Sarah Boyd, Managing Director of cult beauty retailer Sephora UK, is confirmed to speak at the Retail Technology Show (RTS), the leading event that connects forward-thinking retailers and leading tech innovators, which takes place at London’s ExCeL on 22nd & 23rd April 2026.

On track to expand its footprint to 20 UK stores this year, Sephora’s well-documented momentum has been underpinned by strong omnichannel performance, high-profile regional rollouts and a community-first approach, cementing it as a cultural force in retail.

Speaking on the Spark Stage on Day 1 at 11:40am, Sarah Boyd will join Consumer Champion, Martin Newman, for a fireside chat on how Sephora’s community-first approach is shaping the beauty zeitgeist while driving hype and growth. From ambitious store expansion to viral social campaigns, Boyd will share how Sephora intends to build on its high-octane momentum, strategies for managing virality with customer trust, and how retailers can adapt to meet the needs of next-gen shoppers.

“I am looking forward to being part of the Retail Technology Show at a time when British beauty retail is so dynamic and culturally influential,” said Sarah Boyd, MD of Sephora UK.  “The UK customer is highly engaged, curious and trend-aware, and we’re seeing a real shift towards experiences that go beyond transaction.

“Technology is a critical enabler of personalisation and community building, sharper curation and deeper product discovery. It will be great to share how we are bringing that to life here at Sephora UK as we continue on our exciting journey,” Sarah Boyd added.

“Already the ‘It’ brand of beauty retailing, the rise and rise of Sephora has been nothing short of meteoric, and it has quickly become the poster child for how community-led commerce can supercharge growth, viral engagement and steadfast loyalty,” Matt Bradley, Founder & Event Director at RTS, commented.  “With its wide-reaching appeal – and its ability to tap into Gen Alpha – Sarah’s session will be another unmissable addition to the RTS conference programme.”

Boyd joins fellow headliners, including M&S Chairman Archie Norman, TALA-founder and digital broadcaster Grace Beverley, and Dragon’s Den star Touker Suleyman, who take to the stage at RTS to discuss retail’s hottest topics.

During the two-day event, 125+ of retail’s brightest minds, including leaders from Currys, Aroma Zone, the BRC and Frasers Group, will join six dedicated RTS conference tracks offering sector-shaping insight.

To register to attend RTS 2026, visit: https://www.retailtechnologyshow.com.

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Returning to the Hilton Munich Airport, Germany, on 20th – 21st May for its 20-year anniversary edition, The DSS is the leading strategy conference for digital signage, driving exchange between senior executives, technology leaders and the brands investing in the next wave of connected experiences. In 2026, The DSS, presented by Integrated Systems Events and invidis consulting GmbH, takes on an even more international scope, reflecting its position as a truly global platform for the industry.

To mark this anniversary, The DSS 2026 programme will look back at the breakthroughs that have shaped the industry over the past 20 years and look ahead to what will define the next decade of digital signage strategy.

From small beginnings to the global stage 

In 2006, invidis consulting set out to create a platform for sharing industry intelligence, learning from leaders and helping the market navigate change. The Munich Digital Signage Conference was born at the Systems IT trade fair with just 40 guests – but with enough proof that the appetite for practical strategy and real-world insight was there.

invidis also began bringing its established conference format to major AV trade shows and in 2008, it debuted at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) under the name “DiSCO”. By 2009, the conference had progressed to a standalone event held at the International Congress Centre Messe Munchen (ICM), and, under the patronage of the OVAB Digital (Out-of-Home Video Advertising Bureau) was known as the OVAB Digital Signage Conference, Munich.

A year later, the conference moved to Munich Airport – its long-term home – then known as the Kempinski Airport Hotel, and by 2014, attendance had reached 350 industry representatives, reflecting the event’s growing influence and the market’s accelerating pace.

A major growth phase followed in 2015 as invidis and Integrated Systems Events formed a joint venture, with the event organisation acquiring a majority stake in the series, strengthening global reach and deepening the event’s connection with the wider ISE community.

“Reaching 20 years is a remarkable milestone for The Digital Signage Summit. What began as a small gathering of industry professionals has grown into the definitive platform for strategic insight, innovation, and collaboration, ” says Mike Blackman, Managing Director, Integrated Systems Events. “The DSS continues to connect the leaders shaping the future of digital signage worldwide, and this anniversary edition reflects both the evolution of the market and the opportunities ahead.”

