Top 22 eCommerce Events 2026: USA, UK, Europe, Australia & Virtual

Been in eCommerce a while? Then you already know: the industry never hits pause. Platforms change overnight, customer habits flip fast, and what worked last quarter might flop this one.

That's why great events matter. They're not just conferences; they're where you find clarity, new ideas, and real connections. We've sifted through the noise to bring you the 22 eCommerce events that actually matter in 2026.

This guide covers 22 carefully selected events across:

• United States (7 major events)
• United Kingdom (5 key conferences)
• Europe (6 must-attend shows)
• Australia (4 essential events)
• Virtual events (1 global online conference)

And you can access our FULL directory of eCommerce events here.

If your event is missing from our list, we'd love to add it.  Please submit here.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Top eCommerce Events in the USA 2026
• Top eCommerce Events in the UK 2026
• Top eCommerce Events in Europe 2026
• Top eCommerce Events in Australia 2026
• Top Virtual eCommerce Events 2026
• How to Make Conferences Actually Worth It
• FAQ: Your eCommerce Events Questions Answered

Top eCommerce Events in the USA 2026

There are SO MANY eCommerce events in the USA each year, making it challenging to choose between them. We've selected these 7 to give you a mix of topics, locations, and audience types, ensuring all the major eCommerce themes are covered. Whether you're focused on B2B, DTC, retail innovation, or strategic growth, you'll find an event here that matches your priorities.

NRF Retail's Big Show

• Date: January 11-13, 2026
• Location: New York City, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
  Price: Different prices for different audience segments (retailers, solutions providers, speakers get discounted rates)
• More details: NRF Retail's Big Show

NRF is retail's biggest stage and for good reason. With over 40,000 attendees from 99 countries, this is where the global retail industry comes together to set the agenda for the year ahead. The event features a massive startup hub showcasing future powerhouses you'll want to know about before your competitors do, plus 500+ exhibitors demonstrating the latest tech solutions transforming retail.

• Target Audience: Retailers, brand executives, technology providers, investors
• Event Format: Keynote presentations, startup showcases, expo floor, networking sessions

Why we picked it: This event is unmatched for scale, diversity, and influence. Whether you're interested in AI-powered personalization, omnichannel orchestration, or understanding how Gen Alpha is reshaping shopping behaviors, NRF delivers insights from the world's top retail leaders. The 2026 program will spotlight practical AI applications that deliver ROI, not just hype, and deep dives into emerging consumer segments.

Why it's worth attending: If you're looking to benchmark your strategy against global leaders, discover cutting-edge technology before it goes mainstream, or make connections that could define your year, NRF is non-negotiable. The hallway conversations alone are worth the price of admission, and the expo floor shows you exactly where the industry is headed.

Shoptalk Spring

• Date: March 24-27, 2026
• Location: Las Vegas, Mandalay Bay Convention Center
• Price: Early bird pricing available; different rates for brands, retailers, and technology providers
• More details: Shoptalk Spring

If you want honest, focused conversations that cut through the industry noise, Shoptalk Spring is where you'll find them. This isn't your typical conference with back-to-back presentations; Shoptalk's proprietary 1:1 meeting system is designed to get you face time with precisely the right people.

• Target Audience: DTC brands, retailers, technology providers, investors
• Event Format: 1:1 meetings, keynotes, breakout sessions, expo floor 
• Past Speakers/Brands: Leaders from Walmart, Amazon, Target, Shopify, Nike

Why we picked it: Shoptalk has mastered the balance between content and connection. The sessions dig into what's actually working in DTC growth, marketplace optimization, social commerce strategies, and retail media networks. But what really sets this apart is the caliber of attendees, senior decision-makers from the world's leading brands, emerging DTC disruptors, and the technology companies powering the next wave of innovation.

Why it's worth attending: The networking here is unmatched. Over 8,000 attendees, 300+ speakers, and a vendor floor featuring companies that will shape the next decade of commerce. You'll leave with actionable insights on customer acquisition costs, retention strategies, and platform optimization, plus a calendar full of follow-up meetings that often turn into partnerships.

