Shoptalk Will Be Retail's Big Comeback

Hello Friends of Shoptalk! 

I am writing to share some predictions I saw this week that give me great hope, and I think will give you hope too. 

A recent forecast created by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (which advises the Federal Government), predicts that the U.S. is currently at the apex of Covid cases, and will soon drop to early 2020 levels. In an accompanying article, the director of the IHME says, “As of Jan 17, 2022, omicron waves were peaking…in 19 states in the USA. It is expected that the omicron peak will occur in most countries between now and the second week of February, 2022.”

Dr.  Christopher J.L. Murray concludes his article saying, “After the omicron wave, COVID-19 will return but the pandemic will not.”

These are words the world has been waiting to hear for two years now. And, on behalf of a retail community anxious to return to in-person interactions, the timing is perfect for the opening of Shoptalk 2022 on March 27 in Las Vegas.

Retail’s Big Comeback. People who live in places where Omicron spiked early are beginning to view the variant in the rearview mirror. At the same time, the Shoptalk team is hearing from speakers, exhibitors and attendees that, especially in light of recent industry events severely impacted by Omicron, they are eager to return to in-person events. They’re tired of virtual and hybrid events, and they see Shoptalk as the industry’s big comeback moment. 

The Shoptalk team is ready to host the entire ecosystem in person again, and happily accepts the challenge to enable retail to come back strong. 

The plan. Instead of the 7,000 or 8,000 attendees expected, we’re preparing for a crowd of 10,000 of the industry’s brightest minds embracing the ideas, partners and connections that are shaping the future of the industry at Shoptalk 2022 in Las Vegas. 

The Shoptalk content team has produced an agenda that we think is the best the industry has to offer, with CEOs from Sam’s Club, Uber, Instacart, Authentic Brands Group, Vuori, Signet and Olaplex on the stage. Also speaking are C-level leaders from P&G, Nordstrom, Poshmark, Macy’s, Kroger, Whole Foods, Kate Spade, Gap Inc., Ulta Beauty and many others. We’ve expanded our content to cover supply chain, payments, the metaverse and more. And we’ve got more than 400 sponsors and exhibitors already on board, with another 200 expected before we sell out. Finally, our hosted retailers and brands program has room for a few hundred more complimentary attendees before we reach capacity. And, of course, we’ve got Shoptalk’s legendary parties and networking events. This year, get ready for a poolside Whiteout party headlined by Flo Rida. 

All this comes with on-site safety protocols that put our community first. As with Groceryshop 2021, where we welcomed 2,100 grocery and CPG leaders to Las Vegas in September, Shoptalk is ready to celebrate and move the industry forward in a safe and productive environment.

Are you ready to be part of retail’s big comeback? Shoptalk is waiting for you.