Celebrating innovation: Retail Technology Show bags Best UK Tradeshow gong at AEO Excellence Awards
Retail Technology Show (RTS) has been awarded the Best UK Tradeshow (Between 4,001-8,000sqm) gong at the AEO (Association of Event Organisers) Excellence Awards.
“From undesirables to undeniables. Six years ago I was told that a show for retail had no future. I disagreed. Thankfully Peter Jones and Alison Jackson of Nineteen Group believed in our vision and now RTS has been voted the best show in the UK,” says Matt Bradley, Director and Founder at RTS.
“When we launched the event in 2021, the vision was simple: to create the home of retail innovation, bringing together retailers, brands, technology providers, and industry leaders to shape the future of the sector,” says Lee Allen, Head of Marketing at RTS. “Having been part of the journey from day one, this award means a lot. What started as an ambitious idea has grown into a award winning, market leading event, and to see that recognised by the AEO just five years later is incredibly rewarding.”
He adds: “A huge thank you to the wonderful and dedicated team I work with, all exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, partners, and visitors. This achievement belongs to all of you. Roll on RTS 2027.”
You can view the full list of winners here.
RTS 2027 will take place from 21st-22nd April at London Excel.
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
The future of retail will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
