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The Best Retail Conferences You Need To Attend in 2024

By Liza Shuttleworth Last updated: 15 minute read E-commerce & RetailMarketing Guides

As one of the most rapidly growing industries in the world, staying ahead of e-commerce trends is key to maintaining an edge over your competitors.

This is why e-commerce and retail conferences are something that you cannot miss out on!

Retail conferences allow you to hear motivational speeches or improve your skills and can also be a gateway to expanding your network resources.

However, with many companies launching retail conferences, it is hard to cut through the clutter and find truly interesting conferences from which you can get the most value.

Attending these conferences is critical to growing your business if you are an owner, retailer, retail marketer, or value-added reseller.

So, our team has made the difficult task of choosing what conferences to attend a bit easier by compiling a list of the top conferences you need to attend in 2024.

But before that, here are some tips we curated especially for you to get the most out of the next conference:

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    How to Get the Most Out of a Retail Conference

    1.See which Conferences are Relevant to Your Field

    While every conference is information-filled, it might not be the information you need for your brand.

    So, it’s better to do some research beforehand and see which event fits your needs perfectly.

    Remember to research any pre- and post-conference sessions so you know you’re getting the most out of what you came for.

    Some of the things you should look at when you conduct your research:

    • The main speakers
    • List of partners
    • The venue
    • The organizers
    • Social media comments on the previous conference

    After finding everything you need to know, it’s time to get ready:

    2.Be Prepared

    Be sure to prepare your stuff, such as chargers, power banks, laptop/tablet, and anything that will be useful and will make your attendance at the conference comfortable.

    Remember to bring as many business cards as you can, too. You never know; you might just bump into a future client and/or partner. When that time comes, it’s best not to come empty-handed, don’t you think?

    Retail conferences - benefits of networking graphic - image text says "78% of small biz owners reported growth due to networking"
    Source

    3.Grow Your Network

    As mentioned, attending conferences is more than just listening to speakers, it’s a way to grow your network!

    With this in mind, be sure to do the following:

    1. Take a look at the conference LinkedIn group to find interesting people and schedule a meeting with them.
    2. Don’t be shy – introduce yourself to people.
    3. Listen to conversations around you and try to find one you can join and add valuable input.
    4. Ask the speaker relevant questions (this will spark a follow-up discussion with other attendees).
    5. When you get a business card, immediately add these people to LinkedIn and send a quick message. 

    If you feel like you need to sharpen your networking skills, we recommend reading Never Eat Alone by Keith Perrazi:

    Never eat alone by Keith Ferrazzi - Networking for conferences

    Now that you have an idea of how to get the most out of the retail conferences you attend, let’s take a look at the top retail conferences for 2024:

     

    Here are some of the best global e-commerce conferences you should attend:

    Best Retail Conferences in North America

    NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show

    When: January 14 – 16, 2024

    Where: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City, NY

    Price: Retail Expo Pass is free while Full Conference Pass is somewhere between $1200 to $6300 depending on pass type, retailer/non-retailer status, and membership.

    Retail Conferences 2023 - NRF Retail's Big Show Logo

    About NRF 2024: Dubbed as one of the world’s largest e-commerce conferences, Retail’s Big Show is the ultimate marketplace for ideas and innovation. The conference is an avenue to create new relationships and learn new strategies from the biggest brands that set the pace of retail today.

    eTail – Palm Springs 2024

    When: February 26-29, 2024

    Where: JW Marriott Desert Springs, Palm Springs, CA

    Price: Fees vary depending on when you register – Retailers and Brands $1699 to $2399 (4 day pass) or $1399 to $2099 (3 day pass). Solution Providers $3999 (3 day pass). Venture Capital Firms $2099 (3 day pass).

    About eTail – Palm Springs 2024: The eTail conference in Palm Springs features some of America’s most successful retailers, who will provide meaningful insights and plan retail strategies to spark growth in 2024 and beyond. This eCommerce and omnichannel retail conference is perfect for those looking to transform retail, enhance relationships and boost innovation. If you can’t make their Palm Springs conference, they do hold another one, later in the year, and the eTail Retail Conference at The Sheraton in Boston will be from August 12 to 15, 2024.

    Shoptalk 2024

    When: March 17 – 20, 2024

    Where: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, Nev

    Price: Fees vary depending on when you register and ticket type – General Attendees $2800 to $4500, Exhibitors & Sponsors $2400 to $3500, Retailers and Brands $2100 to $2500, Investors $2400 to $2800. There are a range of other options from free to $1575 for students, media, analysts, non-profits, start-ups and employees in transition.

    Retail Conferences 2023 - Shoptalk Logo

    About Shoptalk 2024: Shoptalk is one of the best international e-commerce retail events. It features speakers from global industry leaders, including Forrester, Bloomberg, CNBC, Best Buy, Ulta Beauty, Target, KPMG, Johnson & Johnson, Kohl’s, Walmart, OLAPLEX, Macy’s, Savage x Fenty, Patagonia, and Under Armor. Shoptalk also offers conferences later in the year, with GroceryShop and the Shoptalk Fall Meetup, usually held in September/October.