The event connecting the digital signage industry 

The Digital Signage Summit series has expanded its reach by launching sister events – such as DSS MENA in Dubai in 2025 and DSS events at InfoComm shows in North and Latin America – reinforcing its role as a premier gathering for the global digital signage and DOOH industry. During the pandemic in 2020, the conference had to pivot to a virtual format, with ‘DSS The Show’ broadcast live for eight hours to more than 2,500 participants.

Today, The DSS attracts influential business leaders from around the world, alongside major brand names as headline sponsors. Reflecting where the market is heading, the programme includes a dedicated forum for CTOs and developers, making it a unique opportunity for technology providers to engage both commercial and technical stakeholders in one place.

“The DSS has always been about more than just digital signage. It’s about strategy, connection, and driving meaningful business outcomes, ” says Florian Rotberg, Founder & Owner of invidis consulting GmbH. “Looking back over two decades, it’s incredible to see how the industry has matured, and we’re excited to bring together the brightest minds and innovators to explore what the chapter of digital signage will hold.”

The DSS 2026 – The anniversary edition

This May, the event returns with a vibrant, insightful programme, cementing 20-years as the must-attend digital signage business event. This milestone edition will focus on NextGen Signage, centred around 9 conferencing themes: Managed Signage, Digital Signage in Retail and Beyond, Converged Communications, Operating Systems and Cyber Security, Green Signage, Future-Proofing Digital Signage, AI in Signage, The Future of CMS, and Retail Media.

Across two days of keynotes, panel discussions, and expert-led sessions, The DSS 2026 will offer critical insight on the transformative forces impacting the industry from global politics and artificial intelligence to climate change and market maturity which are reshaping the operational and strategic foundations.

The DSS Anniversary Keynote, “20 Years on Screen: The Stories, the Shifts, the Future” will offer a unique chance to reflect on the industry evolution and highlighting the pivotal moments, technologies, and market forces that have shaped 2 decades of digital signage innovation. It will also look ahead to the opportunities and challenges defining the next chapter of the sector, offering a forward-thinking perspective that sets the tone for this special 20th anniversary edition of the summit.

Networking and learning at The DSS roll straight into the evening at Airbräu, in what promises to be a standout occasion, complete with 20th‑birthday surprises and lively celebrations.

Join the decision-makers shaping digital signage projects worldwide. Reserve your space at The DSS to connect with qualified buyers and influencers, and secure senior-level meetings in a results-driven environment.

To book your ticket and for more information visit: https://digitalsignagesummit.org/

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• Pennies, the charity and trusted leader in micro-donations, marks a 10-year partnership with Retail Technology Show 

• More than £65 million raised through 275 million micro-donations since the partnership began 

• Pennies CEO Alison Hutchinson CBE to take to the stage with Mamas & Papas, Debenhams Group and RedCat Pub Group

Pennies, the trusted leader in micro-donations, will return as the official Gold Charity Partner for Retail Technology Show 2026 on 22nd – 23rd April at Excel London, marking 10 years of partnership, during which more than £65 million has been raised for charities through digital micro-donations.

With just two weeks to go until Retail Technology Show 2026, the event is set to bring together leading voices from across retail, hospitality and technology.

Attendees can visit Pennies at Stand Z55 across both days to discover how digital micro-donations are driving impactful change for charities across the UK, Ireland and beyond.

Pennies will also take part in a panel discussion on 22nd April at 13:55 on the Spark Stage, ‘Small Change, Big Loyalty: How Digital Micro-Donations Can Power Better Customer Engagement’, featuring leaders from Mamas & Papas, Debenhams Group and RedCat Hospitality.

Panellists include:

• Sarah Ashby, Interim CEO & COO at Mamas & Papas Ltd

• Sophie Rycroft, Group ESG, Sourcing & Quality Director at Debenhams Group

• Richard Lewis, Group Chief Executive at RedCat Pub Group

• Alison Hutchinson CBE, CEO at Pennies

• Martin Newman, Consumer Champion & Founder at The Customer First Group

Over the course of its partnership with the Retail Technology Show, Pennies has enabled more than 275 million micro-donations, raising over £65 million for charities and supporting more than 980 charitable organisations. This contributes to more than £78 million raised by Pennies overall since launch in 2010.

During the two days of the Retail Technology Show, Pennies expects to see around 345,000 micro-donations made through its network of retail and hospitality partners across the UK, Ireland and beyond, raising over £85,000 for charity.

