Flagging up the best retail technology conferences in the US
Attending retail conferences is an excellent way for professionals to network, learn about emerging trends, and grow their business.
If you are in the retail industry, you may find this structured list of best US retail conferences in 2025 very handy. Each conference section includes location, dates, notable speakers and a brief overview of what to expect from the event in terms of both content and audio visual services.
NRF Retail’s Big Show 2025
Location & Dates
12th-14th January 2025 – Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City
Overview
The NRF Big Show is the world’s largest general retail conference with over 40,000 retail professionals gathering for three days of learning and networking. It features 175+ sessions from AI and digital transformation to customer experience and marketing.
Attendees range from C-level executives to tech entrepreneurs, making it a prime event for gaining broad retail insights. This year’s roster features industry leaders such as John Furner (Walmart) and Tommy Hilfiger.
Key Benefits
○ Networking: Throughout the event you can connect with top retail CEOs and brand leaders who will be showcasing their achievements and experience in omnichannel marketing, merchandising, and more.
○ Business Growth: You can test drive the latest technology and see how it can transform your business.
○ Special Programmes: NRF offers extras like a Startup Hub for new ventures, store tours around NYC to see retail innovation in action, and even an opening night party and concert.
○ Audio-Visual Experience: The Big Show’s keynote stage is legendary: gigantic LED screens, concert-quality sound, and dynamic lighting turn presentations into captivating experiences.
Shoptalk 2025
Location & Dates
25th-27th March 2025 – Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Overview
Shoptalk is a premier event for e-commerce and retail innovation. It brings together more than 10,000+ attendees ranging from established retail brands to startups. The event is known for covering the latest trends in retail technology.
The 2025 agenda covers everything from AI driven tech to the future of retail media and brand marketing. Past Shoptalk speakers have included leaders like Walmart’s Chief Product Officer and Target’s Chief Marketing Officer. A new addition in 2025 is “The New Market” programme connecting media buyers, tech firms, and agencies.
Key Benefits:
○ Content: Shoptalk is all about covering the cutting-edge industry trends. You’ll hear from retail CEOs and innovators about AI-based customer experience enhancement and new marketing strategies.
○ Networking: A standout feature is Shoptalk’s curated one-to-one “Meetup” networking programme, which facilitated over 75,000 15-minute meetings in the past year. Through double opt-in matchmaking, you can schedule personalised meetings with potential partners, clients and investors.
○ Business Growth: Retailers and brands are incentivised to attend with free or discounted passes so you will meet the mix of attendees from small startups to Fortune 500 brands.
○ Audio Visual Excellence: Expect huge screens and theatrical lighting on the main stage, slick video interludes, and live demos during talks.
eTail West 2025
Location & Dates
24th-27th February 2025 – JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort, Palm Springs, California.
Overview
eTail West (a.k.a. eTail Palm Springs) is a long-running conference (since 1999) focused on e-commerce and marketing strategy. It gathers over 2,500 senior e-commerce and digital marketing leaders for four days.
The content is very practical and covers topics like customer loyalty programmes, performance marketing, UX optimisation, unified commerce, and leveraging AI in retail. Past eTail speakers have included the EVP of Walmart, the Head of Digital at H&M, and the CMO of Designer Shoe Warehouse.
Key Benefits
○ Insights: eTail is known for its tactical sessions. Speakers often share real-world results and “how we did it” playbooks that you can take home to your team.
○ Networking: There are workshops and small group discussions tailored for specific roles (e.g. CMOs, heads of CX), as well as social activities.
○ Business Growth: You can meet vendors offering the latest in AI driven analytics, email personalisation, payment solutions, etc. It’s a great opportunity to discover tools and partners to help scale your business.
○ Audio Visual Impact: All presentations and panel discussions are supported by professional AV setups. The result is engaging sessions where technology and marketing concepts are brought to life on stage.
Retail Innovation Conference & Expo
Location & Dates
5th-6th June 2025 – McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois.
Overview
The Retail Innovation Conference & Expo is a leading event for retail technology and innovation, covering how emerging tech can transform retail.
The 2025 conference will focus on modern technologies like AI, robotics, and new marketing strategies. RICE is a bit smaller and more focused than NRF’s Big Show, but it attracts a highly engaged audience and progressive retail brands. Attendees get to directly connect with solution providers and even see robotics and other tech demos up close.
Key Benefits
○ Content: If you’re looking to future-proof your retail business, RICE delivers concentrated insights on what’s next. You’ll gain a roadmap of which technologies are truly making an impact and how to implement them.
○ Hands On Experience: Attendees can explore startups and established tech vendors showcasing things like robotics, smart checkout systems, IoT devices, and more.
○ Business Growth: The event draws professionals ranging from tech savvy retail executives to digital product managers and tech entrepreneurs. You might meet a peer who already implemented a solution you’re considering, or find a partner to pilot a new concept.
○ Audio Visual Highlights: Given its tech focus, RICE makes heavy use of audio visual elements to showcase innovation. Keynotes often incorporate high definition videos of new tech in action, and expo booths use large displays and interactive screens to let attendees experience product interfaces.
CommerceNext Growth Show 2025
Location & Dates
24th-26th June 2025 – New York Hilton Midtown, New York City.
Overview
CommerceNext is a conference squarely focused on retail and e-commerce marketing, specifically customer acquisition and digital growth strategies.
It’s designed for marketing leaders (CMOs, CXOs, digital directors) from retailers and direct-to-consumer brands aiming to scale their business online. In 2025, the Growth Show will cover how to leverage data analytics, AI, and automation to optimise marketing ROI and customer experience.
Key Benefits
○ Content: This conference is all about actionable marketing insights. You’ll learn the latest in SEO/SEM, email and SMS marketing tactics, how to harness TikTok and emerging channels for retail.
○ Networking: CommerceNext brings together a concentrated group of retail marketing professionals. You can swap stories with peers facing similar challenges and brainstorm solutions.
○ Business Growth: Beyond content, you may meet technology providers in areas like martech, analytics, and e-commerce platforms suited to your needs.
○ Audio Visual Engagement: As a modern marketing event, CommerceNext leverages AV to make data and creative examples pop.
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