Experience the exciting supporting programme of the Global Retail Festival on one of the seven stages. A top-class line-up of retail experts will present the latest industry topics in fascinating keynotes and panel discussions. You can look forward to a fantastic mix of practical use cases, innovative ideas and the latest research findings. From technology trends and digital transformation to retail marketing, expo and event marketing, and store design.
Be inspired by the performances on stage and help shape the future of retail.
Yellow Stage Expo and Event Marketing in transformation
Location: Hall 1 Powered by: IFES + fwd Host: Han Leenhouts Slots: 22nd - 26th February: 10:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Application start: October 2025 Application note: Call for papers, presentation language English
The Yellow Stage is dedicated to topics related to brand staging and live communication. Practical examples and best cases from the world of exhibitions, events and brand appearances show how companies create memorable experiences – whether analogue, digital or hybrid.
Purple Stage High-impact retail marketing
Location: Hall 4 Powered by: Shop! Contact: Frank Rehme (frank.rehme@gmvteam.de) Slots: 22.02.: Future Retail Experiences – Rethinking Customer Excitement; 23.02.: International Trends in Retail; 24.02.: AI & Automation Retail – From Hype to Practice; 25.02.: Instore Marketing & Shopper Activations; 26.02.: Retail Design & Architecture of the Future Duration per slot: 30 minutes Submission deadline: 3 November 2025 Application note: Call for Papers
How does the retail sector successfully address its target groups today? The Purple Stage highlights trends, strategies and creative concepts from retail marketing – from POS marketing and multisensory approaches to influencer campaigns.
Red Stage Best Practices in digital transformation
Location: Hall 6 Powered by: EHI Retail Institute Contact: Anne Boxberg (boxberg@ehi.org) Host: Alexa von Busse Slots: 23–25 February: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; 26 February: 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Duration per slot: 30 minutes Submission deadline: 14 November 2025 Application note: Call for papers for exhibitors only, presentation language English
The Red Stage is the heart of digital innovations that have already been successfully implemented in retail. The focus is on concrete application examples and case studies that show how retail technology works in practice – from new omnichannel strategies and AI-supported customer analysis to digitised business processes. Exhibitors and their retail partners present concrete success stories and provide exclusive insights into current project implementations.
Blue Stage Technological trends in focus
Location: Hall 6 Powered by: EHI Retail Institute Contact: Cetin Acar (acar@ehi.org) Host: Björn Weber Slots: 23–25 February: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; 26 February: 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Duration per slot: 30 minutes Submission deadline: 14 November 2025 Application note: Call for papers for exhibitors only, presentation language English
The Blue Stage sheds light on current trends and future topics in retail IT. Visitors can learn more about developments such as mobile solutions, self-checkout and self-scanning, AI-based data analysis, RFID, modern payment systems and new security solutions. Experts discuss technological challenges, opportunities and solutions – in a practical and concise manner.
Black Stage Start-ups and emerging innovators
Location: Hall 7.0 Powered by: Messe Düsseldorf Contact: Jacky Paeßens (paessensj@messe-duesseldorf.de) Host: Marilyn Repp Slots: 23–25 February: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; 26 February: 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Duration per slot: 15 minutes Application start: End of November 2025 Application deadline: End of January 2026 Application note: Participation only for registered companies, presentation language English
The Black Stage is where entrepreneurial spirit meets retail vision. Start-ups, scale-ups and young tech providers showcase their bold ideas, disruptive models and future-oriented solutions for tomorrow’s retail world. The programme is complemented by keynote sessions and expert panels featuring leading voices from the sector.
Amber Stage Rethinking store design
Location: Hall 9 Powered by: EHI Retail Institute Contact: Hanna von Ehren (ehren@ehi.org) Host: Nancy Rienow Slots: 22nd + 24th February: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; 23rd February: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; 25th + 26th February: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Duration per slot: 15 minutes + 5 minutes Q&A Submission deadline: 14 November 2025 Application note: Call for papers for exhibitors only, presentation language English
The Amber Stage (formerly Store Design Stage) is dedicated to innovative concepts relating to shopfitting, store architecture and lighting design. The focus here is on creative ideas for the physical point of sale – as an emotional experience space and functional shopping environment.
RETAIL (UN)COVERED A Stage for research & fresh perspectives
This stage brings together academic perspectives with practical insights. Students, researchers and young professionals present their views on the future of commerce – with fresh ideas, critical questions and exciting projects.