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Something is happening in Australian retail that the rest of the world is starting to notice. With eCommerce penetration among the highest in Asia-Pacific, a population that embraces digital-first shopping, and homegrown brands punching well above their weight on the global stage, Australia has become more than just a market. It's a testing ground for what works.
The Australian consumer is sophisticated, connected, and increasingly demanding. They expect seamless omnichannel experiences, fast delivery, and brands that stand for something. Meeting those expectations has turned Australian retailers into some of the most innovative operators in the Southern Hemisphere. And the events calendar reflects that ambition.
For APAC retail professionals, Australia offers a unique proposition: a mature English-speaking market with strong regulatory frameworks, genuine peer-level learning opportunities, and access to operators who've figured out how to compete against both local giants and global platforms. Whether you're scaling into ANZ, benchmarking against regional leaders, or simply looking for fresh thinking on challenges that transcend borders, these five events deserve serious consideration.
ARA x NRA Leaders Forum
Date: February 25-26, 2026
Location: ICC Sydney
Price: Paid event with various pass options
More details: ARA Leaders Forum
The ARA x NRA Leaders Forum kicks off Australia's retail calendar with the most influential gathering of senior executives the country has to offer. This isn't a conference for the masses. It's where Australia's retail strategy gets set for the year ahead.
We picked the Leaders Forum as a top Australian eCommerce conference 2026 because of what's happening behind the scenes. The 2026 edition marks the first Forum following the merger of the Australian Retailers Association and National Retail Association into the newly formed Australian Retail Council. That merger creates a unified voice for Australia's $444 billion retail sector, and this event is where that voice finds its direction.
The two-day program spans eight content tracks covering the challenges keeping retail leaders up at night: AI implementation that actually delivers ROI, workforce evolution in a tight labour market, sustainability mandates that are becoming non-negotiable, and the perpetual challenge of meeting rising customer expectations while managing costs. The format balances keynotes from global futurists and retail economists with intimate fireside chats featuring CEOs from Australia's leading brands.
Here's who should definitely go: If you're a C-suite executive, retail strategist, or policymaker who needs to understand where Australian retail is headed, and who's driving that direction, this is where those conversations happen. The networking opportunities extend beyond formal sessions into activation spaces, exhibitor showcases, and an evening cocktail reception where genuine relationships form. Expect 400+ senior leaders, which means the person next to you at coffee probably runs something significant.
iMedia Retail Summit Australia
Date: April 22-24, 2026
Location: Sheraton Grand Mirage, Gold Coast
Price: Invitation-only (complimentary for qualified retail decision-makers; paid for solution providers)
More details: iMedia Retail Summit Australia
Some events try to be everything to everyone. iMedia Retail Summit takes the opposite approach: 200 senior retail executives meeting 200 carefully vetted solution providers over two and a half days of structured, purposeful conversations. No wandering expo floors. No generic presentations. Every meeting is pre-scheduled based on actual business needs.
We picked the iMedia Retail Summit as a must-attend among Australian retail trade shows in 2026 because of how it respects everyone's time. Before you arrive, the iMedia team matches you with relevant partners based on your technology investments, current challenges, and strategic priorities. The result? Conversations that matter from the first handshake.
The setting helps too. The Sheraton Grand Mirage sits on the Gold Coast beachfront at Surfers Paradise, creating the kind of relaxed environment where business relationships evolve into genuine partnerships. Keynotes and interactive panels punctuate the meeting schedule, but the real value lies in the depth of conversation the format enables.
Here's the deal for qualified retail decision-makers: your attendance is complimentary. Accommodation at premium hotels, meals, and access to networking events are all covered. If your company policy restricts such invitations, alternative invoicing arrangements can be made. For solution providers, this is a paid opportunity, but the pre-qualification means every meeting is with someone who actually has budget and authority. The advisory board includes executives from Australia's most respected retail and eCommerce brands, which tells you something about who else will be in the room.
Retail Fest AUS
Date: May 5-7, 2026
Location: Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, Broadbeach
Price: Paid tickets with various pass options
More details: Retail Fest AUS
Retail Fest doesn't try to be your average retail conference, and they're proud of that. Where other events lean corporate, Retail Fest leans community. The result is three high-energy days that feel more like a festival than a formal industry gathering, complete with an epic closing concert featuring headline acts.
We picked Retail Fest as a top eCommerce event Australia 2026 because it represents how Australian operators actually learn: through peer-to-peer exchange, honest conversations about what's working (and what isn't), and practical workshops led by founders who've been in the trenches. The programming includes three-hour masterclass sessions where operators share the actual tactics driving their businesses, not sanitised case studies but real numbers and real challenges.
The expo floor hosts 100+ exhibitors, and the hosted retailer meeting program adds another layer of value. Qualified retailers can opt into curated double opt-in meetings with solution providers and agencies, ensuring relevance on both sides. With 150+ speakers and 2,000+ attendees, the scale is significant, but the community-first ethos keeps things approachable.
Here's who should definitely go: eCommerce founders, D2C operators, marketplace sellers, and anyone who learns best surrounded by peers at similar stages of their journey. The vibe attracts people who are building things, not just managing them. And that closing concert? It's a charity event that raises funds while celebrating what the community has built together. You'll leave with tactics you can implement Monday morning and relationships that extend well beyond the conference.
