CONNECT DIRECTLY WITH RETAIL'S MOST POWERFUL LEADERS

World Retail Congress brings together the most senior and influential leaders from across the global retail industry. Sponsoring puts you front and centre of the CEOs, founders and C-suite executives driving the future of retail. Be in the room with the world’s most iconic brands, fastest-growing innovators and disruptive challengers.

This is a carefully curated environment where every conversation is high-value and every connection can spark meaningful business opportunities. Beyond established leaders, you’ll also meet the next generation of executives through our Accelerator Programme, those poised to shape the industry’s future.

By sponsoring, you place your brand at the centre of these powerful conversations, aligning yourself with retail’s decision-makers and ensuring you are part of the strategies and partnerships that will define the decade ahead.

 

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WORLD-CLASS IDEAS.

INDUSTRY-DEFINING RELATIONSHIPS.

Meet top c-suite executives from retail's most inspiring businesses face-to-face and develop lasting relationships that have real impact.

Get close to your target market in a curated environment that’s built for cultivating connections. World Retail Congress content is tailored with the involvement of our Advisory Board and community at all times, ensuring that the insights shared attract the most senior leaders in retail.

Secure millions in business through connections and conversations that start at the event. The World Retail Congress team are well-versed in devising bespoke solutions, with a range of potential opportunities, that will support your business objectives and ensure you are front-of-mind for retail's elite.

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HOW YOU CAN PARTNER WITH US

Partnerships with World Retail Congress are bespoke and tailored to your objectives and what will be of most benefit to our senior retail audience. Below you’ll find some of the ways that you can join in the conversation:

 

Insight
Connections
Branding

          

INSIGHT

KNOWLEDGE PARTNER

  • Partner with us to create a custom-built report aligned with one of our 2026 key pillars.

  • Benefit from a 3-month omnichannel marketing campaign, averaging 500 downloads per report.

  • Share your findings in a dedicated speaking slot within our curated programme.

  • Our 2025 Knowledge Partners were: AlixPartners | Deloitte | EY | Russell Reynolds Associates

CONTENT SESSION

  • Collaborate with our expert content team to develop a session aligned with one of our 2026 key pillars.

  • Benefit from a 3-month omnichannel marketing campaign that promotes your session across our platforms.

  • Present your insights in a dedicated speaking slot within our curated programme.

DIGITAL INSIGHT

  • Showcase your expertise through digital channels such as podcasts, reports, and newsletters.

  • Benefit from a 3-month omnichannel marketing campaign that amplifies your message. 

  • Expect an extended reach through our digital channels and sustained engagement with the WRC community

CONNECTIONS

ACCELERATOR PROGRAMME

Gain exclusive access to tomorrow's retail leaders

  • Co-sponsor the highly valued and respected Accelerator Programme: tailored for leaders on the path to C-suite

  • Build relationships at the pivotal moment when influence and insight matter the most

  • Participate in a number of closed-door, private workshops led by industry icons and connect with the next generation of leaders.

BESPOKE PRIVATE FUNCTIONS

  • Host a bespoke private function with a guestlist of senior retailers

  • Bespoke events including breakfasts, luncheons, dinners and more can be hosted in special London locations to further build relationships that matter

  • Design a curated invitation process alongside the WRC team to provide a highly personalised experience to a targeted group of leaders

  • Connect and share a memorable experience 

FLAGSHIP RETAIL TOURS

  • Position yourself at the helm of our reimagined Flagship Tours, a highly acclaimed aspect of World Retail Congress.

  • Before the Congress commences, we take a group of retail leaders on a tailored tour of some of the most iconic retail concepts in our host city

  • Participants choose from a selection of behind-the-scenes visits to flagships across the city, to be led by senior leadership from the brand

BRANDING

SPEAKER & VIP LOUNGE

  • The Speaker and VIP Lounge, located in the main networking area of the show, is the main area for speakers to relax, prepare and network at World Retail Congress

  • Position yourself front-of-mind for these special attendees with branding and gifting opportunities

  • All Lounge users are “tapped-in”, giving you valuable data from the most senior attendees.

CONGRESS OPENING RECEPTION

Make your mark from the very first moment

  • Hosted in an exclusive Berlin venue, the Opening Reception offers a high-impact opportunity to position your brand at the heart of the Congress experience, capturing attention and building connections from the outset

  • This special reception brings together Congress attendees to relax and connect in a more informal atmosphere as they prepare for the days ahead 

  • From private areas to event activations, put a personal and memorable stamp on the event

LANYARDS & REGISTRATION

  • Open conversations and build name-recognition across the event

  • This highly coveted branding opportunity gives you the chance to connect your brand with the World Retail Congress experience for all attendees 

  • Providing something vital that our delegates need across the duration of the event, yours is a name that’s sure to be front of mind

WOMEN IN RETAIL RECEPTION

The Women in Retail Reception is a key moment in the World Retail Congress programme and ideal for organisations who want brand alignment with a purpose-driven, high-profile event. Designed to celebrate and champion female leaders across the industry, including a special presentation of the Woman of the Year Award, this reception is a must-attend moment for all those driving forward gender equity in retail leadership.

Sponsorship will bring your team together with senior executives to honour success, share insights and foster meaningful connections.

HALL OF FAME PARTNER

The Hall of Fame honours retail’s most influential leaders. Each year the Congress inducts three new members during an intimate dinner, recognising the achievements of individuals who have founded and led some of retail’s greatest companies and brands.

The ceremony is recognised as World Retail Congress’ hot ticket event, as it provides an exclusive opportunity to network at the highest level, while aligning your brand with retail excellence, leadership and legacy.

NETWORKING LOUNGES

Position your brand where the Congress connects. Located at the heart of the Congress networking zone where all refreshments breaks take place, these high-visibility lounges offer a powerful platform to showcase your brand while providing a welcoming space for delegates to meet, connect, and recharge. 

For more private conversations, fully equipped meeting rooms are also available - ideal for up to 10 guests and complete with branded signage, AV, and catering options.

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GUIDED BY GLOBAL LEADERS

The 2026 Advisory Board features visionaries including Judith McKenna (former Walmart International CEO), William Kim (Shinsegae International CEO), Gaston Bottazzini (El Corte Ingles CEO) and Jennifer Foyle (President, American Eagle Outfitters), ensuring the agenda addressed retail’s most urgent challenges.

The Advisory Board brings together retail’s most influential voices, ensuring the programme tackles the industry’s defining challenges and opportunities. By joining us in Berlin, you gain direct access to the people shaping retail’s roadmap to 2030.