As retail continues to evolve at high speed, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year. Artificial intelligence, omnichannel maturity, retail media, and the reinvention of physical stores are no longer “future trends”, they are operational realities. For retail leaders, marketers, and strategists, industry conferences remain one of the best ways to stay ahead, exchange ideas, and understand where the market is truly heading.
Below is a curated overview of the most relevant retail conferences to watch in 2026, with a focus on strategy, innovation, technology, and consumer behavior.
NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show
New York City, USA | January 2026
Held every January in New York, NRF remains the global benchmark for retail events. In 2026, the spotlight is firmly on AI at scale, data-driven personalization, retail media networks, supply chain resilience, and leadership in times of constant disruption.
What makes NRF essential is its breadth: from C-level strategy sessions to hands-on tech showcases, it offers a complete snapshot of where global retail is heading. For international retail groups, it often sets the agenda for the entire year.
Shoptalk 2026
📍 Las Vegas, USA | March 2026
Shoptalk has established itself as the go-to event for commerce innovation. Taking place in Las Vegas each spring, it brings together retailers, DTC brands, marketplaces, tech platforms, and media players.
In 2026, expect strong emphasis on changing consumer expectations, social and conversational commerce, AI-powered customer journeys, and the convergence of online and offline retail. Shoptalk is particularly valuable for marketing, digital, and innovation teams looking beyond traditional retail models.
World Retail Congress 2026
📍 Europe (city announced annually) | Spring 2026
Unlike large expos, the World Retail Congress is a leadership-first event. Designed primarily for CEOs, board members, and senior executives, it focuses on long-term strategy rather than tools.
Topics in 2026 are expected to include geopolitical impact on retail, sustainability as a business driver, global expansion strategies, and the future role of physical stores. For decision-makers, this is one of the most valuable forums for high-level perspective and peer exchange.
EuroCIS 2026
📍 Düsseldorf, Germany | February 2026
EuroCIS in Düsseldorf is Europe’s leading retail technology-focused event. It is highly practical, showcasing solutions that retailers can deploy almost immediately.
In 2026, key themes include smart stores, frictionless checkout, POS innovation, loss prevention, automation, and in-store analytics. For retailers focused on operational excellence and store transformation, EuroCIS delivers strong, tangible value.
Retail Innovation Conference & Expo 2026
📍 Chicago, USA | June 2026
This Chicago-based event strikes a balance between strategic thinking and execution. It covers store design, customer experience, digital transformation, and emerging technologies, all with a strong focus on real-world implementation.
Retail Innovation Expo is particularly well-suited for cross-functional teams who want inspiration paired with actionable insights.
eTail Europe 2026
📍 Europe (rotating location) | June 2026
eTail Europe remains one of the strongest events for omnichannel retail and digital marketing leaders. Its strength lies in practical case studies, peer discussions, and performance-focused content.
In 2026, expect sessions around CRM, loyalty, personalization, data usage, and performance marketing, making it especially relevant for retail marketers and eCommerce teams.
FMCG Retail Summit Zagreb 2026
📍 Zagreb, Croatia | Autumn 2026 (October–November)
For retailers operating in Central and Southeast Europe, the FMCG Retail Summit in Zagreb continues to grow in importance. It provides regional market insights, strong networking opportunities, and relevant discussions around grocery, FMCG, and retail operations.
It’s a valuable complement to global events, especially for understanding local consumer behavior and regional challenges.
Whether your focus is global strategy, store transformation, omnichannel growth, or regional market insight, choosing the right events can shape decisions long after the conference lights go off. In a landscape where change is constant, staying connected to ideas, peers, and innovation ecosystems has never been more critical.
Text author: Ana Markunović
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