TDC 2026 announces agenda, key speakers, and closing keynote Richard Ayoade
Metapack and ShipStation have announced the return of The Delivery Conference (TDC) 2026, taking place on 2nd–3rd February at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London.
“TDC 2026 is focused firmly on the future,” says Al Ko, CEO at Auctane, Metapack and ShipStation’s parent company. “As delivery becomes more intelligent, AI and data are fundamental to how retailers scale and compete for customers with increasingly high expectations.”
“This year’s programme explores how predictive intelligence, automation, and real-time decision making are actively reshaping everything from fulfilment and last mile operations to customer promise and profitability. TDC 2026 is designed to empower today’s leading brands to move beyond experimentation and embed intelligence in the areas of their businesses that will lead to tangible impact.”
TDC 2026 opens on 2nd February with customer user groups and a welcome reception, followed by the full-day main conference on 3rd February. The programme features 20+ sessions on technology, sustainability, customer experience, and cross-border delivery, including keynotes, panels, AI driven showcases, and workshops.
The day concludes with a closing party featuring live music and a performance from X Factor winner, Alexandra Burke.
Richard Ayoade
Richard Ayoade will headline TDC’s closing session with his take on the cultural and technological shifts redefining e-commerce, from logistics to AI powered delivery. He will bring his unique blend of wit and insight to unpack what’s next for retailers, carriers, and consumers in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Key speakers and panelists for TDC 2026
Mary Portas – Founder, Portas UK
Arka Dhar – AI Strategist, Google DeepMind
Al Ko – CEO, Auctane
Adam Coventry – Director, SCALA
Andrew Norman – SVP & GM EMEA, Commerce
Andrew Thomson – Director of Partnerships EMEA, Linnworks
Beth Chapman – Managing Director, Starlinks Global
Bob Phibbs – CEO, The Retail Doctor
Chloe Thomas – Podcast Host, eCommerce MasterPlan Podcast
Chris Haighton – Retail Logistics Consultant, Haighton105 Consultants
Dr Daniel Hulme – CEO, Satalia
Emma Clarke – Senior Director of Product Management, Metapack
Ian Jindal – Founder, RetailX
Katie Searles – Contributing Editor, InternetRetailing and DeliveryX
Natalie Berg – Retail Analyst & Host of Retail Disrupted
Oksana Dambrauskaite – Digital Operations Leader, Decathlon UK
Exhibition hall
Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage with 30 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in e-commerce delivery technology.
RTIH AI in Retail Awards
RTIH proudly presents the first edition of its AI in Retail Awards, sponsored by VenHub Global, 3D Cloud and EdTech Innovation Hub.
This is now open for entries. Deadline for submissions is Friday, 5th December. It’s free to enter and you can do so across multiple categories.
Check out categories and entry forms here.
As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.
With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.
Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.
Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 29th January. This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.
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