Adobe Summit

• Date: April 19-23, 2026
• Location: Las Vegas, The Venetian
• Price: Different prices for Adobe customers vs. non-customers; early bird discounts available
• More details: Adobe Summit

Yes, Adobe Summit is a vendor event, but don't let that stop you. While Adobe naturally showcases its Experience Cloud platform (including Adobe Commerce/Magento), the real value comes from the incredibly detailed customer case studies, hands-on labs, and tactical workshops.

• Target Audience: Marketers, developers, eCommerce managers, creative teams
• Event Format: Keynotes, hands-on labs, breakout sessions, certification programs

Why we picked it: This event isn't just for Adobe Commerce or Magento merchants, though they'll find deep technical value here. About 40% of the content is directly relevant to eCommerce operations, with sessions on checkout optimization, abandoned cart recovery, customer journey mapping, and omnichannel fulfillment.

Additionally, your creative and marketing teams will benefit enormously from sessions on content velocity, AI-assisted creative production, and campaign orchestration. The labs allow you to get hands-on with tools and techniques you can implement immediately.

Why it's worth attending: You'll walk away with campaigns ready to deploy, integrations mapped out, and optimization tactics tested in real time. Even if you're not an Adobe customer, the strategic frameworks and execution playbooks work across platforms.

Accelerate

• Date: May 20-22, 2026
• Location: Boston, Seaport World Trade Center
• Price: Early bird pricing available; designed for growing brands ($1M-$50M revenue)
• More details: Accelerate

For brands in the $1M–$50M revenue range, Accelerate hits the sweet spot. This isn't about theoretical frameworks; it's about real-world strategies that help you scale from 7 figures to 8 figures and beyond.

• Target Audience: DTC founders, operators, growth marketers
• Event Format: Deep-dive workshops, peer roundtables, case studies
• Past Speakers/Brands: Founders and operators from successful scaling brands

Why we picked it: Accelerate focuses on the core growth pillars that matter most to scaling brands: customer acquisition that's profitable from day one, retention strategies that increase LTV, operational efficiency that doesn't break as you grow, and organizational structure that supports rapid expansion.

The intimate format (capped at around 300 attendees) means you'll actually get to have meaningful conversations with speakers, meet potential hiring targets, and form peer relationships with other founders and operators at similar stages.

Why it's worth attending: No fluff, no filler. Every session gives you tactics you can use in the next 30 days. Whether you're trying to reduce CAC, improve contribution margin, or build a team that can scale with you, Accelerate delivers actionable insights.

B2B Connect

• Date: June 24-26, 2026
• Location: Chicago, Navy Pier
• Price: Different pricing tiers for manufacturers, distributors, and technology providers
• More details: B2B Connect

B2B eCommerce isn't just B2C with bigger order values, and B2B Connect is one of the few events that truly understands this. The complexity of B2B, from contract pricing and quote management to multi-level approval workflows and ERP integration, requires specialized knowledge and purpose-built strategies.

• Target Audience: Manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, B2B technology providers
• Event Format: Workshops, peer discussions, vendor demonstrations, networking sessions

Why we picked it: B2B eCommerce is often overlooked at consumer-focused conferences, but it represents trillions in transaction value. B2B Connect brings together manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and the technology companies serving them to discuss what's actually working. The sessions are refreshingly honest about pain points: catalog complexity, customer portal adoption, sales team enablement, and integration challenges.

Why it's worth attending: If you're in B2B commerce, this is your tribe. The attendees understand your challenges because they're living them too. You'll leave with strategies for self-service adoption, sales team alignment, and creating digital experiences that serve both your newest customers and your 30-year relationships.

eTail Connect West

• Date: September 23-25, 2026
• Location: Palm Desert, CA, JW Marriott Desert Springs
• Price: Premium pricing (director level and above); limited attendance
• More details: eTail Connect West

Small, senior, and strategic. eTail Connect West deliberately caps attendance to ensure quality over quantity. This is designed for directors, VPs, and C-level executives who want in-depth strategic conversations without the chaos of a 5,000-person conference.

