Whether you’re scaling a global Shopify brand, expanding a DTC product line, or leading a CPG business into new markets, attending international events gives you unmatched insight, connections, and competitive edge. Below are some of the must‑attend global e‑commerce and retail events in 2026, organized by date and region:
NRF Retail’s Big Show 2026 — New York, USA
When: January 11–13, 2026
Why go: Regarded as one of the largest retail and e‑commerce events in the world, NRF brings together tens of thousands of professionals, showcasing global retail technologies, trends, innovation stages, and networking opportunities.
Who should attend: Global retail and e‑commerce leaders, international brand executives, and tech innovators.
E‑commerce Berlin Expo 2026 — Berlin, Germany
When: February 17–18, 2026
Why go: Europe’s largest e‑commerce trade show — attracting 14,000+ visitors, 340+ exhibitors, and 150+ speakers from 30+ countries. It’s a hub for brand‑building, logistics, platforms, and digitization strategies across global markets.
Who should attend: International DTC and retail founders, digital marketing professionals, and solution providers.
Shoptalk Europe 2026 — Barcelona, Spain
When: June 9–11, 2026
Why go: A major European iteration of the retail innovation series, bringing together retailers, consumer brands, tech innovators, and investors to explore unified commerce, digital transformation, and future shopping behaviors.
Who should attend: Global brand leaders, e‑commerce strategists, retail media and platform partners.
OMR Festival 2026 — Hamburg, Germany
When: May 5–6, 2026
Why go: One of Europe’s largest digital marketing and commerce festivals, with tens of thousands of marketers, tech innovators, and business leaders in attendance — covering AI, growth, creativity, and brand strategy.
Who should attend: Marketing and e‑commerce leaders, brand builders, tech partners.
Affiliate World Dubai 2026 — Dubai, UAE
When: March 4–5, 2026
Why go: A global affiliate and e‑commerce gathering attracting thousands of professionals to network, learn advanced strategies, and explore international marketing and monetization channels.
Who should attend: Performance marketers, affiliate partners, e‑commerce growth teams, and international retail strategists.
Retail Global 2026 — Gold Coast, Australia
When: May 5–7, 2026
Why go: A premier Asia‑Pac e‑commerce expo focused on global marketplace selling, cross‑border logistics, and brand growth strategies across international channels — popular with DTC and marketplace sellers.
Who should attend: International brand founders, marketplace optimized sellers, retail planners.
SubSummit 2026 — Kansas City, USA
When: May 13–15, 2026
Why go: A big gathering around subscription commerce, retention mechanics, and recurring revenue — a hot topic for brands globally as recurring revenue strategies continue to scale.
Who should attend: Subscription‑first businesses, DTC founders, CX leaders.
Ecommerce Expo 2026 — London, UK
When: September 23–24, 2026
Why go: A key European e‑commerce and retail technology expo bringing together thousands of brands, solutions, and strategy leaders to dive into omnichannel, logistics, CX, and online growth strategies. Website
Who should attend: Retail and brand leadership, omnichannel planners, international marketers.
MAPIC 2026 — Cannes, France
When: November 3-4, 2026
Why go: A major global retail real estate and commerce show uniting global brands, retail operators, and strategic partners to discuss expansion, omnichannel retail ecosystems, and consumer engagement.
Who should attend: Brand executives, retail property strategists, global operations teams.
Final Thoughts
From North America to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia‑Pac, 2026 offers an incredible lineup of world‑class e‑commerce and retail events that connect DTC, CPG, brand, Shopify, entrepreneur, brand leader, e‑commerce, ecom events, and retail professionals with global insights, tools, and collaborators.
Looking to explore all the in-person e-commerce events happening across North America in 2026? Discover them here. Or curious about where Europe’s in-person e-commerce scene will come alive in 2026? See the full lineup here.