    Adobe Summit 2024 – The Digital Experience Conference

    When: Preconference in Las Vegas on March 25, 2024; and Las Vegas and Virtual from March 26 – 28, 2024

    Where: The Venetian Convention and Expo Center, Las Vegas; and Online

    Price: Virtual – Free. In-Person Full Conference Pass $1695 to $2095 depending on when you register. There are several other options for groups, education, government, and non-profit passes.

    Retail Conferences 2023 - Adobe Summit Logo

    About the Adobe Summit 2024: The Adobe Summit is only three days but it is packed with over 200 sessions, inspiring talks, innovation sessions, practical labs, and networking events. It also offers pre-conference training sessions and credentialed exams. You can tailor your own agenda for the summit and if you’re serious about maximizing the potential of retail and learning from the best, the Adobe Summit is the right conference for you. It is also available online for free, for those who can’t make it in person.

    NRF Nexus 2024

    When: July 15-17, 2024

    Where: Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

    Price: $425 – $765 per person for members, $695 – $995 per person for non-members, depending on when you register; and $425 for member teams or $625 for non-member teams.

    Retail Conferences 2023 - NRF Nexus Logo

    About NRF Nexus 2024: Designed to be a fun, learning, and networking event, NRF Nexus brings together technology, marketing and the latest innovations in retail. The three day event features 40 expert speakers and gives attendees an exclusive window into exciting new ways to partner with others in the industry and innovative ways to deliver incredible customer experiences.

    Retail Innovation Conference & Expo 2024

    When: June 4-6, 2024

    Where: McCormick Place, Chicago, IL

    Price: Expo Hall Pass – Free (optional workshops are $349 each) to $1595. All Access Pass – $495 to $3095 depending on ticket type and pass duration. Group discounts are available (prices will increase closer to the event dates).

    Retail Conferences 2023 - RICE Logo

    About RICE 2024: This is a great resource for e-retailers looking to gain an in-depth understanding of the current trends and innovations in the retail industry, including the complex and rapidly evolving DTC eCommerce space. The event is comprised of three micro-conferences that are designed to provide focused value to different job roles and teams. Overall, the #RICE23 conference and expo combines everything from the latest technology and digital solutions to the latest trends and marketing innovations. It also includes a huge array of interactive experiences and networking opportunities.

    Best Retail Conferences in Europe

    Savant eCommerce Stockholm 2024

    When: April 10-11, 2024

    Where: Stockholm, Sweden

    Price: 2024 fees not yet available (2023 fees were £699 to £2850)

     

    About Savant eCommerce Stockholm: This is a one of a kind event with industry-leading speakers. During the event, top-level leading executives will tackle the latest topics that touch between data-based insights and digital commerce and how to operate in an increasingly competitive and complex digital world.

    Internet Retailing Events – IRX & eDX 2024

    When: May 23 – 24, 2024

    Where: NEC, Birmingham, UK

    Price: Free

    Retail Conferences 2023 - IRX Logo

    About Internet Retailing Events IRX and eDX: These events bring together head-turning speakers to discuss the latest when it comes to e-commerce trends, technology, and retail. If you’re a multichannel retail professional, this event is for you.

    eTail – Germany 2024

    When: March 19 – 20, 2024

    Where: Hotel Palace, Berlin, Germany

    Price: Retailer Pass – Free. Solution Provider and Technology Partner – €2,299 to €2,899 depending on when you register.

    About eTail Germany: Unleash the full potential of your D2C and eCommerce channels by learning from experienced leaders at Europe’s most successful retailers. Stay ahead of the curb as you listen to them share practical strategies for achieving the best ROI, while  keeping up with post-pandemic commerce trends. The conference features prestigious speakers and offers a wealth of interactive learning and networking opportunities.

    FUTR Europe Summit 2024

    When: April 30, 2024

    Where: London, UK

    Price: General Admission – £495.00 for one ticket or £800.00 for two. Free options are available for retailers/brands that agree to do two 10 minute introductory meetings with solution providers.

    Retail Conferences 2023 - Futr Europe Logo

    About the FUTR Europe Summit: This is an annual event, bringing together brands and retailers in the Digital, Marketing, E-commerce, Retail, Innovation and Customer Experience spheres. The event focuses on “fresh thinking and progressive change in the future of retail, marketing and commerce” and hosts over 200 inspiring speakers from various industries and exhibitions featuring the latest technologies and solutions available.

    World Retail Congress 2024

    When: April 16 – 18, 2024

    Where:Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile France

    Price: Retailers – £2495 + VAT. Non-Retailers – £7000 + VAT (prices will increase closer to the event dates)

    About the World Retail Congress 2024: This conference brings together over 120 speakers, including some of the brightest minds inside retail and out, including those from economics, academia, politics, and NGOs.

    The topics under discussion include today’s consumers, consumer spending, and ensuring that businesses change and innovate at the high velocity needed to thrive in the twenty-first century. The event provides an unrivaled high-level forum for retailers to learn, share knowledge, form meaningful relationships, and shape the future of global retail.