• Target Audience: Directors, VPs, C-suite executives in retail and eCommerce
• Event Format: Roundtables, peer-to-peer working sessions, strategic deep dives, curated 1:1 meetings

Why we picked it: The intimate format creates an environment where you can dig deep into the challenges keeping you up at night. The agenda features extended roundtables, peer-to-peer working sessions, and strategic deep dives that simply aren't possible at larger events.

The meeting system pairs you with peers at your level, people who can relate to your challenges and offer meaningful insights. And because attendance is capped at around 200 people, you'll actually get to know attendees over the three days, not just collect business cards.

Why it's worth attending: If you're a director or above, your time is your most valuable resource. eTail Connect West respects that. Every session, every meeting, every conversation is designed for maximum impact. You'll leave with strategic clarity and peer relationships that extend beyond the event.

Shoptalk Fall

• Date: September 29 - October 2, 2026
• Location: Chicago, McCormick Place
• Price: Early bird pricing available; different rates by attendee type
• More details: Shoptalk Fall

Planning season starts here. By late September, most commerce teams are finalizing budgets, setting Q4 priorities, and mapping out a strategy for the following year. Shoptalk Fall is perfectly timed to inform those decisions.

• Target Audience: Retail and brand executives, technology providers, investors
• Event Format: 1:1 meetings, keynotes, breakout sessions, expo floor

Why we picked it: The fall edition of Shoptalk brings a different energy than the spring show. Instead of innovation-focused blue-sky thinking, the fall agenda centers on execution: what's working right now, what trends have staying power, and what you should be planning for in the next 6-12 months.

The 1:1 meeting system remains best-in-class, connecting you with potential partners, technology providers, and peers for focused conversations. And with over 5,000 attendees from retailers, brands, and technology companies, you'll find the right people for your specific needs.

Why it's worth attending: Timing is everything. Attending Shoptalk Fall gives you insights that directly inform your annual planning. You'll return to your team with competitive intelligence, trend analysis, and partnership opportunities that shape your strategy for the year ahead.

Top eCommerce Events in the UK 2026

The UK eCommerce scene punches above its weight, with events that blend European sophistication with practical, ROI-focused content. We've selected these 5 events because they offer the best mix of strategic insight, tactical execution, and genuine networking opportunities in the British market.

Drapers Conscious Fashion Summit and Awards 2026

• Date: March 11-12, 2026
• Location: London, Magazine London
• Price: Conference tickets and awards ceremony tickets sold separately; early bird discounts available
• More details: Drapers Conscious Fashion Summit Awards

Drapers is the center of all fashion industry news in the UK, the publication that every fashion retailer, brand, and supplier reads religiously. Their Conscious Fashion Summit and Awards have become the go-to gathering for fashion industry leaders committed to genuine progress in conscious fashion practices, not just greenwashing.

• Target Audience: Fashion retailers, conscious fashion brands, suppliers, and sustainability officers
• Event Format: Conference sessions, awards ceremony, networking reception

Why we picked it: For fashion brands serious about conscious practices, this event cuts through the noise with refreshingly honest discussions about what works, what doesn't, and what actually delivers ROI. The summit features case studies from brands that share real numbers on responsible material sourcing, circular business models, and consumer communication strategies.

The Awards ceremony in the evening celebrates genuine achievement in conscious fashion, offering both inspiration and competitive intelligence. You'll see which brands are leading in materials innovation, transparency, and supply chain transformation.

Why it's worth attending: Conscious fashion is no longer optional for fashion brands—consumers demand it, regulations increasingly require it, and your supply chain is likely already feeling pressure to adapt. This event gives you ROI-focused strategies, not just feel-good panels. You'll leave with supplier contacts, material innovations, and communications strategies you can use right away.

