Industry comes together for evening networking event at the Retail VM & Display Show

SDEA (Shop & Display Equipment Association) and the Creative Retail Awards joined forces to host an industry networking evening on 14th April, during the Retail VM & Display Show 2026, bringing together professionals from across the retail display and design sector.

Held on the rooftop at Bubba Oasis, overlooking the exhibition centre, it gave attendees the chance to connect with colleagues and peers in a relaxed setting away from the show floor – something the industry has consistently said it values alongside the more formal aspects of trade shows.

The evening was made possible by the sponsors: Antalis, candee.bio, Genesis Mannequins, Kesslers London, Mega Creative, N-Fuze, Northbanks and RetailWise. Their support helped create an environment where genuine conversations could happen.

Antony Behiels, Director of SDEA, said: “Events like this are where a lot of the real business gets done. You spend the day on a busy show floor, and then the evening gives you the space to actually sit down with people, catch up properly and have the conversations that matter. The response from everyone who attended was really positive, and we’re grateful to our sponsors for making it happen. It’s exactly the kind of thing we consistently build on.”

The VM & Display Show took place on 14th and 15th April at the Business Design Centre, London.