Attending networking events is like mental torture for some folks, especially introverted people. So why don’t we reserve that particular headache of talking to strangers for dating situations? Well, because, unfortunately, networking events – whether online or offline – are STILL one of the most effective ways for individuals and businesses to forge valuable connections, leading to business opportunities. They’re also a vital platform for knowledge sharing, career advancement, enhanced brand visibility, and access to resources, ultimately fostering personal and professional growth.

As the eCommerce industry is poised to reach $6.3 trillion, a 9.4% YoY increase in 2024, participating in networking events is one way to connect with the best and brightest of the industry. On that note, we share the top eCommerce events you must know in 2024.

Top 11 eCommerce Events You Must Attend in 2024

1. Shoptalk
2. Chargeflow Virtual Webinar
3. World Retail Congress
4. VivaTech
5. TechCrunch Disrupt
6. SubSummit
7. eCommerce Expo
8. eTail Asia
9. DX3 Canada
10. Retail Innovation Conference & Expo
11. Adobe Summit

1. Shoptalk: The Ultimate Retail Conference

WHEN: March 17-20, 2024

WHERE: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas

TICKET: $4,500

WHY ATTEND?

Experience the pinnacle of retail excellence at Shoptalk, where the industry's foremost 10,000+ executives convene for four dynamic days set to transform your retail paradigm. You will equally delve into meticulously curated content delivered by expert speakers, navigating the dynamic realm of consumer engagement, retail trends, and commerce evolution.

Forge invaluable connections with luminaries in AI, Retail Media Networks, Operations, Supply Chain, Logistics, Store Operations, Marketing, and beyond, gaining unprecedented access to industry titans and pioneers. If you’re attending, meet the Chargeflow team at Shoptalk 2024: https://go.chargeflow.io/shoptalk

2. Chargeflow Virtual Webinar: The Future of DTC in 2024

WHEN: March 27, 2024  |  12:00 PM EST or 9:00 AM PST

‍WHY ATTEND?

Join this pivotal event for key insights into the evolving world of eCommerce, highlighting the latest trends, innovative payment solutions, and consumer behavior shifts that are defining the sector. It's a crucial gathering for anyone keen to master the complexities of the digital marketplace. Featuring a panel of industry luminaries like Ashvin Melwani (MyObvi), Lauren Lovato (Gorgias), Aaron Nosibach (Brez), Chris Meade (Crossnet), Dr. Jonathan Snow (AvenueZ), Jeremy Horowitz (Let's Buy Biz), Rob Fraser (Outway), Ethan Cohen (Yotpo), Zack Rego (Triple Whale), and Chargeflow's Dan Moshkovitz, immerse yourself in the dynamic domain of eCommerce alongside these experts. Secure your spot now—spaces are limited and filling up fast!

3. World Retail Congress: The Premier Meeting Place for Global Retail Leaders

WHEN: Apr 16–18, 2024

WHERE: Hyatt Regency, Paris

TICKET: Retailer full conference pass –  ₤2,195; Non-retailer full conference – ₤7,000; Boardroom package – ₤10,000.

WHY ATTEND?

Since 2007, the World Retail Congress has stood as the foremost platform for comprehensive research, rich content, and impactful events. The annual Congress serves as a gathering point for global retail industry leaders, providing a space for innovative strategies and insights that foster success.

It stands out as an unparalleled high-level forum where senior executives converge to learn, exchange insights, establish influential connections, and actively contribute to shaping the future of retail. This year’s Congress will be laser-focused on High Performance Retail.

4. Vivatech: Europe's Biggest Startup and Tech Event

WHEN: MAY 22-25

WHERE: Paris, France

TICKET: Startup – €210; General attendee – €475; Investor – €620

WHY ATTEND?

Dive into the forefront of technological advancements and explore cutting-edge developments in AI, cyber security, metaverse, and beyond. Connect with leading hardware and software developers globally and discover the latest innovations.

VivaTech is a place to find inspiration, exchange ideas, and forge valuable partnerships that will redefine the landscape of the tech industry. The bespoke tech event assembles over 11,400 startups, ranging from early-stage ventures to unicorns and centaurs, alongside 2,600 investors, including venture capitalists, investment funds, and angel investors.

