Behind the Scenes of the Retail Technology Show: A Conversation with Matt Bradley
In this latest episode of the C-Suite Podcast’s Beyond the Stage series, host Graham Barrett turns the spotlight on the Retail Technology Show, one of the fastest growing and most influential events in the retail calendar. Taking place at ExCeL London, 22nd & 23rd April, the show brings together forward-thinking retailers and leading technology providers to explore the future of commerce.
To provide a deeper understanding of what goes into delivering an event of this scale, Graham is joined by Matt Bradley, Founder and Director of the Retail Technology Show.
From Origins to Relaunch
While the Retail Technology Show officially launched in its current form in 2022, its origins date back much further. Matt Bradley explains that the concept began in 2010 under the name Retail Business Technology Show. Following its sale to Reed and subsequent closure during the Covid period, the event was revived after a short hiatus under the ownership of the 19 Group.
Since its relaunch, the show has grown significantly, establishing itself as both an exhibition and a full-scale conference. Its core purpose remains clear: to connect retailers with technology solutions that help them operate more efficiently, effectively and profitably.
A Memorable Comeback
Reflecting on recent years, Bradley highlights the emotional impact of bringing the event back post-pandemic. After uncertainty within the events industry, reopening the show marked a significant milestone. The moment the doors opened again stood out as a particularly meaningful achievement following a period of doubt and rebuilding.
However, the journey has not been without its challenges. From last-minute speaker cancellations to concerns around attendance trends and even potential external disruptions, organising a live event requires constant vigilance. Bradley notes that unpredictability is part of the nature of the industry, requiring organisers to remain adaptable at all times.
The Move to ExCeL London
A key milestone in the show’s evolution was its move from Olympia to ExCeL London. While Olympia remains a highly regarded and iconic venue, the growing scale of the event required a larger, single-level space.
The transition, which had been under consideration for several years, ultimately proved successful. The new venue has enabled greater flexibility in floor planning and exhibitor positioning, as well as improved overall flow for attendees. It has also allowed organisers to refresh the layout and offer new opportunities to long-standing exhibitors.
Planning Never Stops
One of the most striking insights from the episode is the continuous nature of event planning. Even just weeks before the upcoming show, preparation for the following year is already underway.
This includes early booth bookings, floor plan development, theme creation and speaker recruitment. Alongside this, extensive research is conducted with retailers and advisory boards to ensure the conference agenda reflects the most relevant and pressing industry topics.
Given the pace of change within retail, agility is essential. Bradley emphasises the importance of staying closely connected to the industry in order to anticipate trends and respond quickly to new developments.
Creating Value for Attendees
Beyond commercial success, a key priority for the Retail Technology Show is delivering real value for attendees. Retailers can attend free of charge, meaning their primary investment is time. Ensuring that time is well spent is central to the event’s design.
Attention to detail plays a significant role in shaping the overall experience. From the atmosphere within networking spaces to the design of conference theatres and experiential features, small elements combine to create a more engaging and immersive environment.
What to Expect This Year
This year’s show introduces a distinctive theme inspired by disco, with organisers aiming to create a vibrant and memorable atmosphere across the event. However, Bradley is keen to stress that the experience extends beyond the two exhibition days, with activity taking place throughout the surrounding week, including networking events and social gatherings.
The conference programme features a strong line-up of speakers, including the return of Archie Norman. His appearance follows significant developments at Marks and Spencer after last year’s event, providing an opportunity to revisit key discussions.
In terms of content, several major themes are set to shape this year’s agenda. Artificial intelligence continues to be a central topic as retailers explore its potential impact. Cyber security has also risen in prominence following recent challenges in the sector, while retail media is emerging as an exciting new avenue for revenue generation.
Measuring Success
Success for the Retail Technology Show is measured in multiple ways. Commercially, rebooking rates for future events provide a clear indicator of value. Equally important, however, is direct feedback from attendees and exhibitors.
Bradley highlights one particularly memorable comment from a participant who claimed to have achieved six months’ worth of work in a single day. For an audience that is often time constrained, this level of impact reflects the event’s effectiveness.
Looking Ahead
As the Retail Technology Show continues to grow, the focus remains on maintaining relevance, delivering value and adapting to an ever-changing industry. For Bradley and his team, the work never truly stops, with planning for future editions already in motion.
For those attending, the event promises not only insight into the future of retail technology, but also a dynamic environment for networking, learning and collaboration.
