Shoptalk Fall Preview 2025

September 17-19, 2025
Chicago
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As a proud media of Shoptalk Fall, Incisiv is spotlighting the event where retail’s most pressing challenges meet real-world solutions. While Shoptalk Spring provides a sweeping look at industry trends and ecosystem-wide shifts, Shoptalk Fall is where strategy turns into action. Built for retail decision-makers ready to drive tangible change, it delivers the playbooks, tools, and tactics leaders need now—cutting through the noise with highly actionable insights that move the needle.

This fall, the focus is on execution: from deploying AI to forecast through uncertainty, to navigating tariffs, rethinking assortments, and redefining loyalty in a world dominated by algorithmic discovery. Incisiv is here to guide you through the mechanics of leading through complexity—because this is where retail’s next chapter is written.

Meetup & Networking

The backbone of the Shoptalk experience is the event’s Meetup networking platform, which facilitates more than 30,000 individual 15-minute meetings over three days.

Meetup signifies the evolution of the typical ‘speed dating’ conference networking experience. At Groceryshop, attendees are not randomly paired with fellow attendees and solution providers, but rather matched through common business interests and goals.

Every Shoptalk attendee is welcome to join the Meetup platform, where they complete a questionnaire on their business focus, career profile, and industry interests. Based on their answers, attendees are then paired with fellow attendees and tech providers through a double-opt-in platform that ensures executives only speak with those they wish to meet.

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meetup

In addition to the Meetup program, there are a host of networking opportunities both inside and outside of the convention center, including topic table discussion, cocktail hours, retailer and brand dinners, and Shoptalk’s popular industry party featuring food, drink, and live entertainment.

In conjunction with the jam-packed networking agenda, the event’s educational docket provides attendees with the opportunity to hear the industry’s latest and greatest tech innovations and strategic approaches firsthand.

Key Topics Shaping the 2025 Agenda

A look at the top themes and ideas that will guide Shoptalk Fall agenda in 2025.

Data

Data-Driven & AI Augmented Retail Intelligence

Innovation

Product Curation & Innovation Under Pressure

Brand

Brand Identity, Loyalty & Customer Experience in a Shifting World

Volatility

Leading Through Volatility & Change

MAKE THE MOST OUT OF SHOPTALK FALL 2025

With a packed educational and networking agenda, planning your ideal Shoptalk Fall experience can be overwhelming. To help you make the most of it, Incisiv has curated a guide to the must-see sessions, events, and networking opportunities. The following pages highlight the can’t-miss moments from this year’s program. As the agenda continues to evolve in the coming months, we’ll keep this guide updated with the latest sessions and experiences.

Shoptalk Fall Can't Miss Sessions

Where to See and be Seen - The Events

The value of any conference cannot be fully assessed without considering the surrounding events, where real conversations can be had, personal relationships can be built, and a few adult beverages can be consumed. Since its inception the Shoptalk team has delivered a culture where fun was just as important as business or education.

Below are a few of Incisiv’s favorite events while in Chicago.

Wednesday, September 17th, 2025
Shoptalk Retailer & Brand Dinners

Shoptalk Retailer & Brand Dinners

Date & Time: Wednesday, September 17th, 2025, 7:00pm -9:00pm CT
Venue: Chicago's best restaurants
Open to: Retailer & Brand Networking Dinners are invitation-only.

Retailer & Brand Networking Dinners are exclusive, invitation-only events hosted at some of Chicago's best restaurants. Scheduled for Wednesday, September 17th, these dinners offer a unique opportunity for industry leaders representing both Retailers & Brands to convene in a sophisticated setting. Throughout the evening, attendees will engage in stimulating conversations while savoring exquisite cuisine, creating an ambiance that fosters meaningful connections and memorable experiences.

Please note, Retailer & Brand Networking Dinners are invitation-only. If you are interested in joining a dinner, please email experience@shoptalk.com

Incisiv Speakeasy Shindig @ Shoptalk Fall

Incisiv Speakeasy Shindig @ Shoptalk Fall

Date & Time: Wednesday, September 17th, 2025, 8:30pm - 11:00pm CT
Venue: Vu Rooftop (Located around the corner from McCormick Place)
Open to: Retailers and Brands only. Click here to apply to attend

Join Incisiv for the Speakeasy Shindig @ Shoptalk Fall — an exclusive after-hours gathering for retailers, brands, and industry movers and shakers. Set high above the city at VU Rooftop in Chicago, this relaxed evening is all about great cocktails, meaningful connections, and unbeatable city views. Unwind, connect, and toast to what’s next in retail.

Thursday, September 18th, 2025
Incisiv Speakeasy @ Shoptalk Fall Executive Dinner

Incisiv Speakeasy @ Shoptalk Fall Executive Dinner

Date & Time:Thursday, September 18th, 2025, 6:00pm - 8:00pm CT
Venue: Sepia (Incisiv will provide transportation to and from the venue)
Open to: Retailers and Brands only. Click here to apply to attend.

Incisiv is proud to host the Speakeasy @ Shoptalk Fall Executive Dinner — an exclusive, invite-only evening of elevated networking and thought-provoking conversation. Set against the backdrop of Michelin-starred cuisine by Chef Andrew Zimmerman, sophisticated design, and impeccable service, the experience is designed to be intimate, engaging, and effortlessly enjoyable.

Attendance is limited to senior executives (Director level and above) from leading retail, brand, and CPG organizations.

Shoptalk Fall Party

Shoptalk Fall Party

Date & Time: Thursday, September 18th, 2025, 8:00pm -10:30pm CT
Venue: House of Blues Chicago, 329 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654
Open to: Shoptalk Fall Registrants

Get ready to experience the ultimate celebration at our Industry Night Party, the most anticipated event of the week! Save the date for Thursday, September 18th, as we invite you to immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening from 8:00pm to 10:30pm at Chicago House of Blues in Downtown Chicago.

Enjoy a night of live music and drinks as you mingle with industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts from around the globe. It's a night you won't want to miss!

*Please note that you will need to show your Shoptalk Fall Badge upon entry.