Retail conferences are major industry events that promote education and growth by bringing together the leading experts in the field. It’s a place where professionals can improve themselves and their businesses in a concentrated environment full of their peers. In contrast, trade shows focus on products and the demonstration of their latest offerings.
Conventions cater to a particular group or membership and are more easily accessible to the general public in many cases. Although trade shows and conventions can offer educational services, it’s not their primary purpose and they lack the depth that conferences provide. It’s a smart choice to attend one, and the top 12 best retail conferences of 2023 are explained here.
Reasons to Attend Retail Conferences
Attending a retail conference is a tremendous experience that entails numerous benefits. As a whole, retail conferences aim to help promote the progression of new solutions to common retail problems while also further streamlining and improving business operations along with retail technology. Whenever you attend a retail conference, expect to partake in these benefits:
- Education: Key players in the industry are in attendance and share invaluable information that’s not only up-to-date but also groundbreaking and innovative. Allow yourself the opportunity to absorb as much information as possible and you’ll be glad you attended the conference.
- Networking: Being surrounded by other professionals from the retail industry will allow for natural connections to spring forth. These connections can lead to lucrative business deals and collaborative efforts that benefit both parties with mutual gains in the retail sector.
- Promotion: Whether you’re an attendee, sponsor, or speaker, you’ll find many opportunities to gain more exposure for your brand and company. Your experience and successes can also position you as an expert and thought leader.
- Discovery: Businesses are able to learn and discover how to improve their performance and profits. This can also come about from participating in workshops, attending speaker panels, and exploration of an expo floor with a small selection of products and services being showcased.
Best Retail Conferences in the World
The National Retail Federation’s Big Show
Date & Location: January 15th – 17th, 2023 in New York City
Website: https://nrfbigshow.nrf.com/
The NRF has over 950 exhibitors and various custom installations put into place for this grand yearly event. Being in New York, visitors will be treated to a big city experience in one of the most defining locations in the USA.
eTail West
Dates & Location: February 27th – March 2nd, 2023 in Palm Springs, CA
Website: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/
Taking place in Palm Springs California, be prepared for some very hot weather with a dose of southern California lifestyle The eTail West conference Their educational content concentrates on retail innovation and building your business.
Shoptalk U.S.
Dates & Location: March 26th – 29th, 2023 in Las Vegas
Website: https://shoptalk.com/us
You’ll want to take a gamble and visit Shoptalk U.S. being held in Las Vegas for a mix of nightlife and invigorating retail industry energy. With all of the social vibes going on here, this is an event that caters to making connections and industry networking.
Retail Technology Show
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Dates & Location: April 26th & 27th, 2023 in Olympia, London
Website: https://www.retailtechnologyshow.com/
There’s no reason not to attend the Retail Technology show because first and foremost, it’s free. But even beyond that, this conference boasts over 10,000 retail professionals, 300+ exhibitors, and 100+ speakers in attendance, with nearly every single one of the UK’s top brands.
World Retail Congress
Dates & Location: April 25th – 27th, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain
Website: https://www.worldretailcongress.com
Beautiful Barcelona Spain is where you’ll be when visiting the World Retail Congress conference. This event heralds a concentration of leaders, founders, and owners from the retail industry making this a great place to influence the future of retail.
Shoptalk Europe
Dates & Location: May 9th -11th, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain
Website: https://shoptalkeurope.com/
Shoptalk Europe provides a great balance between retail tech solutions and business owners looking for ways to transform their business. By concentrating on uniting the retail industry across all of Europe, there’s loads of diverse content here that’s perfect for anyone.
RCC STORE Conference
Dates: May 30th & 31st, 2023 in Toronto, Canada
Website: https://storeconference.ca/
RCC Store is Canada’s most monumental conference for retail industry professionals with plenty of speakers, exhibitors, and network opportunities. Being in Toronto also makes this event a terrific destination for travelers to broaden their horizons.
Retail Innovation Conference & Expo (RICE)
Dates: June 13-15, 2023 in McCormick Place, Chicago
Website: https://retailinnovationconference.com/
Get ready for the Retail Innovation Conference in Chicago, where leading executives gather to push forward new trends and technologies in the world of commerce. This event is home to one of the industry’s most well-balanced and invaluable experiences with a plethora of diverse subject matter that will help elevate everyone who attends.
eTail East
Dates & Location: August 14th – 16th, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts
Website: https://etaileast.wbresearch.com/
The eTail East conference is the perfect counterpart to eTail West and brings more industry enhancements for American businesses through marketing, strategies, and innovation. Attend this event and complete your networking with more of America’s finest.
Retail Insights
Dates & Location: September 25th, 2023 in Copenhagen, Denmark
Website: https://retailinsights.org/denmark/
Focusing on Northern Europe’s retail industry, this conference schedules some of the biggest brand leaders to speak and share invaluable knowledge. But that’s not all, there’s plenty of resources allocated to inspiring business owners and expanding their networks to make this an exceptional experience.
Paris Retail Week
Dates & Location: September 19th – 21st, 2023 in Paris
Website: https://en.parisretailweek.com/
With an emphasis on helping Made in France products, this event still brings an immeasurable amount of value for retail services and omnichannel commerce. This event has it all and provides the perfect excuse to plan a few more days off to spend some quality time in Paris.
FUTR Europe Summit 2023
Dates & Location: May 17th in London, UK
Website: https://futr.today/london/
Partnered with nearly all of the biggest global brands in existence, FUTR Europe Summit is a conference you don’t want to miss. The world’s brightest minds come together here to share and discuss the future of retail, marketing, and commerce on a global scale.
Attending the Best Retail Conferences in 2023
Overall, retail events and conferences offer a unique opportunity for retailers to come together, learn from one another, and build valuable connections. It’s a time to step away from day-to-day operations and focus on the bigger picture and overall business strategies for the retail future.
Retail conferences also serve as inspiring events that can give new ideas and approaches to tackle day-to-day challenges and look to the future.
Ultimately, attending a retail conference is a great way to shake up the day-to-day operations of a retail business while promoting socialization and better business. You’ll be able to socialize, network, and learn more about powerful tools such as retail analytics. Step into the retail future by attending the top 12 best retail conferences of 2023.