Since first attending in 2017, Pennies has grown significantly – from around 60 partners to more than 200 today, with Retail Technology Show playing a key role in that journey. Pennies will be joined by more than 15 of its technology partners exhibiting at this year’s show, demonstrating the breadth of its partner network across the event floor.

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With a month to go until the 2026 Retail Technology Show (RTS), retail’s flagship event has announced a series of new innovation-led features.

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EuroShop has always been a useful snapshot of where retail is heading, but this year the shift felt particularly clear. The conversation is no longer about whether physical retail has a future – it’s about how stores are evolving into smarter, more adaptable and more experience-driven environments.

Walking the halls in Düsseldorf, five themes stood out.

1. The store is becoming an intelligent environment

Retail technology was everywhere, but the difference this year is how seamlessly it’s being integrated into the physical environment. Instead of isolated screens or gimmicky interactions, brands are embedding intelligence into fixtures, shelving and service points. From AI-assisted product discovery to smarter stock visibility and digital merchandising tools, the store is increasingly behaving like a connected system rather than a static space.

2. Flexibility is now a core design principle

Retailers are under constant pressure to evolve their offer, and the store environment needs to keep up. Across EuroShop there was a clear move toward modular display systems, reconfigurable fixtures and adaptable lighting solutions. The best concepts allow brands to refresh storytelling, seasonal campaigns or product launches quickly – without the cost and disruption of a full refit.

3. Experience is the new competitive advantage

Convenience is largely owned by ecommerce, which means the role of the store is shifting toward engagement and discovery. The most compelling environments on show were those designed to be explored: tactile materials, sculptural forms and layouts that invite customers to interact with the brand rather than simply browse shelves.

4. Sustainability is becoming a technical discipline

Sustainability has been a talking point for years, but what stood out this time was the growing focus on practical implementation. From recycled materials and lightweight fabrication techniques to more efficient lighting systems, sustainability is increasingly being engineered into store environments rather than simply communicated through messaging.

5. Stores are becoming content platforms

Perhaps the most interesting shift is how brands now think about stores as media spaces. Retail environments are increasingly designed with photography, video and social sharing in mind. Whether it’s a striking feature installation or a highly curated product moment, the store is becoming a place where brands create content as well as transactions.

If EuroShop 2026 made one thing clear, it’s that physical retail is far from standing still. The most successful stores will be those that combine intelligence, flexibility and experience – creating environments that can evolve as quickly as the brands they represent.

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Marking its 20th anniversary, The Digital Signage Summit (The DSS) 2026, organised by invidis in a joint venture with Integrated Systems Events (ISE), will bring together the sector’s most senior leaders for a strategic examination of the forces reshaping digital signage and DOOH. Over two decades, the Summit has evolved into the industry’s principal platform for executive-level exchange, providing a neutral environment for high-level insight, peer dialogue, and long-term vision setting.

As the pre-eminent forum for the market’s most influential decision-makers, The DSS presents strategic perspectives from the world’s leading innovators and solution providers. By fostering cohesion across Retail Digital Signage, DOOH, and Retail Media, the Summit establishes shared priorities, guides capital allocation, and defines the sector’s next phase of sustainable growth.

Under the theme NextGen Signage, The DSS 2026 will bring together leaders to reimagine, rethink, reinvent, recalibrate, and reset digital signage in a time of transformation. This milestone edition will examine the strategic and technological forces reshaping the global market, from economic shifts and consolidation to new competitive pressures and the accelerating impact of AI, while redefining content workflows, operations, and the broader value chain. Attendees will hear the Anniversary Keynote, “20 Years on Screen: The Stories, the Shifts, the Future”, reflecting on the industry’s evolution and looking ahead to the next chapter, with evening networking and 20th‑birthday celebrations at Airbräu.

“Twenty years of DSS is the perfect moment to look back at the first two decades of digital signage and to do it in an entertaining way,” says Florian Rotberg, Founder & Owner of invidis consulting GmbH. “Our industry has grown from a niche built on CRT tubes to a business-critical ecosystem powered by LEDs, commoditized screens, and increasingly sophisticated software and service platforms. The old silos are gone, and the future is wide open – intelligent, connected, and AI driven. We’re excited to celebrate some of the best moments from 20 years of digital signage and to share our perspective on where the next five years will take us.”

