The new year is just around the corner which means it’s time to plan the new year’s schedule. If you are a retail professional, you know how important it is to attend events and conferences. In this article, we’ve selected some of the best and most important retail events, conferences, and shows that you should attend in 2023.
Before we discuss each event, let’s see how to get the most out of attending retail conferences and shows.
Make the most of retail events in 2023
Going to any professional event, no matter the industry comes with a lot of benefits. However, you need to be prepared and make sure that you make the most of each opportunity. Here are a few pieces of advice on how to get the most out of attending retail events in 2023.
1. Search for events that are relevant to your business
First and foremost, you need to make sure that each event you attend is relevant to you and your business. There are hundreds of retail events and conferences. However, each one targets a different audience. For instance, there are a lot of eCommerce events happening in 2023, but they might not be the best choice for an independent retailer that only sells in-store.
For our list, we’ve selected general retail events that cover a variety of topics, including in-store and online retail marketing. Before booking a ticket, consult the list of speakers and the topics that are going to be covered. Make sure that there are at least 3 presentations or workshops that cover your biggest pain points.
2. Come prepared
While you might think that an event is an opportunity to learn from others, it doesn’t mean that you should come unprepared. It’s always good to have a few promotional materials for your business and some business cards to offer to those who interact with you. Remember, events are the best places to develop business relationships. After all, most of the people who attend these events have the same professional interests as you.
3. Network with other retail professionals
Don’t just attend workshops and presentations. Going to an event revolves more around networking. It is the ideal place to create connections with retail professionals and grow your network. During most events, there are scheduled times for networking which allow you to talk to retailers, brand managers, and other professionals without fearing that you might lose an important presentation.
4. Catch up on the latest innovations and technologies
Apart from networking and attending presentations, you also have the opportunity to catch up on the latest and most disruptive technologies. There are designated areas where vendors can showcase their best digital displays, robotic POP display, or smart checkouts.
Top 10 retail events to attend in 2023
1. NRF 2023 - Retail’s Big Show
When: Opening party: January 14th
Expo and conference: January 15-17, 2023
Where: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City, USA
NRF Retail’s Big Show is, as its name states, one of the biggest and most well-known retail events of the year. Last year’s NRF Retail event gathered over 30.000 retail professionals and vendors.
At this event, you can listen to experts talk about the future of retail, new technology that is crucial for the development of the industry, customer experience, and retail marketing tactics. The NRF 2023 Expo is a gigantic marketplace where you can meet directly with retail decision-makers who are looking to invest in new technology.
2. ASD Market Week
When: February 26 - March 1, 2023
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, USA
ASD Market Week is one of the most comprehensive trade shows. This show is held twice per year so you have the opportunity to go during the Spring or the Summer edition. It’s the biggest trade show in the United States so it comes with many retail innovations that will help you grow your business.
During this edition, you will be able to see products from over 1800 vendors. Also, there will be over 30,000 attendees which means you have a lot of networking opportunities. Also, ASD Market Week provides free seminars on various topics, including visual merchandising, store planning, small business marketing consumer trends, and social media.
3. EuroShop
When: February 26 - March 2, 2023
Where: Düsseldorf, Germany
After the ASD Market Week comes the biggest trade show in Europe, EuroShop. If you can’t make it to the United States, then this trade show is the perfect alternative. This is the best place to find the latest and most innovative retail technologies that will take your business to the next level. Hundreds of international exhibitors are going to showcase their best products.
During the 2023 edition, some of the Hot Topics that are going to be covered include:
- Customer Centricity
- Experience
- Vital city centers
- Connected Retail
- Sustainability
- Smart Store
- Energy Management
PS: Tokinomo will also attend EuroShop 2023.
4. The NGA Show
When: February 26 - 28, 2023
Where: Caesar Forum Convention Center, Las Vegas, USA
The NGA Show is an event dedicated to grocers, as its name implies (National Grocers Agency). It is a must-attend event for those who want to stay up to date with the latest trends and best practices in the grocery industry.
