IRDC 2026 Call for Presenters
VMSD invites retail and design experts to submit speaker proposals for the 26th annual International Retail Design Conference. IRDC will be taking place this fall in Las Vegas, Oct. 7-8, 2026.
IRDC is the premier educational and networking event for store designers and visual merchandising professionals. Be part of this year's program by applying to speak today!
DEADLINE: MARCH 27
About IRDC
The International Retail Design Conference (IRDC) offers the opportunity for industry leaders to network and interact with other industry thought leaders in creative collaboration, seminars and interactive workshops. This two-day event targeted specifically to the retail design community features inspiration, education and interaction with more than 300 retail, design and architecture professionals from around the world.
Our program includes:
- Thought-provoking, high-level keynote presentations intended to challenge the norms and promote new ways of thinking to our retail design audience
- Industry-focused breakout sessions devoted to exploring strategic conversations about emerging trends; translating the latest, most innovative retail experiences; and looking ahead to what the future holds for this constantly changing industry.
- Hands-on workshops and interactive sessions provide attendees with inspiration and new networking experiences.
A few things to keep in mind when submitting your proposal:
We're looking for presentations that...
- break the mold on boring “talking head(s) at podium” case studies
- tackle high-level, strategic topics with broad relevance (across channels, job functions) that break generational/stereotypical boundaries
- broaden our horizons beyond the world of retail…what can we learn from other industries like hospitality?
- address the critical importance of customer centricity for experiential environments
- engage and involve the audience – challenges, workshops, interpretive dance – if it’s fun and educational with a dash of team-building, let’s talk!
Please note:
We receive more proposals than we can accommodate in our program, therefore, not all submissions can be accepted. IRDC is a peer-to-peer event. Design/architecture firms should co-present with one or more representatives of a retail brand. Unless you are proposing a panel discussion, please, no more than three speakers per session.
Please secure the participation of all presenters and the organizations they represent prior to submitting a proposal. Presentations that have been given previously, particularly at other U.S. retail industry events, are also ineligible for consideration.
Vendors, manufacturers and suppliers are not eligible to speak at IRDC and are eligible to participate in a sponsorship capacity only.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Emily Kasmenn at emily.kasmenn@smartworkmedia.com.
Questions? Please contact Editor-in-Chief/IRDC Co-Chair Carly Hagedon at carly.hagedon@smartworkmedia.com.