Reflecting on the sector’s current trajectory, Stefan Schieker, Senior Partner of invidis consulting GmbH, adds: “Digital signage has matured. With easier tech and AI accelerating everything from content to analytics, we can finally focus on real value and future-ready business models. Despite global challenges, this moment is a turning point full of disruption, but even more full of opportunity.”

Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events, emphasises the Summit’s ongoing significance: “As we mark twenty years of Digital Signage Summit, the event remains the definitive forum for industry leaders to assess shifting priorities and emerging challenges in digital signage. This is where the industry’s most forward-thinking leaders converge, and where the next big ideas take shape.”

Don’t miss this opportunity to stay at the forefront of the digital signage revolution. Early bird tickets are available for a limited time. Accommodation options for one or two nights at the Hilton Munich Airport are also available.

To secure your space and for more information, visit: https://digitalsignagesummit.org/

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The opening night debate at the Surface Design Show led by Katie Treggiden, award winning journalist and author of Wasted: When Trash Becomes Treasure, delivered a powerful presentation on the Main Stage. Her keynote was centred on the idea of waste being a category rather than an immutable fact, suggesting that used objects can be recategorised as exciting new raw materials. This forward-thinking approach kicked off the event’s 2026 theme of ‘Material Evolution’ and led into a lively debate regarding the future of waste streams. Treggiden chaired a panel of designers and creators to investigate if waste is truly the raw material of the future or if creating new demand for it created a new set of problems. As a featured speaker among the industry’s most innovative voices, her insights provided a moment for visitors to reflect and feel inspired within the acoustic and sensory-focused design of the Main Stage. By challenging standard definitions of discarded items, she highlighted how redefining materials is essential to the design industry’s progress. The opening night debate was then followed by drinks hosted by Stone Federation and Rehau, bringing a buzz to the first night of the show.

This year’s Surface Design Awards were hosted by Hotel Travel Editor and Owner and Director of Kilburn Communications, Hamish Kilburn. The evening was a great success, with awards being dominated by Studio RAP for Lighting, Hospitality, Public Realm and Facades categories and Agri-fruit-bag by Liza C Design for Regenerative Design, Innovation and Sustainability categories. Liza C Design also claimed Supreme Winner and David McGill was awarded the very first Emerging Talent Award with his project Ruvi Acoustic Tile.

The British Institute of Interior Design hosted a networking breakfast on the Wednesday and Commercial Interiors UK hosted a breakfast on the Thursday. With both events being well attended and allowing attendees to mix with a wide range of industry professionals.

The VIP lounge, designed by Justine Fox, was jam-packed for the duration of the show, with the theme ‘Colouring Circularity’ targeting waste capture, Justine worked with brands who used offcuts and waste to make the furnishings for the space. With zones implemented to separate the bustle of the front of the room from the calmer back of the room for a more inclusive design, the VIP lounge was a hotspot at this year’s show.

In keeping with the 2026 theme of ‘Material Evolution’ a new feature of this year’s show was the Sustainability Trail with members including Artstone Panel Systems and Surface Matter. The trail allowed visitors to scan a QR code at each participating stand and gain access to information about the unique sustainability angles of each exhibitor.

Standout exhibitors included Artstone panel Systems, Surface Matter, A Cimenteria Do Louro S.A, Mundy Veneer and Wonderwall Studios.

Artstone Panel Systems brought a compelling international perspective to the Business Design Centre, showcasing an extensive range of wall solutions that perfectly embodied the show’s Material Evolution theme. Their display was a highlight for visitors, drawing significant interest with their Arcquitone panels and the atmospheric, nature-inspired palettes of the Nevada, Dusk and Nimbus collections.

This year Surface Matter offered a tribute to transformation that was well aligned with the show’s theme of Material Evolution. Celebrating their 13^th year, the studio presented an installation titled ‘Through time’, which showcased a decade of surface innovation by reimagining past exhibition displays into future-facing pieces for adaptive reuse. The exhibit highlighted their pioneering work with surfaces made from recycled paper, plastics, and textiles, while also promoting Material Rescue, a takeback service dedicated to keeping quality materials in circulation. By showcasing a new library of pieces available for rental and rescue, Surface Matter demonstrated how the industry can shift away from single-use culture, proving that exhibition stands themselves can be designed for circularity and legacy rather than waste.