The Retail Technology Show

• Date: April 22-23, 2026
• Location: London, Olympia London
• Price: Free for retailers; paid for solution providers
• More details: Retail Technology Show

The Retail Technology Show is RETAIL-focused, not purely eCommerce-focused. This event is particularly valuable if you're selling via physical stores or planning an omnichannel strategy, but less relevant if you're purely digital.

• Target Audience: Retailers with physical stores, omnichannel operators, retail technology providers
• Event Format: Keynotes, startup pavilion, expo floor, technology demonstrations

Why we picked it: The startup pavilion alone makes it worth the trip, you'll get early access to tools and technology your competitors will be using in 18-24 months. The show focuses heavily on in-store technology, omnichannel experience, and the infrastructure that connects digital and physical retail.

Here's something that makes this event memorable: they go big on theming. Last year's "Fairground" theme included a full-size merry-go-round on the show floor! This year's theme is "Disco", we're waiting to see what they create, but expect something visually spectacular that makes the event fun and memorable while still delivering serious business value.

Why it's worth attending: If you operate physical stores, plan to open new ones, or want to understand how omnichannel leaders are bridging the digital and physical experiences, this event delivers cutting-edge insights. The vendor floor is tech-forward and future-focused, showing you where retail innovation is headed.

Pulse Vervaunt Summit UK

• Date: May 13-14, 2026
• Location: London, The Brewery
• Price: Premium pricing; limited capacity event
• More details: Pulse Vervaunt Summit

At the time of writing, not much has been revealed about the 2026 agenda, but this was THE most talked-about event in UK eCommerce last year, so expectations are sky-high.

• Target Audience: Performance marketers, brand marketers, and eCommerce operators
• Event Format: Tactical sessions, case studies, networking

Why we picked it: This summit bridges performance marketing with brand building, a tension every modern commerce brand wrestles with. The speakers are practitioners running marketing for actual brands, not consultants theorizing about best practices. You'll hear real numbers, honest failures, and tactical strategies from people in the trenches.

The intimate format (typically under 500 attendees) means you can actually engage with speakers and form relationships with peers facing similar challenges.

We're also watching to see if they announce a New York edition again in 2026, expanding their reach to US audiences.

Why it's worth attending: If you run marketing for a commerce brand and you're tired of the same regurgitated "best practices" at other events, Pulse Vervaunt delivers fresh perspectives. Last year's attendees consistently rated it as the highest-value event they attended.

IRX

• Date: May 19-20, 2026
• Location: Birmingham, NEC Birmingham
• Price: Free for retailers and brands; paid for solution providers
• More details: IRX
• Note: This year, it's just IRX—eDX is no longer co-located.
• Target Audience: Online retailers, brands, and eCommerce technology providers
• Event Format: Keynotes, workshops, expo floor, networking sessions

Why we picked it: Quieter than the eCommerce Expo in the autumn, IRX is the UK's big eCommerce-focused gathering in the spring. This timing is perfect for evaluating new technology and partnerships before the crucial H2 planning period.

IRX covers the core pillars of eCommerce operations: platform technology, logistics and fulfillment, payment solutions, marketing and customer acquisition, and customer experience optimization. The content is practical and implementation-focused.

Why it's worth attending: The vendor floor at IRX gives you a full picture of the UK eCommerce technology scene. In a single day, you can evaluate multiple platforms, fulfillment providers, payment processors, and marketing technology vendors. Because attendance is free for retailers and brands, this is an efficient way to educate your team on emerging technology without a big budget.

eCommerce Expo

• Date: September 23-24, 2026
• Location: London, ExCeL London
• Price: Free for brands and retailers; paid for solution providers and agencies
• More details: eCommerce Expo

This is the UK's biggest eCommerce event of the year, and it's not even close. With over 10,000 attendees, 300+ exhibitors, and content spanning every aspect of digital commerce, eCommerce Expo delivers scale that's hard to match.