Online Retailer Conference & Expo
Date: July 22-23, 2026
Location: ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour
Price: Various pass options (Show Floor Pass free for retailers; premium passes paid)
More details: Online Retailer Conference & Expo
Online Retailer is the anchor event on Australia's eCommerce calendar. For over 15 years, this conference and expo has connected the retail community with the solutions, speakers, and relationships that drive growth. At 3,500+ attendees, 200+ speakers, and 150+ exhibitors, it's the largest gathering of its kind in the country, and it earns that position.
We picked Online Retailer as Australia's largest eCommerce conference 2026 because of its comprehensive scope. This isn't niche. The two-day program at ICC Sydney offers multiple pathways depending on your priorities. The Show Floor Pass (free for qualified retailers) gets you access to the expo and keynote sessions. The All Access Pass unlocks 12 premium content tracks covering AI and automation, logistics optimisation, customer experience, global expansion, and everything in between.
What sets Online Retailer apart is the breadth of ecosystem it brings together. Enterprise retailers share space with emerging D2C brands. Established tech providers exhibit alongside startups. Specialists across every function, from marketing to fulfilment are represented. The ORIAS (Online Retailer Industry Awards), held during the conference, celebrates the year's standout achievements and provides useful benchmarking on what excellence looks like across categories.
Here's who should definitely go: anyone in the Australian eCommerce ecosystem who wants to take the temperature of the entire industry in two days. The venue helps too. ICC Sydney sits in Darling Harbour, making it easy to extend meetings into dinners and continue conversations beyond the formal program. For international visitors, Online Retailer is a logical anchor for an ANZ market visit.
eTail Australia
Date: September 22-23, 2026
Location: Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park, Sydney
Price: Paid event
More details: eTail Australia
eTail Australia brings the global eTail formula to the Australian market: an intimate gathering of senior eCommerce and digital marketing leaders focused on candid conversations rather than expo floor chaos. At around 250 attendees, it's deliberately smaller than the mega-conferences, and that restraint is the point.
We picked eTail Australia as the best eCommerce conference in Australia 2026 because of its format. Problem-solving roundtables let you work through specific challenges with peers facing similar situations. Mastermind sessions go beyond surface-level presentations into the actual mechanics of what's working. And the networking is designed to foster genuine connections rather than superficial badge-scanning.
Speakers come from Australia's leading retailers and D2C brands: think Adore Beauty, Baby Bunting, Frankie4, and similar operators who can speak to the realities of competing in the Australian market. You'll also hear from economists providing context on the macro forces shaping consumer behaviour. The Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park provides an upscale setting that encourages attendees to stay on-site and maximise interaction time.
Here's who should definitely go: senior eCommerce, digital marketing, and CX executives who value quality over quantity. eTail Australia is part of the global eTail conference series, which means the format has been refined across markets. You'll leave with a handful of meaningful relationships rather than a stack of business cards you'll never follow up on.
How to Network Like a Pro in Australia
Australian business culture has its own rhythm, and understanding it will help you extract more value from these events.
Lead with Genuine Curiosity
Australians tend to be direct and unpretentious. Skip the hard sell and lead with an authentic interest in what the other person is working on. Questions about their business challenges will get you further than pitching your solution. The classic Australian scepticism toward self-promotion means humility plays well. Share your wins, but balance them with acknowledgment of challenges and lessons learned.
Embrace the Informal Moments
Some of the best connections happen outside formal sessions: over coffee, during breaks, at evening events, or at the pub afterward. Australian business culture extends naturally into social settings, so don't rush back to your hotel when the day's program ends. If someone suggests grabbing a drink, that's an invitation worth accepting.
Plan for the Geography
Australia's events are spread across Sydney, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast. If you're travelling internationally, consider clustering your trip around multiple events or extending your stay to meet contacts in different cities. Sydney to Gold Coast is about an hour by flight, making it feasible to combine Online Retailer (Sydney, July) with earlier Gold Coast events if your schedule allows.
Leverage LinkedIn Strategically
Connect with speakers and attendees before the event with a personalised note about what you're hoping to discuss. After the event, follow up within a week while the connection is fresh. Australians appreciate directness, so be specific about why you're reaching out and what you'd like to explore.
Don't Underestimate the Smaller Events
The invitation-only gatherings like iMedia Retail Summit often deliver higher ROI than larger conferences. The pre-qualification means everyone you meet is relevant, and the intimate setting creates space for substantive conversations. If you can secure an invitation, prioritise it.
Timing Matters
Australia's retail calendar runs roughly opposite to the Northern Hemisphere. February through May covers pre-winter planning. July and September align with the run-up to the crucial Q4 trading period. Understanding this rhythm helps you arrive at relevant questions and context.
Final Thought
Australia's eCommerce events in 2026 offer something for every stage of your retail journey. The ARA x NRA Leaders Forum in February sets the strategic context for the year with Australia's most influential executives. iMedia Retail Summit in April enables precision networking with pre-qualified partners in a premium setting. Retail Fest in May builds community and delivers operator-level tactics from founders in the trenches. Online Retailer in July connects you with the ecosystem at scale. And eTail Australia in September provides the intimate peer exchange that senior leaders value most.
The smart play isn't attending everything. It's matching each event to your current priorities, whether that's market entry, technology investment, peer benchmarking, or team development, and committing to extracting maximum value from each.
Ready to plan your 2026 calendar? Browse our eCommerce events directory to discover opportunities across Australia and beyond. For a global view, check out our guide to the Top 22 eCommerce Events in 2026, covering the USA, UK, Europe, Australia, and virtual gatherings worth your time.
Have an event that should be on our radar? Submit it through our event submission form and help the eCommerce community discover what you're building.
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