At this year’s show, A Cimenteria Do Louro S.A. (ACL) commanded significant attention at their stand, embodying this year’s theme of ‘Material Evolution’ through their innovative approach to concrete. The Portuguese brand, which carries a 48-year legacy in technical knowledge and architecture, showcased a diverse range of products including their Design Line wall coverings and Marmocim real terrazzo slabs. Their showstopper was their sample of Slimcrete, a flexible concrete which has been subjected to extreme testing, including trials in space. This groundbreaking material garnered lots of attention at the show, demonstrating how traditional concrete can be transformed into a high-performance, adaptable solution for modern interior and exterior design.

Wonderwall Studios also made a significant impact at the 2026 Surface Design Show, contributing to the event’s overarching theme of ‘Material Evolution’. Their display was centred on their unique reclaimed wooden wall panels, which stood out as a primary example of how salvaged materials can be repurposed into high-end architectural features. As specialists in both wood and wall coverings, the studio attracted attention for their ability to transform weathered timber into artistic, textured surfaces that align with the industry’s shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly materials.

Mundy Veneer offered a masterclass in natural beauty and technical expertise, showcasing why they are a leading partner for luxury commercial and residential interiors. With an expansive library of over 900 individual veneers across 160 species, the company captivated visitors with its exclusive collection of Tabu Italy pre-dyed and engineered veneers. A major highlight of their display was the introduction of two new colour collections:

BLOOM – a collection of dyed veneers in sophisticated, soft, gentle shades, stronger than pastels and designed to be combined in eclectic, characterful interiors.

EARTH – a selection of earthy neutrals in dark, moody colours, to create a sense of enveloping comfort and a touch of understated drama.

Bringing over 30 years of specialist knowledge to the show, Mundy Veneer successfully balanced aesthetic innovation with rigorous sustainability due diligence.

The 2026 Surface Design Show was a huge success, with an inspiring talks programme, innovative stands and visitors and exhibitors alike enjoying the opportunity to experience the best in class in surfaces and materials. The Business Design Centre will once again host the Surface Design Show in 2027 from 2^nd – 4^th February from visitors can look forward to another year of experimentation and material exploration.

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The consumer goods trade fair trio kicked off in 2026 on the day before the fair with the Compass Talks and the presentation of the new IFH industry index. As the first international sentiment barometer, it reveals where the global consumer goods industry currently stands and the key issues at stake. The tenor of the subsequent afternoon panels was clear: waiting is not an option – what is needed are further developments in business models, more resilient value chains and better preparation for uncertainties, such as customs duties and import regulations. Against this backdrop, international participation in consumer goods fairs is growing – especially in this dynamic trading environment, personal encounters, market transparency and resilient networks are becoming increasingly important.

Detlef Braun, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt, remarks: “Geopolitics, cost pressures and the need for transformation are no longer exceptional circumstances, but rather a new reality. This is precisely why it is important to seize the right moment in the market with confidence and drive. And that moment is here and now in Frankfurt.”

Around 140,000 visitors^[1] from all over the world took advantage of this opportunity. Futurist Ben Hammersley, speaking on behalf of many participants, made this clear on Thursday: “The decisive factor for the future is not certainty in planning, but the ability to deal with uncertainty – with the right mindset, curiosity and adaptability.”

Robert Edler, Senior Sales Manager at Wagner from the Interior Looks brand area, adds: “One of our most important goals is to gain new partners in the international market for project business. Ambiente provides the momentum to meet these people in person.”

Support from trade and industry

Christian Haeser, Managing Director of the German Trade Association for Home and Office Furnishings, confirms the relevance for specialist retailers: “Ambiente has once more proven itself to be an indispensable platform. The diversity and quality of the innovations on display showcase how vibrant and creative our industry is. For specialist retailers, this trade fair is the perfect place to identify trends at an early stage and sharpen their product ranges in a targeted manner – especially in conjunction with Christmasworld and Creativeworld.” The synergies between the three leading trade fairs reached a record level in 2026: visitors to one fair attended the other two events at a rate of between just under 60 and over 80 percent. This underlines the added value of the trade fair trio as an international one-stop shop.

Brands such as Zwilling used Ambiente as a stage for strategic development and global positioning. Senay Tansu, Chief Commercial Officer, Zwilling, explains: “Returning to Ambiente 2026 was a complete success for us. Our stand became a statement for our new brand world – modern, strong in design, high-quality and self-confident. Frankfurt was the ideal starting point for us to communicate this further development and our commitment to premium quality and design globally.”

