Retail conferences and trade shows are invaluable platforms for exploring the latest trends, innovative business models, and emerging consumer behaviors. These events delve into pressing industry issues, from AI adoption to sustainable practices, offering attendees firsthand experiences with cutting-edge technology. In this article, we highlight some of the leading retail events to consider attending in the upcoming year.
A Look Back at Recent Challenges
The retail industry has faced its share of challenges in recent years, particularly due to the global pandemic. The rapid spread of COVID-19 compelled many organizers to either cancel their events or pivot to virtual formats. For instance, the National Retail Federation (NRF) held its first in-person conference in 2022 after a virtual edition in 2021. Similarly, Shoptalk canceled both its 2020 and 2021 conferences due to the pandemic’s uncertainties.
Discover the Must-Attend Retail Events
Despite the setbacks of the past, many organizers have already announced dates for their upcoming conferences and expos. Let’s take a closer look at a selection of top retail events scheduled for the coming year.
NRF: Retail’s Big Show (Jan. 13 to Jan. 16 – New York)
NRF’s Retail’s Big Show draws more than 6,000 brands and 40,000 attendees worldwide for its four-day extravaganza. The 2024 lineup features industry leaders from Walmart, Sephora, Crocs, Michaels, Adidas, Target, Ikea, and GameStop. The event promises to foster essential relationships, offer new insights, and showcase transformative retail technologies.
eTail (Feb. 26 to Feb. 29 – Palm Springs, California)
Etail, launched in 1999, has become a leading e-commerce and omnichannel conference. This gathering brings together the brightest minds in retail, including executives from Sam’s Club, PetSmart, Indochino, ThirdLove, and Stitch Fix, to explore industry disruptions.
Shoptalk (March 17 to March 20 – Las Vegas)
Shoptalk, a rendezvous of over 10,000 executives, serves as the intersection of retail, technology, and innovation. The event features captivating main stage talks and targeted multi-track sessions. Executives from Ulta Beauty, Pacsun, and Victoria’s Secret are among next year’s speakers, while the expo hosts approximately 900 technology exhibitors.
Shoptalk Europe (June 3 to June 5 – Barcelona, Spain)
Shoptalk Europe anticipates over 3,500 attendees from diverse sectors within the retail ecosystem. This event gathers “the world’s greatest retailers,” startups, tech companies, investors, and more for networking opportunities and meetups.
Shoptalk Fall (Oct. 16 to Oct. 18 – Chicago, Illinois)
For the first time, Shoptalk will hold a fall conference to maintain the momentum of industry conversations. Attendees can anticipate innovative brands and extensive networking opportunities, similar to the Las Vegas event.
Shoptalk Meetup for Women – TBD
This virtual Shoptalk iteration brings together over 1,000 women leaders from various retail categories. It fosters potential partnerships and connections to accelerate careers and business goals.
Retail Innovation Conference & Expo (June 4 to June 6 – Chicago, Illinois)
The Retail Innovation Conference & Expo (RICE) places technology and innovation at its core. This event showcases cutting-edge technology, hosts industry leaders as speakers, and offers a collaborative community space on the expo floor.
CommerceNext – TBD
CommerceNext is more than just a conference; it’s a thriving community. It’s part of the largest global e-commerce events portfolio, featuring past speakers from Anthropologie, Domino’s, Forever 21, Coach, L’Oreal, Walmart, and more. CommerceNext extends its reach with virtual and in-person events throughout the year.
In Conclusion
Retail conferences and expos provide invaluable opportunities to stay abreast of industry developments, network with peers, and gain insights into the ever-evolving world of retail. Whether you’re seeking knowledge, connections, or inspiration, these events are where retail’s future is shaped.
TL;DR
Retail conferences and expos are making a comeback after pandemic-related disruptions. Key events in 2024 include NRF’s Retail’s Big Show, eTail, Shoptalk, Shoptalk Europe, Shoptalk Fall, Shoptalk Meetup for Women, Retail Innovation Conference & Expo (RICE), and CommerceNext. These gatherings offer insights, networking, and technology showcases for industry professionals.
Hi, I’m Oren, founder at BIGINTRO, a content strategy agency that helps B2B companies drive growth. We develop search, social, PR, and content marketing strategies tailored to business goals. I also have a dog named Milo.