Heading to Retail Technology Show 2026 this week? Then prep for planned London Underground disruption

Retail Technology Show 2026 takes place at ExCeL London this week (22nd-23rd April).

If you’re planning to attend (and if not, why not?), you should note that there is some planned disruption expected on the London Underground. This is due to take place from Tuesday 21st April at midday to Wednesday 22nd April at midday and Thursday 23rd midday to Friday 24th April at midday,

Two underground lines will be shut due to industrial action (Picadilly and Circle), as well as the Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate. Central line services will not run between White City and Liverpool Street.

Other lines that do run will be offering a significantly reduced service.

However, the good news is that the key transport routes serving ExCeL will be fully operational. The Elizabeth Line and Docklands Light Railway are both running as normal. But you would be well advised to add some extra time to your journeys as both of these services will likely be busier than usual.

In an email to exhibitors, RTS 2026 organisers, Nineteen Group, say: “Our advice is simple: please plan your journey ahead of time and allow a little extra travel time where possible. London is always busy, and giving yourself some flexibility will help ensure you arrive smoothly and don’t miss any of the unmissable content, inspiring speakers, innovative exhibitors, and networking opportunities waiting for you at RTS 2026.”

It adds: “We can’t wait to see you at the show and help you make the most of two fantastic days of retail innovation! Safe travels and see you soon!”

RTIH at RTS 2026

Retail Technology Innovation Hub will be out in force at RTS 2026.

You will find us on stand B45, so please feel free to drop by and say hi to Editor and Founder, Scott Thompson, and fellow team members. You will also be able to pick up a free copy of the latest bumper issue of RTIH magazine.

Further details 👉 here

Fantastic five

With just one day to go until Retail Technology Show 2026 takes place, here are five things you won’t want to miss at the leading industry event.

1. Hard hitting headliners - from M&S to Sephora and TALA

RTS’ conference programme will once again provide a platform for retail’s brightest minds to discuss the hottest topics and issues shaping the sector.  125+ industry luminaries - from retail leaders and brand trailblazers to thought leaders, analysts and influencers - will take to the stage across the two days.  

Six tracks - from leadership to loyalty and supply chain to sustainability - will offer wide ranging insight from retail powerhouses, including Fraser Group, Aroma Zone, Morrisons and Currys.

Headline speakers include M&S’ Archie Norman, Sephora UK’s Sarah Boyd, TALA Founder Grace Beverely, Dragon’s Den star Touker Suleyman and the BRC’s Helen Dickinson.

2. Networking at RTS

RTS’ trademark networking opportunities are back for 2026. These will include Retail’s BIG Party, sponsored by PMC, on day one, as well as a host of satellite events, including Sitoo’s networking breakfast, and executive lunches and roundtable sessions from Worldline and Zebra.

New for 2026, WeComm will launch its Future of Retail LIVE Lounge at RTS, giving senior retail leaders exclusive access to the innovations shaping the industry via its “conference within a conference” as part of the show.  Running across both days, the programme will feature interactive workshops, expert insight sessions, and tech tours led by IGD’s Toby Pickard.

3. Focus on social commerce

The changing dynamic of social commerce will be a key focus across the RTS conference programme.

Martin Newman, a keynote speaker, columnist, author, expert, and advisor on customer centric transformation and consumer experience, will lead discussions on the Spark Stage on day one, including a keynote from Christiana Hawes, Senior Director at Warner Bros, outlining how customer experiences will evolve by 2030.

On day two, brand founder and digital broadcaster, Grace Beverley, will headline on the Supernova stage in a fireside chat with Kate Hardcastle exploring how retailers can truly embrace the social and influencer opportunity.

4. Discover immersive physical retail with RTS’ 2026 store tours

Retailers can discover best-in-class bricks and mortar retail during RTS’ dedicated store tour programme, which showcases standout examples of in-store customer experience from across the capital.

Hosted by Ian Scott and sponsored by Zebra and Sitoo, this takes place on 21st April - the day before RTS 2026 - and explores stores where cutting-edge tech, brand-story telling and immersive design intersect.  

5. RTS’ 2026 Innovation Awards

RTS’ Innovation Awards once again celebrate standout solutions from across the expo floor. Handpicked by a judging panel of retail experts, including Andrew Busby, Natalie Berg and Oliver Banks, the shortlist highlights solutions which track ahead of the hype curve.

The winner will be crowned at Retail’s BIG Party on day one.

“We can’t wait to bring the retail community together for what promises to be another unmissable event,” says Matt Bradley, Founder and Event Director at RTS.  “From jam-packed innovation on the show floor to sector-shaping discussions on-stage and networking formats that help retailers making the connections that matter, the countdown to RTS 2026 is well and truly on.”