• Target Audience: eCommerce managers, digital marketers, technology providers, agencies
• Event Format: Keynotes, workshops, expo floor, networking zones
• Past Speakers/Brands: Leaders from ASOS, John Lewis, Boohoo, and major UK retailers

Why we picked it: Free doesn't mean basic. The content here genuinely rivals paid events, with keynotes from eCommerce directors at major UK retailers, case studies from scaling DTC brands, and tactical workshops on everything from SEO to social commerce. The exhibitor floor is surprisingly helpful, not just booths pushing sales pitches, but genuine technology demonstrations and consultative conversations.

Why it's worth attending: The scale alone makes this worthwhile. Where else can you see demonstrations from every major eCommerce platform, compare logistics providers side-by-side, and hear case studies from 50+ brands in two days? September timing is ideal, you're finalizing Q4 readiness while also beginning to think about next year's strategy. And because it's free for brands and retailers, you can bring your entire team without blowing your conference budget.

Top eCommerce Events in Europe 2026

Europe's eCommerce scene is diverse, sophisticated, and fast-moving. We've selected these 6 events to give you exposure to different markets, emerging trends, and the cross-border strategies that define European digital commerce.

Savant Berlin

• Date: January 22-23, 2026
• Location: Berlin, Estrel Congress Center
• Price: Different pricing tiers for brands, retailers, and solution providers
• More details: Savant Berlin

Savant runs multiple events throughout the year across different European cities, so we could have picked any of them. We've zeroed in on the Berlin edition because it's a brilliant way to kick off the year, setting your strategy and priorities while the calendar is still fresh.

• Target Audience: European eCommerce operators, cross-border sellers, technology providers
• Event Format: Keynotes, workshops, networking sessions, intimate dinners

Why we picked it: Eastern Europe is exploding with eCommerce opportunities, growing faster than Western markets. Savant Berlin captures this energy with an audience that spans established Western European retailers and emerging Eastern European brands and technology companies.

The event is deliberately smaller and more personal than mega-conferences, which creates space for honest conversations. The after-hours networking is just as valuable as the formal sessions, with informal dinners and drinks where genuine relationships form and partnerships begin.

Why it's worth attending: If you're exploring Eastern European markets or want to understand where European eCommerce is headed, Savant offers insights you won't find elsewhere. The January timing means you can fold learnings directly into annual planning.

eCommerce Berlin Expo

• Date: February 17-18, 2026
• Location: Berlin, Station Berlin
• Price: Free for retailers and brands; paid for solution providers
• More details: eCommerce Berlin Expo

Germany's largest eCommerce event. It's focused, fast-paced, and efficient, which anyone who's done business in Germany will tell you is exactly what you'd expect.

• Target Audience: German market operators, cross-border sellers, and eCommerce technology providers
• Event Format: Keynotes, workshops, expo floor, networking sessions

Why we picked it: The German market is Europe's largest eCommerce market and one of the most sophisticated globally. eCommerce Berlin brings together the companies that have mastered the German market with those trying to enter or grow there. The content is robust on Amazon strategy and marketplace optimization, critical for success in Germany.

Why it's worth attending: If Germany is, or could be, a big market for your business, this event offers market-specific insights you can't find at pan-European conferences. The free admission for retailers and brands makes it easy to bring team members who need German market education.

Innovation in Retail

• Date: March 26-27, 2026
• Location: Amsterdam, RAI Amsterdam
• Price: Different pricing tiers; early bird discounts available
• More details: Innovation in Retail

Amsterdam brings creative edge and experimental thinking to everything it does, and Innovation in Retail reflects that spirit. This event focuses on what's next, not just incremental improvements, but breakthrough innovations that could reshape retail and commerce.

• Target Audience: Innovation leaders, retail strategists, forward-thinking brands
• Event Format: Keynotes, innovation showcases, workshops, networking sessions

Why we picked it: The Netherlands is a testing ground for retail innovation, brands launch pilots here before rolling out across Europe. Innovation in Retail brings together the companies driving that experimentation with retailers eager to adopt what works. Expect bold ideas, cross-industry insights, and standout sessions on emerging verticals.

