As the retail industry continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, staying ahead of trends has never been more crucial.
The upcoming year offers a lineup of conferences and events where retail's brightest minds will gather to address the industry's most pressing challenges. Retail leaders will share their thoughts on AI, consumer behavior, loyalty programs and technology.
These gatherings represent opportunities to explore strategies that are reshaping the customer experiences across the retail landscape. Beyond the keynotes and panels, you'll find specialized tracks tailored to executive leadership, which provide actionable frameworks for navigating retail's rapidly changing terrain.
The highlighted retail conferences also offer networking opportunities with fellow retail leaders who face similar challenges. The connections formed and understanding gained at these events can prove transformative for organizations seeking to maintain a competitive advantage.
Below you will find a carefully curated selection of 2026's most impactful retail conferences that promise to deliver insights for retail’s leaders.
Top retail conferences in 2026
NRF: Retail’s Big Show
Jan. 11-13
New York, New York
Fanatics founder and CEO Michael Rubin will deliver the opening keynote address at this year’s Big Show. Other confirmed retail speakers include BJ’s Wholesale Club CEO Bob Eddy, Ulta Beauty CEO Kecia Steelman, Saks Global CEO Marc Metrick and Away CEO Jessica Schinazi.
The event, which is held over three days, is expected to attract over 5,000 brands and nearly 40,000 attendees from 100 countries.
ICR Conference
Jan. 12-14
Orlando, Florida
The ICR Conference brings together hundreds of public and private company management teams, investors, analysts, bankers and media, among others, to better understand consumer trends. Panels include topics such as M&A, IPO Bootcamp and ESG & shareholder activism.
RILA Retail CEO Forum
Jan. 24-27
Ojai, California
This invitation-only event is for chief executives and is designed for “clarity, connection and candid conversation.” Featured speakers include Best Buy CEO Corie Barry, Wayfair co-founder and CEO Niraj Shah and Signet Jewelers CEO J.K. Symancyk.
ETail
Feb. 23-26
Palm Desert, California
This year’s focus at ETail includes loyalty, search, the customer journey and AI. Tracks include data and personalization, customer retention, brand and community, and customer acquisition.
Speakers include ThriftBooks CEO Ken Goldstein, QVC Group Chief Business Development Officer Brian Beitler and Target’s senior director of product management and e-Commerce, Kunal Banerjee.
Shoptalk Spring
March 24-26
Las Vegas
TBD
Details regarding the event have not yet been released, but past topics have included the future of retail media, embracing welcoming retail experiences and maximizing shopper value.
World Retail Congress
April 27-29
Berlin, Germany
World Retail Congress has developed an agenda with senior retail leaders in mind. The theme this year is “Retail’s Roadmap to 2030: Winning Customers Today. Securing the Future.”
Shoptalk Europe
June 9-11
Barcelona, Spain
Details have not yet been released, but past conference topics have included understanding the changing consumer landscape, maximizing the value of retail media, reimagining the role of the physical store and emerging technologies.
ETail Boston
Aug. 10-12
Boston, Massachusetts
Details have not yet been released, but past conference speakers have included Carolyn Pollock, former chief marketing officer at Tailored Brands; Melissa Worth, senior vice president of the Americas at New Balance; Matt Trainor, senior vice president of creative at Lands’ End; and Jon Blotner, president of commercial and operations at Wayfair.