Viva Technology 2024 promises to be the largest event yet, offering abundant networking opportunities, professional growth, market research, team building, and more.

5. TechCrunch Disrupt: Innovation For Every Stage

WHEN: Oct 28 - 30, 2024

WHERE: San Francisco

TICKET: Attendee pass – $475; founder pass – $325; investor pass – $575; non-profit pass – $195; student pass – $125; exhibition package – $3500 (4+ Group Save 15%)

WHY ATTEND?

Disrupt Africa is the center stage of innovation at every step of the startup adventure. Whether you're a fledgling founder with a groundbreaking idea, an experienced startup aiming to expand, or an investor on the lookout for the next major opportunity, Disrupt provides unmatched resources, networking opportunities, and expert guidance to drive your venture to new heights. Their dynamic program features thought-provoking discussions with industry experts, engaging workshops, and lively parties tailored to cater to the needs of entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate entities, guiding them toward their next breakthrough.

Disrupt goes beyond bootstrapped founders. From sessions on scaling teams and acing sales to networking and roundtables with investors and tech leaders, Disrupt is the essential catalyst for growing your business.

6. SubSummit: The Largest Event for Everyone in Subscription

WHEN: June 17-19, 2024

WHERE: Dallas, Texas

TICKET: Hosted Merchants (Free); Supplier $2395; Merchants (Paid) $1195; Students, Professors & Non-Profits $595; Investors $1795

WHY ATTEND?

SubSummit is uniquely focused on the opportunities and challenges within this relationship-driven industry, making us the single most important destination for anyone whose success metrics are based on the recurring revenue model. Everyone who works in the rapidly growing $2T subscription, membership and recurring revenue sector is at SubSummit.

Be a part of the event that gathers leaders and rising stars alike within the subscription, membership and recurring revenue sector. Three days of industry moments highlighting lessons learned, successes and future innovations. From Fortune 500 brands to startups ready to grow, every attendee walks away with new partnerships and tactics designed to take their business to the next level. With an NPS of 57, SubSummit creates an experience that combines personal and professional growth and has become the must-attend event each year. And one more reason to come... Chargeflow will be there! Be sure to stop by at booth #705 to meet us!

7. eCommerce Expo: Driving The Future Of eCommerce

WHEN: September 18 - 19, 2024

WHERE: ExCeL London

TICKET: Free to attend

WHY ATTEND?

eCommerce Expo prides itself as the largest event of its kind in the UK, serving as the ultimate hub for both B2C and B2B businesses engaged in online sales within the country. This event is co-located with Technology for Marketing and receives support from the UK eCommerce Association IMRG.

eCommerce Expo fosters connections between over 12,000 eCommerce professionals, 300+ technology providers, and industry speakers. Taking place on the 18th and 19th of September 2024 at the ExCel London, attendees will delve into all facets of eCommerce, spanning from customer acquisition to logistics and operations. The two-day event promises a wealth of innovative content sessions, ample networking opportunities, and the chance to discover cutting-edge solutions.

8. eTail Asia: Asia’s Premier Summit

WHEN: May 14 - 16, 2024

WHERE: Equarius Hotel, Sentosa, Singapore

TICKET: 3-day pass – $1,099; 2-day pass – $2,999

WHY ATTEND?

eTail assembles a gathering of Founders, CEOs, CMOs, Heads of eCommerce, Digital Marketing, and CX professionals from leading global retail companies. The objective is to explore successful strategies and provide solutions for key challenges in the industry.

The organizers emphasize their collaboration with a diverse range of retailers, spanning from major Fortune 500 establishments to agile startups. This collaborative effort aims to bring tangible and sustainable growth to over 20,000 retail leaders. By leveraging real-world case studies, unique interactive formats, and facilitated networking, eTail empowers leaders to enhance their business performance.

The eTail community serves as an unparalleled platform for retail professionals to connect with peers, while also offering solution providers an opportunity to share valuable thought leadership and contribute to the omnichannel ecosystem.