Why it's worth attending: If you're tasked with innovation or digital transformation at your company, this event will expand your thinking about what's possible. You'll see case studies from Dutch retailers who've successfully rolled out advanced personalization, conversational commerce, and circular business models.

eTail Benelux Connect

• Date: March 31 - April 1, 2026
• Location: Brussels, Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place
• Price: Premium pricing; limited capacity
• More details: eTail Benelux Connect

Tailored specifically to Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, this event goes deep into regional eCommerce challenges and opportunities that are often overlooked at larger European conferences.

• Target Audience: Benelux market operators, regional eCommerce leaders
• Event Format: Roundtables, strategic sessions, curated networking

Why we picked it: The Benelux region is a unique three-country region with distinct languages and consumer behaviors, yet a highly connected logistics and commerce infrastructure. Successfully operating in Benelux requires understanding these nuances, and eTail Benelux Connect brings together the operators who've figured it out.

The tight crowd (typically under 250 attendees) means you'll engage deeply with peers rather than collecting business cards from strangers.

Why it's worth attending: If you operate or plan to enter the Benelux market, this event offers concentrated, actionable insights you won't find elsewhere. The intimate format creates space for honest conversations about what's working and what's not.

SCORE

• Date: May 20-21, 2026
• Location: Stockholm, Waterfront Congress Center
• Price: Different pricing tiers; group discounts available
• More details: SCORE

SCORE looks like the future. The Nordics lead Europe (and often the world) in sustainability, digital adoption, and social innovation. SCORE reflects that leadership with forward-thinking content on live shopping, social commerce, and sustainable technology.

• Target Audience: Forward-thinking eCommerce operators, sustainability-focused brands
• Event Format: Keynotes, workshops, live shopping demonstrations, and networking

Why we picked it: If you want to see what's next before it's mainstream, SCORE is where you'll find it. Nordic brands were early adopters of mobile commerce, conversational commerce, and sustainability-first business models, and they're now leading in areas like live shopping and social commerce integration.

Why it's worth attending: The content is ahead of the curve, you'll leave thinking about opportunities you hadn't considered and trends you should start preparing for. The Nordic approach to sustainability is particularly valuable, offering practical frameworks for reducing environmental impact while maintaining profitability.

Shoptalk Europe

• Date: June 9-11, 2026
• Location: Barcelona, Fira Barcelona
• Price: Early bird pricing available; different rates by attendee type
• More details: Shoptalk Europe

Like its U.S. sibling, but with more fashion, craft, and, yes, sangria. Shoptalk Europe brings the proven 1:1 meeting format and high-quality content to Barcelona, with a distinctly European flavor.

• Target Audience: European retailers, brands, technology providers, investors
• Event Format: 1:1 meetings, keynotes, breakout sessions, expo floor
• Past Speakers/Brands: Leaders from Zalando, ASOS, H&M, and major European retailers

Why we picked it: European eCommerce differs from the U.S. in essential ways, more fragmented markets, complex cross-border regulations, different consumer behaviors, and a stronger emphasis on sustainability and privacy. Shoptalk Europe addresses these regional specifics while keeping the same commitment to quality content and strategic networking.

The sessions are powerful on cross-border strategies and on how to expand efficiently across European markets.

Why it's worth attending: The 1:1 meeting system remains best-in-class, connecting you with the exact people you need for your business. Over 4,000 attendees from across Europe and around the world create high networking density. Barcelona in June is spectacular, perfect weather, beautiful beaches, and incredible food.

Top eCommerce Events in Australia 2026

There aren't many eCommerce events in Australia compared to the U.S. or Europe, but if you're operating in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, these are must-attend gatherings. And if you're planning on visiting Australia, it's well worth scheduling your trip around one of them.