Internationality as a lever

The results of the visitor survey underscore the strong response to the trio of trade fairs as a whole: Once again, very high visitor satisfaction ratings of 96 pe cent, a level of internationality of 71 percent and the presence of all relevant trade and buyer groups confirm Frankfurt’s role as the central platform for the global consumer goods industry. The strongest visitor nations included Italy, China, the Netherlands, the USA and France. The trio of trade fairs yet again attracted numerous top buyers – from international retail groups to leading retail chains, in particular large-volume international retailers such as ALDI, Carrefour International, Coop, Crate & Barrel, dm Drogeriemarkt, Dirk Rossmann, EDEKA, El Corte Inglès, Fenwick, Fleurop, Globus, IKEA, Jaeyoung Trading, Lidl, OBI, OTTO, REWE, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Zalando, and Zara.

In addition, the hospitality and contract business continued to gain in importance. International decision-makers from the hotel, catering, real estate and project development sectors, such as Marriott Hotel Holding and hotel-specific providers such as Caddie Hotel, came to Frankfurt. Minor Hotels Europe & Americas, an international hotel group covering several segments from business to luxury hospitality with brands such as NH Hotels, Anantara, Avani and Tivoli, was also represented.

Clémentine Murgier, Chief Growth Officer of the JJA Group, also confirms the high internationality and quality of the buyers: “JJA’s growth is consistently internationally oriented. The open and international atmosphere of Ambiente makes it a fixed highlight in our trade fair calendar and a central lever of our sales strategy.”

A similarly positive mood was evident at Christmasworld and Creativeworld. Elina Holm Knudsen, International Key Account Manager at Creative Company, sums it up: “The response to Creativeworld exceeded our expectations – with an overwhelming number of international leads from a total of 50 countries. Our stand was very busy on all four days of the fair.”

Ambiente: Continuous development as a constant factor for success

At Ambiente, the offerings related to Ambiente Projects attracted particular interest. The HoReCa, Hospitality Interiors and Contract Business areas became highly frequented destinations for international buyers and professionals from the retail, hospitality and contract furnishing sectors. New formats such as the Interior Design & Architecture Hub and the expanded curated brand area Interior Looks strengthen the fair’s position as a platform for interior design, hospitality and international project business.

Thomas Hinrichsen, Managing Director, Conde House Europe, notes: ‘Our expectations have been exceeded: we were able to reactivate contacts we thought were lost and make new ones. Our primary focus is on greater visibility for architects and business partners in the contract and hospitality business – and that is exactly what we have achieved.’

The programme was complemented by special themed formats such as Spot on Back of House and the Hospitality Academy, which provided specific impetus for efficient processes and new business prospects in the hospitality industry. From the perspective of the planning industry, Mandy Heinrichson, Managing Director of the association of German Interior Architects (bdia), emphasises: “Formats such as the Interior Design & Architecture Hub and the Compass Talks open up an important professional discourse on new business models, hospitality interiors and the role of AI in planning and decision-making processes.”

Hamid Yazdtchi, Managing Director of the Gilde Group, emphasises the importance of Ambiente from a retail perspective: “For us, the Frankfurt trade fair is much more than just a date in the calendar – it is the heart of our global business activities. No other platform brings together decision-makers, buyers and brands from the global consumer goods industry with this level of quality, reach and relevance.” Felix Bechtold, CEO of Waldmann, values the personal contacts: “We are very satisfied. The international trade audience is fantastic – buyers come from Asia, America and even Mauritius. There is a great appreciation for quality and craftsmanship, which we are very pleased about. For us, Ambiente is both a wonderful class reunion with old acquaintances and an ideal platform for meeting new people and making new contacts.” 

Christmasworld: Leading international trade fair for seasonal decoration

Christmasworld confirmed its role as the leading international trade fair for seasonal and festive decorations, once more proving itself to be an effective source of inspiration for retailers, cities, large-scale decoration projects and the green industry. It offered guidance and inspiration along the entire value chain – from products and staging to the point of sale. Martina Mensing-Meckelburg, President of the Association of German Garden Centres, emphasises: “For me, Christmasworld is much more than a product show – it sets the agenda. For owner-managed garden centres, it offers guidance, inspiration and a clear perspective on upcoming trends. Together with Ambiente and Creativeworld, it is a leading platform for our industry.” 

Frederic Günther, Managing Director of the Association of Erzgebirge Craftsmen and Toy Manufacturers, also highlights the international impact: “Christmasworld once again offered our member companies a strong international stage to generate new market momentum in line with the trade fair trio’s motto “Make the market moment yours”.”

