It’s difficult to categorize ecommerce—part industry, part technology, part necessity, part hobby horse.

Its pervasiveness and persistent evolution across most (if not all) sectors sets it apart in its influence: To say, “you should build a website” is painfully dated language, but to say “Are you selling on TikTok?” could be unnecessarily fashionable.

The best trade shows in ecommerce can help you find your place in the digital world.

Whether you’ve been selling online for years or you’re just getting your shop off the ground, these six eCommerce trade shows could prove invaluable for giving you stronger insights and a more rounded understanding of the marketplace.

GROW

Advertised as the conference filled with the “brands you’ve heard about,” Grow furnishes its guestlist with Shopify brands grossing between 10M to $100M on the platform. Whether it’s updating your tech stack, soaking up marketing ideas or making a few intros, it’s tough to do better than their yearly meet-up in New York. Even if you’re not on Shopify, there’s loads to learn from the people who use it best.

eTail

With trade shows checkered across the east and west coasts, as well as the UK, eTail houses a broad cross-section of retail innovators—many hailing from the travel and merchandising spaces. Previously platforming lead voices from Warby Parker, Yeti and eBay, industry linchpins flock to the conference year in and year out.

Prosper

Prosper’s bread and butter is the marketplace seller: established providers selling their goods on Amazon, Walmart or any other major online retailer. With a bent toward maximizing profits, new and seasoned sellers swap marketing wins, efficiency plays and immediately implantable solutions that could inch your marketplace up the list.

NRF: Retail’s Big Show

Retail’s Big Show dances on the cutting edge: The National Retail Federation’s yearly convention attracts speakers, professionals and brands from all across the country, toting their latest tech and innovations. With fully guided expo tours, a dedicated startup hub and 175+ sessions on the agenda, it’s an ecommerce buffet that lets you pick and choose from the most relevant experiences.

RICE

With their 2024 show in the rearview, the Retail Innovation Conference is charging up for 2025, inviting a new panel of chains, independent retailers, CPG brands and online shops to attend. Now’s the time to get in the know for next year: Sign up for their email list and get notified the second registration opens. 

Shoptalk

With multiple events throughout the year—including specialized events for Grocery and CPG brands—Shoptalk is one of the best places to map the state of ecommerce. Taking perhaps the broadest view of any of these trade shows, Shoptalk attracts visitors across the whole of digital retail, extending its reach to digitized supply chains, digital experiences within physical stores and beyond.