Creative Retail Connections, the networking event organised by the Creative Retail Awards and the Shop & Display Equipment Association (SDEA), took place on the Tuesday evening at EuroShop in Düsseldorf. The event reached full capacity, drawing retailers, designers, agencies, suppliers and press from across the global retail community.
EuroShop, held every three years, is one of the retail industry’s largest international trade events. Creative Retail Connections gave attendees a chance to step away from the exhibition floor for informal conversation and networking. Guests spanned a broad cross-section of the industry, reflecting the awards programme’s reach across the retail design community.
The atmosphere was relaxed and social. Guests were able to pull their own pints, and conversation ranged widely, from changing market conditions and design direction to innovation and new opportunities, without the structure of formal presentations.
Discussion also turned to the Creative Retail Awards, now open for entries across more than 20 categories. Plans are in place to announce further developments and new initiatives for 2026, underlining the programme’s continued growth and international ambition.
“We always see EuroShop as an important moment to catch up with the community, talk through what’s next and hear first-hand about ideas for Creative Retail Awards entries,” said Antony Behiels, Co-Organiser of the Creative Retail Awards and Director of the Shop & Display Equipment Association. “The conversations tonight have been wide-ranging — from technical store solutions to experience-led design — and all with a spirit of enjoyment and good humour.”
By reaching capacity, the event demonstrated the value the industry places on relationship-building at major trade events. Progress in retail is often driven by conversation: the exchange of ideas, shared challenges and new introductions that lead to future collaboration.
The next Creative Retail Connections event takes place on 14 April, following the first day of the Visual Merchandising & Display Show. Pre-registration is essential, as the event is expected to reach full capacity once again.
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