Creativeworld: Business platform for creativity, knowledge and growth

Creativeworld provided important guidance for an industry in transition. The trends highlighted how materials and products are merging to form new art forms and modes of expression – particularly in the growing segments of textile design and ceramics. The fair thus confirmed its importance as an international business platform with an impact that extends far beyond the days of the fair itself. “Creativeworld has given our brand a noticeable boost and opened up new reach and business opportunities in the international B2B market,” says Fokke Ros, Head of Sales and Marketing at De Bondt.

With the Creative Academy, which was launched in 2026 as a certified training platform, the trade fair sharpened its profile as a central knowledge and qualification hub for the retail sector. Volker Jungeblut, Managing Director of the Association of the Stationery and Office Supply Brand Industry, emphasises the importance of this approach: “Further training and certification are a perennial issue and irreplaceable for the relevant trade.”

Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld will take place at the Frankfurt Exhibition Centre next year from 29^th January – 2^nd February 2027, with Creativeworld finishing a day earlier on 1^st February. The Compass Talks will once again kick off the event on the previous day, 28th January 2027.

Image courtesy of Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH/Pietro Sutera.

^[1] Total figures for 2025, FKM-verified: 4,689 exhibitors (593 domestic / 4,096 international) and 147,684 visitors (46,876 domestic/100,808 international)

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Touker Suleyman brings more than 50 years’ experience across retail and is best known as the Founder of clothing manufacturer and brand owner, Low Profile Group, British menswear label Hawes & Curtis, and womenswear house Ghost. He joined Dragon’s Den in Series 13 and to date has pledged more than £3.8million in investments during his ten years on the TV show.

Taking place at London’s Excel on 22^nd – 23^rd April 2026, RTS will bring more than 16,000 senior retail professionals together for its most ambitious showcase of retail innovation to date, sharing insight and solutions to enable retailers and brands to scale, adapt and deliver long-term results.

Speaking on the Supernova Stage on Day 1 at 14:35, Suleyman will join Customer Whisperer, Kate Hardcastle MBE, for a fireside chat drawing on his decades of experience building and scaling businesses, turning around underperforming brands and backing early-stage ventures.  The session will also explore the realities of retail growth, strategies for resilience and long-term value creation.

A serial entrepreneur, Suleyman has a keen interest in supporting start-ups and invests in a number of small British companies spanning circular fashion, marketplaces and consumer products, including Loop Generation, Bikesoup, Matchstick Monkey, Little Rolla and Sonisk.

“Building and rebuilding businesses has taught me that success rarely comes without risk, but the right risks, taken with discipline and belief, will create long-term value,” commented Suleyman.  “Retail is an industry that rewards those prepared to back themselves, learn fast and stay close to both the detail and the customer – and that’s a conversation I’m keen to have with my sector peers at the Retail Technology Show in April.”

Matt Bradley, Founder & Event Director at RTS, commented: “Few figures in retail can match Touker’s depth and breadth of experience, from manufacturing and brand building to investment and turnaround leadership.  His ability to translate decades of lessons learnt from operating at the forefront of the sector into practical insight makes him an outstanding addition to our 2026 headline speaker line-up.”

Suleyman joins an all-star cast of headline speakers at RTS 2026 including M&S Chairman, Archie Norman, and brand founder, serial entrepreneur and digital broadcaster, Grace Beverley.

To register to attend RTS 2026, visit: https://www.retailtechnologyshow.com.  The event is free to attend for retailers and consumer brands.  Solution & Service Providers Passes are available.

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Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2026 officially closed its doors at 16:00 on Friday 6^th February following four days of inspiring firsts that pushed beyond the expected to redefine the possible and reinvigorate the AV and systems integration industry. ISE 2026 broke all records welcoming 92,170 visitors from around the world. A total of 1,751 exhibitors, including 323 making their debut at the event, contributed to the largest total show floor space in the event’s history at 101,000 sqm.

ISE 2026 delivered exceptional attendance growth, underlining the continued expansion and global appeal of the show. By Tuesday, the event had already welcomed 55,156 unique attendees, a 10 percent increase compared with Tuesday 2025 (49,981). By Wednesday, total unique attendance across all show days reached 76,035, while the show recorded its largest single day ever, with 64,198 visitors onsite, almost equalling the pre-pandemic record attendance of an entire ISE show (64,908 at ISE 2019 in Amsterdam). Momentum continued through Thursday, as total unique attendance climbed to 87,648, officially marking the highest attendance in ISE history. Overall, ISE 2026 achieved an 8 percent increase in total attendance compared with 2025, demonstrating unprecedented energy, scale, and industry engagement, and confirming its position as the world’s leading event for the audiovisual and systems integration community. The total number of registrations reached 120,914 with over 212,000 visits across the four days.