This event is also a great opportunity to network with retail professionals from all over the world. During the 2023 edition, you will be able to attend over 40 educational workshops and sessions which provide valuable insights on industry trends and emerging issues.
5. ShopTalk
When: March 26-29, 2023
Where: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, USA
ShopTalk is another praised retail event that you should put on your calendar. Here you will find the changemakers that are creating the future of retail. This year’s agenda covers the latest technologies, trends, and business models.
Some of the speakers that are going to enrich this conference include Becca Heinz, VP of Best Buy, Deborah Weinswig, Founder and CEO of Coresight Research, and Bill Ready, CEO of Pinterest.
If you can’t make it to this event, you also have the opportunity to attend a ShopTalk event during their Europe conference in Barcelona (9-11 May 2023), or at the virtual meetups ShopTalk Meetup for Women (20-22 June 2023) and ShopTalk Fall Meetup (24-26 October 2023).
6. World Retail Congress
When: April 25-27, 2023
Where: Hotel Arts Barcelona, Spain
The World Retail Congress is a major event that you shouldn’t miss in 2023. This year, the workshops and conferences are going to revolve around these topics:
- Purposeful retail
- Resilient retail
- Transformational retail
- Customer-focused retail
This year, at the World Retail Congress you will be able to listen to Scott Galloway - ‘business rock star’ since he was confirmed as the keynote speaker. Scott Galloway is a serial entrepreneur and bestselling author that will provide amazing insights in his talk.
7. Retail Global Gold Coast - Retail Fest 2023
When: March 28-30, 2023
Where: Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Center, Broadbeach, Australia
We’ve presented a few conferences in the United States and Europe. Now, it’s time to switch continents. The Retail Global Gold Cost Retail Fest is the biggest and most prestigious retail event in Australia. During the 3-day conference and exhibition, you will be able to discover retail innovations and network with retail professionals.
Apart from the 3-day conventional conference, there will also be an Awards evening, Marketplace Meetups, Sponsored Parties, eCommerce workshops, and a Charity Gala. Last year, during the conference you could attend a mini MBA where Martin Newman provided invaluable insights.
8. IRX 2023
When: May 24-25, 2023
Where: NEC, Birmingham, UK
Interested in discovering more eCommerce tactics and opportunities? The IRX 2023 is the perfect event for you. There will be over 3500 industry professionals attending, along with 100+ speakers. During the event, you will be able to attend various practical workshops and network with retail professionals.
Plus, you will see the latest eCommerce solutions from a range of suppliers like MasterCard, Stripe, Huboo, and Adobe.
9. Retail Innovation Conference and Expo
When: June 13-15, 2023
Where: McCormick Place, Chicago, USA
Prepare for an insights-packed conference. During the Retail Innovation Conference and Expo 2023, you will be able to attend 16 workshops as well as live and engaging activations. Also, there will be over 300 exhibitors that will present their innovative technologies and products.
Listen to world-renowned speakers and visit all of the 5 pop-up stages that surround you with inspiration and insight on the latest in payment, CPG, BOPIS, and more.
10. Future Stores
When: June 20-22, 2023
Where: Sheraton, Seattle, USA
Future Stores is the leading retail in-Store innovation conference. At this event, you will learn how retailers are integrating a hybrid approach to their in-store experience by balancing high touch with high tech.
The experienced speakers will provide actionable strategies for using store technology effectively. In past editions, there were a lot of important speakers like Matt Alexander, CEO & Co-Founder of Neighborhood Goods, and John Boline, VP of Store Design at Starbucks.
Attend top retail events in 2023
We’ve presented 10 of the best and most prestigious retail events that you should attend in 2023. Depending on your topics of interest, you should mark your calendar and register for the events that better suit you. If you want to meet Tokinomo, don’t forget that we will attend EuroShop!
