Retail is experiencing a time of change.
The evolution of AI and its impact on customer expectations and back-end operations is a topic that is top of mind as the industry continues to explore and adopt the technology.
Across the sector, business leaders are crafting strategies around the continued role of stores, loyalty programs, the modern retail workforce, branding and customer acquisition.
These retail trade shows and conferences are opportunities to network, gain industry knowledge and work toward actionable strategies to navigate retail’s rapidly evolving landscape.
Below is a curated selection of 2027's most anticipated retail conferences. Audiences will hear from industry leaders, executives and analysts on innovation and opportunities ahead.
Top retail conferences in 2027
NRF: Retail’s Big Show
Jan. 10-12
New York, New York
Bob Eddy, chairman and CEO of BJ’s Wholesale Club, will deliver the opening keynote address at the 2027 Big Show. Other confirmed speakers include Michael Fiddelke, CEO at Target; Amiee Bayer-Thomas, chief retail officer at Ulta Beauty; Mark Breitard, CEO of Gap brand at Gap Inc.; and Michelle Gass, president and CEO at Levi Strauss & Co. The event is expected to attract over 41,000 retail industry leaders.
ICR Conference
Jan. 11-13
Orlando, Florida
The ICR Conference brings together hundreds of public and private company management teams, investors, analysts, bankers and media, among others.
StorePoint Retail
Jan. 24-27
Nashville, Tennessee
The StorePoint Retail conference’s focus is innovating in-store experiences for big-box and specialty retailers, and connects executives with suppliers.
RILA Retail CEO Forum
Jan. 30-Feb. 2
Palm Beach, Florida
This invitation-only event is for chief executives and is designed for “clarity, connection and candid conversation.” Featured speakers include Kecia Steelman, CEO at Ulta Beauty; Lizanne Kindler, CEO at KnitWell Group; and Melinda Whittington, CEO at La-Z-Boy.
RILA Link: The Retail Supply Chain Conference
Feb. 21-24
Orlando, Florida
The Retail Industry Leaders Association Link conference brings together over 2,000 retailers, grocers, CPGs and product manufacturers and is meant to provide a space for the supply chain community to network and learn. Topics include governing AI decisions in retail supply chains, risk mitigation, cargo crime and delivery speeds.
ETail Palm Springs
Feb. 22-25
Palm Springs, California
This year’s focus at ETail Palm Springs includes how to stay a brand authority, stores as strategic assets, creating content that wins attention and the state of venture capital in e-commerce. Featured speakers include Jason LaRose, CEO at Bombas; Kristin Shane, chief merchandising officer at REI; Kunal Banerjee, senior director of product management, e-commerce at Target; and Scott Lux, vice president of digital commerce at Stanley 1913.
Shoptalk Spring
March 22-24
Las Vegas, Nevada
Shoptalk Spring draws over 10,000 people, with one in three being C-suite members across the retail, consumer brand and tech industries. Featured topics include retail in the age of AI, how executives can create and maintain a culture of innovation, the role of the associate and transforming store operations through emerging tech.
Shoptalk will also host Shoptalk Europe in Barcelona from June 1-3 and Shoptalk Fall in Nashville, Tennessee form Oct. 5-7. More details on those events are to come.
Women in Retail Leadership Summit
April 26-28
Orlando, Florida
This invitation-only event is for women in leadership positions at retailers and brands. Participants will be able to share best practices, discuss industry issues and network.
World Retail Congress
May 10-12
Milan, Italy
Join over 800 attendees from 50 countries to discuss topics including AI, customer experience and future-facing business models.
CommerceNext
June 8-9
New York, New York
With upwards of 2,500 attendees, this conference is designed to help retail decision makers foster peer relationships and come away with tactical insights across marketing, loyalty and conversion, among other topics. Though speakers for 2027 are not yet announced, last year’s speakers included Old Navy and Madewell founder Mickey Drexler.
ETail Boston
August 9-11
Boston, Massachusetts
The ETail community comprises retail decision makers who work across marketing, e-commerce, digital and product functions. Its featured keynote speakers in 2026 included Wayfair Chief Marketing Officer Paul Toms and Target SVP of Technology Brad Thompson.
