focusing on the latest trends, technologies, and strategies impacting these sectors. Topics include e-commerce, omnichannel retailing, and innovative consumer experiences.
Why You Should Attend:
This conference is a must for those in the grocery sector looking to stay on top of consumer trends and technology advancements. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn from and connect with leaders in the industry.
12. Shoptalk Fall - Chicago, IL (October 2024)
- Dates: October 16-18, 2024
- Location: McCormick Place Convention Center
- Pricing: Starts at $1750
- Website: Shoptalk Fall
- Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn
Overview:
Shoptalk Fall explores the rapid evolution of how consumers discover, shop, and buy covering topics like new retail technologies, evolving business models, and shifts in consumer expectations and behaviors.
Why You Should Attend:
Shoptalk Fall is an essential platform for understanding and engaging with the next wave of retail transformation. Attendees can expect to hear from a mix of innovators, including those from established retailers, startups, tech companies, investors, and real estate operators.
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
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