As the retail sector continues to transform, key trade shows in 2027 offer a wealth of opportunities for networking and gaining industry insights. These events will tackle innovations in AI, customer engagement, and operational efficiencies, aiming to equip retail professionals with strategies to adapt in a rapidly evolving market.
Must-Attend Retail Events in 2027
NRF: Retail’s Big Show
Date: January 10-12
Location: New York, New York
Renowned as a major event, the 2027 Big Show will feature a keynote by Bob Eddy, chairman and CEO of BJ’s Wholesale Club. Other influential speakers lined up include CEOs Michael Fiddelke (Target), Amiee Bayer-Thomas (Ulta Beauty), Mark Breitard (Gap brand), and Michelle Gass (Levi Strauss & Co.). The event is poised to draw over 41,000 leaders from the retail industry.
ICR Conference
Date: January 11-13
Location: Orlando, Florida
The ICR Conference is a gathering for management teams from various public and private companies, alongside investors, analysts, and media professionals.
StorePoint Retail
Date: January 24-27
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
With a focus on enhancing in-store experiences, StorePoint Retail connects retailers and suppliers, specifically catering to both big-box and specialty retailers.
RILA Retail CEO Forum
Date: January 30-February 2
Location: Palm Beach, Florida
Exclusively for chief executives, this event will emphasise on “clarity, connection, and candid conversation”. Featured speakers include Ulta Beauty’s Kecia Steelman, Lizanne Kindler of KnitWell Group, and La-Z-Boy’s Melinda Whittington.
RILA Link: The Retail Supply Chain Conference
Date: February 21-24
Location: Orlando, Florida
Focusing on the retail supply chain, this conference will host over 2,000 participants from diverse sectors. Topics include AI governance in supply chains, risk mitigation, cargo crime, and enhancing delivery speeds.
ETail Palm Springs
Date: February 22-25
Location: Palm Springs, California
This conference will cover brand authority, strategic store use, and venture capital in e-commerce, featuring speakers like Bombas CEO Jason LaRose, REI’s Kristin Shane, Kunal Banerjee of Target, and Scott Lux from Stanley 1913.
Shoptalk Spring
Date: March 22-24
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Hosting more than 10,000 participants, this event will explore AI’s role in retail, innovation cultures, and tech-driven store transformations. Shoptalk also plans to hold events in Barcelona (June 1-3) and Nashville (October 5-7).
Women in Retail Leadership Summit
Date: April 26-28
Location: Orlando, Florida
Exclusively for women leaders in the retail sphere, this summit will focus on best practices and industry issues, fostering networking opportunities.
World Retail Congress
Date: May 10-12
Location: Milan, Italy
Expected to gather 800 participants from 50 countries, the forum will discuss AI, customer experience, and forward-thinking business models.
CommerceNext
Date: June 8-9
Location: New York, New York
This event, attended by more than 2,500 industry executives, focuses on marketing, loyalty, and conversion strategies, building on last year’s renowned speakers like Mickey Drexler.
ETail Boston
Date: August 9-11
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
ETail Boston attracts retail leaders focused on marketing, e-commerce, and technology, following keynote contributions from leaders such as Wayfair’s Paul Toms and Target’s Brad Thompson.
Reporting based on coverage first published by retaildive.com.