“As ISE 2026 comes to a close, I’m truly inspired by the passion and strength of our community,” said Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events. “Over four extraordinary days, we celebrated groundbreaking technology, ignited bold ideas, forged lasting connections, and set new benchmarks for our industry. What excites me most is the creativity, energy, and diversity of our exhibitors and partners, and the unwavering dedication of the ISE team that makes it all possible.”

Growing and empowering the ISE community and beyond

At ISE 2026, Spark debuted as a show of unity for creativity and technology – a new initiative driving innovation and knowledge sharing across the creative industries. The new event format brought together the creators of tomorrow, uniting the brightest minds from Broadcast, Live Events, Marketing, Design, and Gaming into one immersive experience. Spark served as a hub for creative professionals, technologists, and decision-makers to connect, share ideas, and explore the future of creativity. With an outstanding line-up of partners and speakers, Spark 2026 showcased how technology transformed the audience experience, on screen, in physical spaces, and live, and demonstrated how innovation and collaboration are shaping the next generation of creative work.

In another first, ISE announced the ISE Foundation, an initiative spearheaded by ISE, and backed by co-owners AVIXA and CEDIA, with support from the City of Barcelona and the Government of Catalonia. The ISE Foundation aims to empower the AV and systems integration community, with an emphasis on teamwork, innovation, and lasting impact under the tagline “Powering On, Together”. The foundation launched at a press conference, with distinguished speakers David Labuskes, CEO of AVIXA; Daryl Friedman, Global President & CEO of CEDIA; Raquel Gil, Deputy Mayor of Barcelona; and Miquel Sàmper, Minister for Business and Labour, Government of Catalonia.

From iconic landmarks to AI insights, ISE 2026 showcased the future of creativity

The keynote sessions at ISE 2026, delivered by Matt Clark and Sol Rashidi, electrified the event, drawing full-capacity audiences. Clark took attendees “Behind the Façade: Building a Performance-led Mapping at Casa Batlló, from Concept to Implementation,” revealing the creative and technical mastery behind the mapping at one of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks. Rashidi’s “The AI Reality Check: What It Takes to Scale and the Future of Leadership” offered a compelling look at how AI is reshaping industries and the leadership needed to navigate this transformation. Together, their presentations showcased ISE as the ultimate stage for innovation, creativity, and forward-thinking industry leadership.

Barcelona welcomes international officials to ISE 2026

ISE’s partnership with Barcelona continues to play a vital role in the event’s success. The 2026 show featured a notable delegation of VIPs and government officials, including representatives from Latin American countries, reflecting Barcelona’s status as a global technology hub. Attendees included leaders in national and regional governments, as well as experts in digitalisation and AI policy, highlighting ISE’s impact on international collaboration and regional growth.

“ISE jumpstarts every year as the largest gathering of AV professionals. But beyond the numbers is a more remarkable story: people connecting with one another from different corners of the world and exchanging ideas that will live on past the convention center walls,” said David Labuskes, CTS, CAE, RCDD, Chief Executive Officer of AVIXA. “The week was full of brilliant minds that push this exciting industry forward. AVIXA is proud to collaborate with the ISE and CEDIA teams to deliver such a vibrant forum.”

“ISE 2026 once again demonstrated the extraordinary power of collaboration across our global technology ecosystem,” said Daryl Friedman, Global President and CEO of CEDIA. “As co-owners of ISE, we are proud to see the event continue to expand its influence as a platform where innovation, education, and partnership converge. The energy on the show floor and throughout the conference programme reflects a thriving industry that is not only embracing emerging technologies, but shaping how they enhance the spaces where people live, work, and connect.”

See you at ISE 2027

As the industry looks ahead, ISE 2026 leaves a lasting impression, as a showcase of cutting‑edge solutions, and a catalyst for collaboration and progress across the AV and systems integration landscape. ISE will return for ISE 2027 from 2nd – 5^thFebruary 2027 at Fira de Barcelona Gran Via – save the dates and prepare to push beyond even further.

Image credit: MichielTon.com.

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