New Conference and Expo to Offer Blend of Unique Content Programming Combined with Side-By-Side Shows for Digital & Physical Experiences

Retail TouchPoints (RTP) announced plans to bring together one of the fastest growing conference programs in the industry (the Retail Innovation Conference) with two of the longest standing brands serving the digital and physical retail communities.

The new combined event will replace the former retailX Event and will feature distinct IRCE and design:retail show floors and programming.

The Retail Innovation Conference & Expo (#RICE22), which will take place May 10-12, 2022 at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, will serve a diverse range of retail professionals seeking the strategies, tools and tactics to create seamless digital and in-store experiences and meet connected consumers’ expectations.

Based on attendee and exhibitor feedback and research, the RTP team will usher in a major directional shift to create both distinct expo areas and conference programming under one roof, including connected but separate show floors for IRCE and design:retail.

IRCE, one of the most recognizable and highly regarded event brands in the digital and ecommerce space, will feature everything retailers need to drive digital marketing and ecommerce initiatives. Design:retail, hyper-focused to inspire innovation and collaboration among the store design and experience community, will spotlight the finest in-store design and experience providers. Additionally, a centrally located Innovation Lab will feature emerging brands and startups, and engaging show floor activations will spotlight partnerships with:

• The Planning & Visual Education Partnership (PAVE) –new activations highlighting award-winning merchandising layouts from today’s top visual design students;
• The Buy Now, Pay Later Summit, featuring case studies and best practice program recommendations through a partnership with the Canadian Lenders Association; and
• The Next Gen Direct-To-Consumer Forum, featuring the latest go-to-market approaches from a mix of disciplines.

The combination of these powerful brands became possible following Emerald’s acquisition of G3 Communications — parent company of the Retail Innovation Conference & Expo and the Retail TouchPoints digital media platform — in Q4 of 2019. Emerald President & CEO Hervé Sedky said, “The pairing of G3’s strong brands and following in the retail space, as well as their deep expertise in content creation and demand generation together with Emerald’s vast experience in live events is both strategic and serendipitous.”

“This partnership and retail event reimagining represents our unwavering support of and belief in retail as a core vertical for the Emerald family of brands,” Sedky added. “We are thrilled to finally have this opportunity to combine our collective experience and deep affection for the retail community by creating this flagship experience — a major initiative for Emerald in 2022.”

RTP provides an array of editorial and new media opportunities and content designed to guide more than 100,000 retail subscribers toward innovation in their quest for long-term success. The media company also has spearheaded high-touch live events like the Retail Innovation Conference in New York City.

“The opportunity for RTP to reimagine this event could not have been more perfectly timed,” said Andrew Gaffney, VP/Content Director at Emerald. “We are in the midst of a unique moment of radical transformation in retail. Innovation has become a necessity for retailers but also a tremendous opportunity to align with the new and evolved customer journey. The Retail Innovation Conference & Expo is being overhauled and crafted exactly for the needs of today’s retailers, who need physical, digital and omnichannel expertise to keep pace with connected shopper expectations.”

Retail professionals interested in learning more can visit the newly launched Retail Innovation Conference & Expo website to sign up for updates and reserve their passes.

About Retail TouchPoints: Retail TouchPoints and design:retail give all members of the retail world access to a vibrant community that combines insights, inspiration and opportunities to interact with their peers. We sit at the intersection of the art and science of retail strategy, providing granular data, high-value commentary, and aspirational success stories to help readers optimize customer experiences across all channels. Touching all facets of the retail ecosystem, including store experience and design, workforce management, digital marketing and engagement, and omnichannel optimization, our editorial content, multi-media resources and events take timely news and trends and transform them into tactical takeaways that meet the unique needs and priorities of our executive readers.

About Emerald: Emerald’s talented and experienced team grows our customers’ businesses 365 days a year through connections, content, and commerce. We expand connections that drive new business opportunities, product discovery, and relationships with over 140 annual events, matchmaking, and lead-gen services. We create content to ensure that our customers are on the cutting edge of their industries and are continually developing their skills. And we power commerce through efficient year-round buying and selling. We do all this by seamlessly integrating in-person and digital platforms and channels. Emerald is immersed in the industries we serve and committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. As true partners, we create experiences that inspire, amaze, and deliver breakthrough results.

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