9. DX3 Canada: Canada’s Biggest Event

WHEN: April 9 - 10, 2024

WHERE: Metro Toronto Convention Centre

TICKET: All-Access Conference Pass for Vendors, Tech Providers and Consultants – $995

WHY ATTEND?

With global economic upheaval, it is important to understand how to prepare for a future where rapid changes and shocks may continue with greater frequency. ‍Despite challenging headwinds, some brands are thriving.

What are their secrets to surviving, increasing profitability, and growing market share? How can we adopt new strategies, and tactics and refocus tried-and-tested best practices to catapult our brands forward? This year's DX3 Canada will explore what the transformative retail and marketing sectors will look like in a more resilient, innovative, and technologically driven world.

From resiliency in supply chains to leveraging AI to drive growth, to marketing in an increasingly chaotic world, retail leaders need more than ever to have trusted sources of information. Find more with other reputed retail and marketing leaders at DX3 Canada 2024!

10. Retail Innovation Conference & Expo

WHEN: June 4-6, 2024

WHERE: Chicago, IL

TICKET: All-access pass – $1,695; Conference track pass – $1,195; Expo hall pass – $25

WHY ATTEND?

The Retail Innovation Conference & Expo (RICE) explores the evolved customer journey and how technology enables the convergence of content, community and commerce. The event is designed to speak to the new needs of retail businesses and their teams, creating a forum for the community to collaborate, ideate, and uncover new business possibilities. Through strategic sessions, intimate C-level panels, meaningful offsite networking events, and interactive learning experiences, attendees will be able to dig into topics and trends that are shaping the future of the retail industry.

Join 4,000+ decision-makers across store design, eCommerce, social media marketing, and omnichannel strategy to have inspirational discussions about the future of commerce, and explore how brands are bringing new experiences and business models to life.

11. Adobe Summit: For extraordinary growth

WHEN: March 25–28, 2024

WHERE: Las Vegas and online

TICKET: Full conference pass – $2,095; Group pass – $1,695

WHY ATTEND?

Dive into cutting-edge strategies and insights presented by industry leaders and Adobe executives, focusing on attracting, acquiring, engaging, and delighting customers. Explore the latest trends in customer experience and unlock the transformative potential of generative AI for personalized customer interactions at scale.

Gain practical insights on making generative AI work for your organization to enhance creativity and elevate customer engagement. Discover how Adobe has established a modern, scalable, and repeatable content supply chain while prioritizing creativity.

Learn to maximize the impact and return on your marketing investment and acquire key strategies for navigating the complex data landscape. Transform prospects into loyal customers by building real-time customer profiles through a comprehensive exploration of today's marketing landscape.

Bonus List:

• Strategy Summit – B2B Marketing & E-Commerce (June 4–5; Mövenpick Hotel Berlin, Schöneberger Straße 3, 10963 Berlin)
• eTail Boston (August 12 - 15; Boston Marriott Copley Place, MA)
• Affiliate Summit East (July 29 - 30; New York Marriott Marquis Times Square)
• DMEXCO (September 18 - 19; Cologne)

Make The Best of Your Next Networking Event

Making the best of networking events paves the way to countless opportunities in your professional journey. Here's to unlock the full value of these valuable industry gatherings:

1. Define Clear Objectives: Set specific goals before attending, whether it's forging new connections, gaining industry insights, or exploring potential collaborations.
2. Prepare Thoroughly: Research the attendees and topics to tailor your approach and conversations effectively. Craft a compelling elevator pitch and prepare engaging conversation starters.
3. Engage Actively: Be an attentive listener and actively participate in discussions. Exchange business cards and connect on professional platforms to foster ongoing relationships.
4. Follow Up Promptly: Send personalized follow-up emails shortly after the event to reinforce connections and express gratitude. Reference shared interests or topics discussed to keep the conversation meaningful.
5. Reflect and Refine: Take time to reflect on your networking experiences, identifying areas for improvement and refining your strategy for future events. Continuous learning and adaptation are key to expanding your network and seizing new opportunities.

If you’re one of those folks whose social anxiety gets triggered by the idea of networking events, I hope these tips will help you transform your next networking events into powerful platforms for professional growth and advancement.