Registration is officially open for the 2026 edition of the Retail Technology Show (RTS), with the event set to take place on 22 and 23 April at London’s ExCeL. Positioned as a key date in the industry calendar, RTS 2026 is expected to draw more than 16,000 senior retail professionals, marking the show’s largest gathering to date.
Adopting a new disco theme for the upcoming year, the event aims to unite industry decision-makers, retail strategists, and technology providers to explore tools that can support long-term operational performance and growth. With over 450 technology suppliers confirmed, the show floor will feature innovations across retail media, AI, customer engagement, loyalty platforms, and supply chain systems.
RTS 2026 will also introduce a new Cyber & Loss Prevention Zone. This area is designed to address the growing concern around cyber risk, loss prevention, and retail crime, and will offer solutions to enhance safety for both staff and customers. Additionally, the Start Up Superstars platform will return, continuing its focus on emerging technologies from newer market entrants.
In parallel with the exhibition, RTS will host a full-scale conference programme, comprising over 125 speakers including retail leaders, analysts, and influencers. The content will address strategic challenges facing the sector, with themes selected by the RTS Advisory Board.
“With the pace of innovation moving at breakneck speed, retailers want to uncover the strategically sound tech investments that outperform hype cycles and deliver long-term business value. Our mission is to connect retailers with the tools and future-proof solutions they need to drive performance and growth,” said Matt Bradley, Founder & Event Director at the Retail Technology Show.
Networking will continue to be a major focus at RTS 2026. Day one will feature Retail’s BIG Party, sponsored by PMC, where the annual RTS Innovation Awards will take place. This year’s awards will be expanded to accommodate more categories and entries, enabling wider participation from exhibitors.
Other networking elements will include a variety of retailer dinners, roundtable lunches, and satellite events. One such programme, the London Store Tours, will provide in-person visits to stores demonstrating advanced retail concepts and physical retail innovation.
The international scope of the show is set to increase in 2026, with a broader delegation expected from across the EMEA region. Strategic partnerships with European trade organisations such as Business France will help highlight retail tech innovation from the continent. Lufthansa and Eurostar have also been confirmed as official travel partners, improving accessibility for international visitors.
“RTS gets bigger, bolder and better every year – and in 2026 we’re bringing more innovation, fresh features and new ways to connect, all underpinned by the incredible energy that unites the sector. We can’t wait to unveil more as the countdown to next year’s show begins,” Bradley added.
Retailers and consumer brands can register to attend for free at the event’s official website. Paid passes are available for solution and service providers.