Retail Fest Aus

• Date: May 5-6, 2026
• Location: Sydney, ICC Sydney
• Price: Different pricing tiers for retailers, brands, and solution providers; early bird discounts available
• More details: Retail Fest Aus

Focused on the real-world complexity of selling across Asia-Pacific (APAC). Australia's position as a gateway to Asia-Pacific markets makes it an ideal location for understanding the region's unique opportunities and challenges.

• Target Audience: APAC retailers, cross-border sellers, regional technology providers
• Event Format: Keynotes, workshops, networking sessions, expo floor

Why we picked it: The Asia-Pacific region presents distinct challenges that don't exist in Western markets, vast geographic distances, diverse languages and cultures, complex logistics infrastructure, and rapidly evolving digital ecosystems. Retail Fest Aus brings together operators who've successfully tackled these challenges.

Why it's worth attending: If you operate in or plan to enter Asia-Pacific markets, this event offers concentrated regional expertise. You'll meet logistics providers who understand APAC complexity, payment processors who handle multiple currencies, and platform specialists who know which technologies work across different markets.

Online Retailer Sydney

• Date: July 22-23, 2026
• Location: Sydney, Royal Randwick Racecourse
• Price: Different pricing tiers; early bird and group discounts available
• More details: Online Retailer Sydney

The Southern Hemisphere's biggest eCommerce show. Online Retailer has been the anchor event for Australian eCommerce for over a decade.

• Target Audience: Australian online retailers, eCommerce operators, technology providers
• Event Format: Keynotes, workshops, expo floor, awards ceremony
• Past Speakers/Brands: Leaders from major Australian retailers and successful online brands

Why we picked it: This event covers all aspects of eCommerce operations with a particular strength in logistics and fulfillment, which is absolutely critical for Australian businesses serving a continent where thousands of kilometers separate major population centers.

Why it's worth attending: The vendor floor provides a comprehensive view of the Australian eCommerce technology landscape. The sessions on logistics optimization, managing fulfillment across Australia's vast geography, and international shipping strategies are consistently rated as the most valuable by attendees.

eTail Australia

• Date: September 22-24, 2026
• Location: Melbourne, Crown Conference Center
• Price: Different pricing tiers for the conference
• More details: eTail Australia

eTail Australia offers a traditional conference experience with keynotes, breakout sessions, and a vendor floor focused on retail strategy, omnichannel experience, and customer data platforms.

• Target Audience: Retail executives, eCommerce leaders, technology providers
• Event Format: Keynotes, breakout sessions, expo floor, networking reception

Why we picked it: The conference covers retail strategy, omnichannel experience, and customer data platforms in detail. This is where Australian retail leaders come together to discuss the future of commerce in the region.

Why it's worth attending: Use the conference to educate your team on industry trends and hear from leading Australian and international retailers. Plus, Melbourne's coffee culture is world-renowned, an added bonus for caffeine enthusiasts.

eTail Connect Australia

• Date: September 22-24, 2026
• Location: Melbourne, Crown Conference Center
• Price: Premium pricing; limited capacity for senior executives
• More details: eTail Connect Australia

eTail Connect Australia provides intimate, senior-level roundtables and strategic discussions, a more exclusive format designed for directors and above.

• Target Audience: Directors, VPs, C-suite executives
• Event Format: Intimate roundtables, strategic working sessions, curated 1:1 meetings

Why we picked it: The dual format with eTail Australia is genuinely valuable. While the main conference covers breadth, eTail Connect brings together senior executives for smaller, more strategic discussions where you can dig deep on challenges with peers at your level.

Why it's worth attending: The combination of formats means you get both breadth and depth. The intimate Connect format creates space for honest, strategic conversations that aren't possible in larger conference settings.