    The Business Show 2024

    When: November 13-14, 2024

    Where: London, UK

    Price: Free

    Retail Conferences 2023 - The Business Show Logo

    About The Business Show: The Business Show can be a great event to attend if you are looking to start or expand your retail company in the UK. The event has about 200 speakers and 750 exhibitors, with over 100 seminars and masterclasses to attend. There are workshops, networking events, and training sessions that will help you expand your industry knowledge and make as many contacts as possible.

    You can also pitch your business to VCs in the Andel’s Den and try your luck with capturing funding.

    Best Retail Conferences in Asia

    eCommerce Fair Tokyo 2024

    When: February 21 – 22, 2024

    Where: Tokyo Big Sight Exhibition Center, Tokyo, Japan

    Price: Available on registration

    Commerce Fair Tokyo Logo

    About eCommerce Fair Tokyo: The eCommerce Fair Tokyo was the first ever B2B trade exhibition with an area of focus on eCommerce solutions in Japan. The annual fair includes a series of seminars where industry players get to share their own strategies, insights, and experience in the industry. E-commerce businesses that will be covered include marketing, delivery & logistics, customer service, and customer retention marketing, omnichannel retailing and more.

    eTail – Asia 2024

    When: May 14-16, 2024

    Where: Equarius Hotel, Sentosa, Singapore

    Price: Available on registration

    eTail Logo

    About eTail Asia: Asia is a huge market and eTail knows it. It launched one of the most well knows conferences in Asia for retailers. The concept of the conference is similar to any other eTail conference but with a focus on the Asian market. If you interested in the Asian market, this conference should be high on your list.

    Best Retail Conferences in Africa

    eCommerce Africa 2024

    When: April 22-24, 2024

    Where: International Convention Centre, Cape Town, South Africa

    Price: Single All Access Pass – R5000 to R9000 depending on when you register. Discounts available for teams of 6 to 13 members.

    Retail Conferences 2023 - ECommerce Africa Logo

    About eCommerce Africa 2024: Featuring more than 500 speakers, eCommerce Africa has become a crucial platform for experts and peers to meet and discuss new trends in retail and eCommerce in Africa. The conference offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise to attendees, as well as valuable networking opportunities.

    Best Retail Conferences in Australia

    Retail Global: Gold Coast

    When: April 16-18, 2024

    Where: Gold Coast Convention Centre, Australia

    Price: Standard Retailer Full Pass – AU$795. Service Provider/Vendor Pass – AU$2,500 (fees include GST and free entry options are available for approved press and analysts)

    Retail Conferences 2023 - Retail Global Gold Coast Logo

    About Retail Global Gold Coast: With a tagline, “Helping you sell more online”, this conference is a great avenue for business owners to learn new strategies from various industry leaders. The conference is also a great way to meet new people, learn about fellow retailers’ challenges, and exchange ideas.

    Online Retailer Conference & Expo – Sydney

    When: July 24-25, 2024

    Where: ICC Sydney, Australia

    Price: Available on registration.

    Retail Conferences 2023 - Online Retailer Logo

    About the Online Retailer Conference & Expo: As the largest eCommerce event in Australia, the two-day event is filled with the latest in eCommerce trends, tech innovations, marketing and strategic planning for retail solutions. The Expo is tailored for education and networking to help eCommerce and retailers of all kinds grow and achieve their goals.

    Final Thoughts on the Best Retail Conferences to Attend in 2024

    With the burgeoning impact and integration of Artificial intelligence and blockchain technology, there is no greater time than now to keep your finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the retail sector!

    While hundreds of conferences are available to attend, it’s important to discern which ones are worthy of your time.

    Why?

    First, while there are some cheap and even free conferences, most are expensive.

    So, if you ever plan to attend a retail conference, be sure to set a budget. Consider the lodging, meals, entertainment, and other important expenses.

    You should also ensure the conference you attend is relevant to your industry. After all, you don’t want to spend money on something that won’t provide value.

    Retail conferences are a great way to widen your network, learn new digital marketing strategies, and become a better entrepreneur and business owner.

    At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter whether the conference is a big one or not.  Remember, it’s all about applying what you have learned to your retail marketing strategies.

    If you want to promote your conference and/or business, why not try peer to peer marketing? We’re biased, but hey, it works.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    As a marketer or retailer why should you attend retail technology conferences?

    Attending retail technology conferences is essential for marketers and retailers to stay ahead of the curve. By immersing yourself in the retail tech community at these conferences, you can gain a competitive edge, drive innovation, and position your brand for long-term success in the rapidly changing retail industry.

    How to maximize your next retail conference?

    It's best to do research beforehand and to find the most relevant retail conference for your business. You can take a look at some of their pre or post-conference sessions to give you an idea of the type of conference you’ll be signing up for. Then do yourself a huge favour and check out our list of the best retail conferences for 2024.

    What are the biggest retail conferences?

    These are some of the biggest and most innovative retail conferences available to you and your team: Rakuten Optimism, National Retail Federation, and ShopTalk. To find out more about these conferences, as well as other amazing retail events, take a look at our full article.

    What are the biggest technologies currently impacting retail?

    The most impactful technologies currently in retail are omnichannel and integrated retail platforms, as well as automation and AI-powered solutions.