In 2025, beauty is not simply about products, but personalized experiences and meaningful connections. Driven by rapid advancements in AI, augmented reality (AR), ESG initiatives, and omnichannel marketing for cosmetics, the cosmetics industry trends in 2025 reflect a...
Why ContactPigeon?
Get results faster by unifying data capture, inteligent engagment, and omnichannel activation, all in one signal platform.
Customer Stories
See how ContactPigeon expanded Tommy Hilfiger’s online presence in Greece.
Get deeper customer insights with our Enterprise plan
Ecommerce | Industry Events
Shoptalk 2024 Europe: How to get properly prepared for the famous retail event
Published: Jun 3, 2022 | Reading Time: 7minutes
After so many changes these past few years, now that physical events are back on track, the need to stay connected and updated with the latest trends increases day by day. Luckily, contrary to 2020 and 2021, 2023 is a year full of interesting and useful business conferences for any eCommerce specialist or executive. This article will focus on one of the biggest events in the retail industry, Shoptalk 2023, which within only a few years has evolved into one of the top retail shows in the US. Best Part? This year it comes to Europe as well. So, without further ado, we will take a deep dive into how you can get prepared for the biggest gathering of the year, how to make the most out of it, and why it is so important to attend.
Shoptalk is the go-to destination for retail changemakers and trailblazers, with famous speakers and guests from cross-industry, worldwide renowned brands. This event gathers established retailers and brands with direct-to-consumer and tech startups, large tech and Internet companies, venture capital investors, real estate developers, equity analysts, Wall Street analysts, media, and many others.
The purpose of this is the creation of new, profitable collaborations, and the education of the audience on the latest happenings, paving the way for the implementation of new technologies. With all that in mind, Shoptalk 2023 is the place to be this summer, since it will set the upcoming trends that will mold the future of the business world in retail and eCommerce.
Where is Shoptalk 2023 taking place?
There are two editions for this year’s Shoptalk 2023. The first one took place in Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada in late March. The second edition, Shoptalk 2023 Europe, the one that we are focusing on in this piece, will take place from the 9th to the 11th of May in Barcelona, Spain, at the Fira Gran Via, Contemporary Events and convention center.
Shoptalk 2023 Europe: Who will be the speakers this year?
This year, Shoptalk will host a variety of curated events and accommodate over 200 highly acclaimed industry professionals and business leaders. Let’s take a look at the long list of key speakers that will share their insights during this legendary retail show.
Robert Gentz (Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Zalando)
Karl Andersson (Co-Founder & CEO, Matsmart-Motatos)
Wouter Kolk (CEO, Europe & Indonesia, Ahold Delhaize)
Stefano Perego (VP, Global Operations, Amazon)
Jean-Marc Bellaiche (CEO, Groupe Printemps)
Selma Postma (Chief Digital Officer, Europe & Indonesia, Ahold Delhaize)
Jason Lambert (VP, Beyond Labs, BEES, AB InBev)
Matt Lane (Managing Director UK, PerfectDraft, AB InBev)
Vladimir Sushko (Global eRetail Director, AB InBev)
Nikki Sale (Global Head of eCommerce Customer & Channel Development, Diageo)
Jill Geoghegan (Editor, Drapers)
What are the ticket prices?
The standard fee for the attendees is £2,750. As far as the qualifying retailers and brands are concerned, the standard rate is £1,495. Lastly, the investor rate is £1,895.
How much does a booth cost for a company?
For exhibitors or sponsors, the standard rate is £2,150. In order to qualify for a booth, the interested parties will have to submit the relevant registration form and be approved.
Video about ShopTalk 2023 from Bloomberg Technology
Shoptalk originates in the USA, so beginning its inaugural European launch in Barcelona is a pretty big deal this year. For three days the event will be the home of 3000+ attendees, with 200+ legendary industry leaders or promising newcomers as keynote speakers. Any decision-maker worth their salt can understand the value and the magnitude of this conference; attending one of the top retail events in Europe is a great opportunity for the beginning of new partnerships and connections that will personally broaden the network of any businessperson that wishes to find solutions with proven strategies and new technologies.
How to get properly prepared for the Shoptalk 2023 Europe event
Preparation is half the battle, so getting ready for the biggest retail event of the year is not only crucial but mandatory. Below you will find some tips that will help you organize your schedule before, during, and after the conference.
Step 1: Scan the speaker’s list and highlight the most relevant to your industry
Why you should do it: The speaker list is quite long and interesting this year. Define your strategy and plan the speeches of the key targets you wish to attend. According to your specific business needs, pinpoint the content that is most likely to meet your needs.
Step 2: Contact them asking for a quick coffee at the event
Why you should do it: Do some research and try to find the contact details of the people you wish to connect with. Pre-arrange a quick cup of coffee, or some tea, preferably before the days of the event as the schedule will be pretty busy for everyone.
Tip: A powerful gmail extension to help you send the email pitches is Mailbutler.
Step 3: If you rent a booth, optimize the visitors’ experience
Why you should do it: Your presentation needs to be clear and precise so researching beforehand is important. Find out where your both will be located, and cross-reference the equipment that you will need with the equipment that will be provided to you. Then, set your daily budget and customize your booth based on the tone of your brand and your target group. Lastly, inform your existing contacts of your attendance at the Shoptalk conference and encourage them to drop by your booth.
Step 4: Make sure you have a precise plan per day
Why you should do it: Each day at the conference will be super busy so make sure you have planned your days as best as possible. Depending on whether you are an attendee or a vendor, modify your stay accordingly, making the best out of it. Strike a balance between getting informed and letting others know about your brand.
Step 5: Follow up with your new connections when you return home
Why you should do it: Getting to the event was half the job, the other half lies in nurturing the connections you made. When you get home, take some time to debrief your team on your experience and come up with a business plan that will convert your new leads. Conclude with an evaluation of your attendance and determine if you met your objectives.
You won’t regret attending Shoptalk (and Barcelona)
Even if you don’t manage to achieve all of your goals, attending Shoptalk 2023 in Barcelona, will be without a doubt, a very fruitful experience and every retail professional will get something out of this amazing experience. All the information you will need to strategize your next steps will be at your disposal, and this gathering will be full of cross-sector professionals from different places around the world. After all, now that physical events are back again everyone will need some extra time to find their bearings. Be wary of your missteps so that you will be 100% ready for next year’s Shoptalk or any other retail event.
The biggest European retail event is just around the corner so get ready and if possible extend your stay because Barcelona is a very interesting destination. ContactPigeon wishes you a pleasant stay and encourages you to book a 30-min free consultation call after your visit. Our omnichannel customer engagement platform will fit right in with your new and improved perspective of the latest eCommerce retail trends.