Schedule At-a-Glance
Below is an abbreviated three-day agenda to give an overview of our program offerings.
Tuesday, May 5
Networking Events
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Retail Inspiration Tours
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Welcome Reception
Wednesday, May 6
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Trade Show Hours
Main Stage Keynotes/Opening Discussions
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Opening Keynote
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Keynote #2
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Keynote #3
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Keynote #4
SmartStation Presentations
10:00 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. – Station 1
10:30 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. – Station 2
12:00 p.m – 12:20 p.m. – Station 1
12:30 p.m. – 12:50 p.m. – Station 1
2:00 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. – Station 1
2:30 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. – Station 2
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Show Floor Happy Hour
6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Shop! Awards Reception
8:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. – PAVE Social
Thursday, May 7
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Trade Show Hours
Main Stage Keynotes/Opening Discussions
10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. – Opening Keynote
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Keynote #6
SmartStation Presentations
9:00 a.m. – 9:20 a.m. – Station 2
9:30 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. – Station 1
11:00 a.m – 11:20 a.m. – Station 1
11:30 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. – Station 2
Your Agenda for Shop! MarketPlace
SPECIAL EVENTS & SHOW FEATURES
Shop! MarketPlace Offsite Inspiration Tours
Tuesday, May 5, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Explore New Orleans through a retail lens during the Shop! MarketPlace Offsite Tours this May 5. Just steps from the venue, attendees can experience the Arts/Warehouse District offering a mix of cultural destinations and retail. Another short walk brings you to Canal Place, home to luxury brands and an elevated shopping environment, and nearby Magazine Street delivers a more eclectic, neighborhood-driven retail experience filled with independent boutiques and local flair. Make sure to then stop by the iconic French Quarter and Jackson Square, which showcase some of the city’s most historic and vibrant storefronts. Each tour destination highlights how New Orleans blends heritage, hospitality and commerce into unforgettable retail experiences.
Industry Welcome Reception
Tuesday, May 5, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Start your Shop! MarketPlace experience during our Welcome Reception, held the evening before the show opens. This festive gathering sets the tone for the days ahead with an open bar, appetizers, and live entertainment that brings the spirit of NOLA to life. It’s the perfect way to ease into the event—meet new people, reconnect with industry friends, and enjoy a lively, social atmosphere before the busy show begins.
Included with your trade show pass.
Shop! Awards Reception
Don`t miss this celebratory evening where we`ll honor the winners of Shop! 2026 Outstanding Merchandising Achievement (OMA) Awards, Global Awards and Design Awards. Your ticket includes hors d`oeuvres, open bar cocktails and networking with industry greats! Stay tuned for details on next year’s off-site awards reception location in New Orleans!
A separate ticket is required for this event.
Opening Keynote
Wednesday, May 6, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. ET
Stay tuned for the announcement of our 2026 keynote speaker.
Exhibits
Our trade floor will have the industry suppliers, manufacturers and service providers that offer goods and services to facilitate in-store consumer experience. Meet with vendors on the cutting edge of retail solutions.
Included with your trade show pass.
Education
We’re serious about providing you with inspiring, meaningful, actionable content. Check out the Shop! MarketPlace conference lineup and make plans to join us.
Included with your trade show pass.
Show Floor Happy Hour
New for 2026, all show goers have an extra opportunity to connect and mingle during the Wednesday afternoon Happy Hour on the show floor. Enjoy open bars, light bites and lively networking while you walk the exhibit hall. Included with a show badge.
2026 PAVE Social
Sip, socialize and support student design during Wednesday evening’s PAVE Social networking event. Your ticket includes cocktails, tasty bites and boutique bowling at Fulton Alley. All proceeds benefit PAVE’s educational and student aid programs. Purchase tickets here.