Top Virtual eCommerce Events 2026

Virtual events may not replace the energy of in-person conferences, but the best ones deliver real value without the travel costs and time away from the office. Here are the virtual experiences worth adding to your calendar in 2026:

eCommerce Explored Webinar Series

• Dates: We run a webinar most months - see the website to sign up for the next one! (or catch a replay)
• Location: Online
• Price: Free
• More details: eCommerce Explored

Stay sharp without leaving your desk. eCommerce Explored delivers monthly webinars packed with actionable strategies, expert insights, and real-world tactics from practitioners who've been in your shoes. Whether you're scaling your first brand or optimizing a mature operation, these sessions cut through the noise to give you what actually works. Join eCommerce Explored to learn, grow, and thrive, as we keep you ahead in the ever-evolving world of eCommerce.

Retail ROAR

• Date: March 19-20, 2026
• Location: Online (global time zones accommodated)
• Price: Free registration; premium content packages available
• More details: Retail ROAR

Short, sharp sessions. Global perspective. All the upside of a great event without the TSA line. And yes, you can watch in sweats.

• Target Audience: Global eCommerce professionals, remote teams
• Event Format: 20-30 minute sessions, live Q&A, virtual networking rooms

Why we picked it: Retail ROAR has mastered the virtual event format. Sessions are 20-30 minutes, speakers get right to the point, and the platform enables real-time Q&A and networking. The global perspective is genuinely valuable, with speakers and attendees from every continent sharing insights you won't hear at regional conferences.

Why it's worth attending: Zero travel time, zero travel cost, and no jet lag, but you still get quality content and networking opportunities. You can attend sessions across multiple days without blocking your entire calendar. The recorded sessions remain available after the event, so you can catch what you missed.

How to Make Conferences Actually Worth It

• Before: Book meetings early. Everyone says it. Few do it. Be the one who does. Most major events open their meeting platforms 4-6 weeks in advance, jump on them. The best people get booked fast.
• During: Skip sessions you can stream later. Prioritize hallway conversations and vendor meetings. Five meaningful talks beat fifty business cards.
• After: Follow up fast, within 48 hours. Everyone gets busy when they return to the office, so speed matters. One good connection can pay for your ticket: a vendor partnership, a hire, or an insight that unlocks a challenge.

FAQ: Your eCommerce Events Questions Answered

How do I choose which eCommerce events to attend?

Start with your objectives. Are you looking for technology solutions, networking with peers, learning about specific topics, or recruiting talent? Match your goals to the event's strengths. Most professionals find value in attending 2-4 major events per year, supplemented by regional meetups and virtual events.

Are virtual eCommerce events worth attending?

The best virtual events deliver genuine value through focused content and practical networking tools, all without travel costs. Virtual events work particularly well for staying current on trends without travel budgets and accessing global perspectives. However, in-person events still deliver deeper networking opportunities and more memorable connections.

What's the typical cost to attend eCommerce conferences?

Costs vary widely by event. Free events (such as eCommerce Expo, eCommerce Berlin Expo, and IRX) cost retailers and brands nothing. Mid-tier events typically range from $500 to $1,500. Premium events can cost $2,000-$5,000+. Don't forget to factor in travel, hotel, and meals. The total cost for a major conference typically runs $2,000-$5,000 per attendee when everything is included.

Should I attend eCommerce events outside my region?

It depends on your goals. Attend events outside your region if you're expanding into that market and need local insights, or if you want to understand how other regions are solving similar challenges. European brands often find value in U.S. events and vice versa, particularly at the large tentpole conferences like NRF, Shoptalk, and Adobe Summit.

How can I justify attending a conference to my boss?

Frame it as an investment, not an expense. Set clear objectives before the event, what partnerships, knowledge, or connections do you need? After attending, document ROI: vendor savings, partnership opportunities, and tactical insights you used. Share learnings with the team through a presentation or written summary. Even one major outcome typically justifies the cost multiple times over.

Final Thought

These events aren't just calendar fillers, they're catalysts. One innovative vendor partnership, one incredible hire, one bold idea from a peer can unlock the next level for your business.

Want more? Explore our full event directory for even more eCommerce gatherings around the world, or submit an event we should know about for future updates.

See you out there.

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