Five Must-Attend H2 Events
- Barbara Hutniak
- May 20
- 3 min read
As we enter the second half of the year, the event calendar heats up with high-impact opportunities for solution providers looking to connect with retail and eCommerce decision-makers. Whether your goal is pipeline acceleration, brand visibility, or thought leadership, these events are where deals and partnerships take shape.
Here are five must-attend H2 events—plus CURA’s strategies to help make every dollar count.
1. eTail Boston
📍 August 11–14 | Boston
eTail is built for senior retail and eCommerce leaders focused on digital growth. With 1,000+ executives attending, it's a top-tier opportunity to get in front of digital, omnichannel, and innovation leaders.
CURA Strategy:
✔ Focus on mid-tier sponsorships that offer speaking slots or VIP roundtables
✔ Use eTail’s 1:1 meeting scheduler to build a pre-qualified target list
✔ Prep a client case study or thought leadership deck to drive in-event conversations
✔ Don’t just stay at the booth—network at lunches, sessions, and receptions
2. CommerceNext
📍 September 16–18 | New York City
This event blends thought leadership and tactical learning across digital marketing, eCommerce, and retail innovation. Known for a high-quality audience and focused conversations.
CURA Strategy:
✔ Sponsor a session or panel with a client or tech partner to gain credibility
✔ Use CommerceNext’s interactive agenda to pre-book time with prospects
✔ Leverage branded content before and after the event to extend visibility
✔ Have a follow-up plan in place before you arrive—momentum fades fast post-event
3. Shoptalk Fall 2025
📍 September 22–24 | Chicago
Known for its unmatched networking, curated meetings, and powerful speaker lineup, Shoptalk Fall is a must for retail tech and service providers. Top decision-makers from enterprise retailers and DTC brands attend with real budgets and Q4 urgency.
CURA Strategy:
✔ Secure your sponsorship early—prime spots and meeting programs go fast
✔ Pair a booth or speaking opportunity with a private client dinner or social activation to deepen relationships
✔ Join curated 1:1 meetings and target brands in advance with personalized outreach
✔ Prep your team with tailored messaging and branded assets that speak to Shoptalk’s retail-forward crowd
4. Masterclassing Digital Marketing & Retail Sessions
📍 Multiple Dates | Nationwide
These invite-only, speaker and roundtable-style events offer direct access to senior marketers and retail decision-makers. Small, intimate, and highly targeted.
CURA Strategy:
✔ Choose events in cities where you have sales coverage or key accounts
✔ Prep hyper-relevant collateral tailored to the session topic and attendees
✔ Position your team as a peer and resource—not a pitch machine
✔ Follow up the same day with personalized takeaways and value
5. Retail Summits
📍 Various US Locations Throughout H2
These brand awareness, local events are ideal for emerging brands or regional sales teams. Smaller audience sizes but stronger face time and local connections.
CURA Strategy:
✔ Pair your sponsorship with a private lunch or dinner for qualified attendees
✔ Go in with a curated list of brands you want to meet—then invite them personally
✔ Prep your team for fast, casual, high-value conversations (no hard selling)
✔ Capture leads in real-time and initiate follow-up while on-site
Events Are Only as Strong as Your Strategy. Without the right game plan, even the best event can fall flat. At CURA, we help you:
Choose the right events based on your ICP and goals
Secure premium sponsorships and speaking spots
Manage logistics, budgets, and AV
Train your team and track ROI post-event
Let’s turn events into impact and momentum into revenue.
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