Who can attend the Retail Technology Show?

The show is specifically tailored for retailers and consumer brands with decision-making power. No children under 18 are allowed. Tech solution providers and students will need to purchase a pass

Is the Retail Technology Show free to attend?

The show is free to attend for retailers, brands, and hospitality only. Tech solution providers and students will need to purchase a pass

When is the Retail Technology Show 2027?

21-22 April 2027 at ExCeL London. Wednesday 21 April 2027 runs 09:00 to 17:00; Thursday 22 April 2027 runs 09:00 to 16:30

Can I register on arrival?

Yes, you may register on arrival at the show. However, pre-registration is strongly advised to avoid queues and allow pre-planning

What does my badge give me access to?

Your badge gives you access to the full conference programme and all networking events, including. The BIG Retail Party, on both 21 and 22 April 2027

Where is the venue and what is the nearest station?

ExCeL London, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1XL. Use Custom House (Elizabeth line and DLR), West entrance. Event hall entrance is S2-S4

Is there free WiFi at the venue?

Yes, there is free visitor WiFi onsite at ExCeL London

Are there cloakroom facilities?

Venue cloakrooms are open during event hours and are complimentary. They are located on level 0 and at the east end of the venue. Items cannot be stored overnight and electronic devices cannot be stored at any time

Do I need a visa to attend from outside the UK?

International visitors to the UK from April 2025 might require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Get your ETA before travelling to the United Kingdom

How do I access the conference sessions?

Conferences and seminars are run on a first come, first served basis. Visitors are advised to arrive in plenty of time to avoid disappointment

Retail Technology Show | TradeShowIntel

Event overview

Overview

Launched in April 2021, the Retail Technology Show is the essential event for retail, leisure, and hospitality leaders who want to stay ahead of the curve (https://www. retailtechnologyshow. com/about-us). Held annually at ExCeL London, the 2027 edition takes place on 21.

April 2027 (https://www. retailtechnologyshow. com/faq). The show brings together over 450 innovative solution providers and thousands of senior retail professionals for two days of networking, content, and technology discovery (https://www.

retailtechnologyshow. com/visit)

TL;DR

121-22 April 2027 at ExCeL London (
2Free to attend for retailers, consumer brands, and hospitality organisations (
3450+ innovative solution providers showcasing retail tech (
4International content programme with influential industry voices (
5Unrivalled networking opportunities including. The BIG Retail Party (

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Visitor profile

Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

Retail and brand decision-makers (

Professionals in IT, eCommerce, payments, marketing, loss prevention, finance, supply chain, profit protection, operations, HR, and security (

Senior retail professionals (

Exhibitor profile

Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

Omnichannel Retail Software & E-Commerce Infrastructure Vendors

Autonomous Checkout & Smart POS Hardware Manufacturers

Supply Chain Visibility, RFID & Warehouse Robotics Providers

Retail AI, In-Store Analytics & Computer Vision Specialists

Loss Prevention, Digital Payment Gateways & Cybersecurity Solutions

Product categories

Key solution areas showcased across the event.

Omnichannel Retail & E-Commerce Platforms

POS Hardware & Autonomous Checkout Solutions

Supply Chain & In-Store Inventory Robotics

Loss Prevention & Cyber Security

Retail AI, Analytics & Customer Experience

Location & Facilities

Venue

Open in Google Maps

Halls & areas

S2S3S4

ExCeL London

London, United Kingdom

Entrances & gates

West Entrance

S2S3S4

Nearest station is Custom House (Elizabeth line and DLR). Follow signs for ExCeL West Entrance

Facilities

Parking

ExCeL London has 3,070 onsite parking spaces. Parking costs £25 for 24 hours for cars and transits up to 3.5 tonnes, payable by pay and display. Coach and minibus parking is charged at a flat rate of £50.00 per day and must be pre-booked. Motorcycle parking is free and cannot be pre-booked. Blue Badge holders can park for £27.50 per day pre-booked or £30 on the day. Access to the car park is only via the A13; use postcode E16 1FR for satellite navigation. All machines in the orange car park accept card payments; machines accepting cash are available at the two entrances to the venue from the car park

3,070 spaces · £25.00/day

Accessibility

ExCeL London provides step-free access from Custom House (Elizabeth line and DLR) and Prince Regent (DLR) stations. All public entrances allow wheelchair access via ramps and automatic doors. The venue has accessible toilets, a Changing Places room with hoist, wheelchair and scooter hire, Blue Badge parking, and support for guide dogs and support animals. All exhibition stands and stages have ramp access

Prayer rooms

A multi-faith prayer room is located on the boulevard and can be accessed through the grey door next to the hall S9 entrance

Cloakroom

Venue cloakrooms are open during event hours and are provided complimentary. The cloakrooms are located on level 0 (down the stairs, in between hall entrances N4 & S4) and at the east end of the venue on level 0. Items cannot be stored overnight and electronic devices cannot be stored at any time

Food options

Waterfront Street Kitchen & Bar, River Cottage Deli, The Bridge Restaurant Diner & Bar, E16 Coffee Shop and Bakery, Pummaro

On-site dining

Parking: ExCeL London has 3,070 onsite parking spaces. Access to the car park is only via the A13; there is no access from Western Gateway or Seagull Lane. Use postcode E16 1FR for satellite navigation to the car park entrance. Parking costs £25 for 24 hours for cars and transits up to 3.5 tonnes, payable by pay and display. Coach and minibus parking is charged at a flat rate of £50.00 per day and must be pre-booked. Motorcycle parking is free and cannot be pre-booked. Blue Badge holders can park for £27.50 per day pre-booked or £30 on the day

Gate: The Retail Technology Show uses the West Entrance. Custom House station (Elizabeth line and DLR) is the nearest station, approximately a 2-minute walk from the West Entrance. Event hall entrance is S2-S4

Attend

Entry & tickets

Trade-only

Event days & opening times

DayOpening hours

21 April 2027:09:00 to 17:00

22 April 2027:09:00 to 16:30

Trade Visitor Pass
Complimentary admission for qualified trade visitors upon pre-registration for Retail Technology Show

Who runs the show

Organisers

Nineteen Group

Organiser

Website

Retail Technology Show Enquiries

General Enquiries

Email Call Website

Matt Bradley

Director & Founder

Email Call Website

What's on

Programme

Speakers

Archie Norman

Chairman [2026 edition] @ M&S

Sarah Boyd

Managing Director, UK [2026 edition] @ SEPHORA

Touker Suleyman

Owner & Chairman [2026 edition] @ Hawes & Curtis

Dan Chasle

Chief Data Officer [2026 edition] @ New Look

Mitchell Vergeer

Head of Retail [2026 edition] @ Axel Arigato

Anthony Houghton

Group CEO [2026 edition] @ Holland & Barrett

Andrew Busby

Retail Expert and Founder [2026 edition] @ Retail Reflections

Chair on the Leadership, Workforce & Culture Track [2026 edition]

Topic tracks

Retail Media, AI & Data [2026 Edition]Return to Growth [2026 Edition]Loyalty, Customer Experience & Personalisation [2026 Edition]Leadership, Cybersecurity & Economy [2026 Edition]CONNECTED RETAIL [2026 Edition]SUSTAINABILITY, SUPPLY CHAIN & INNOVATION [2026 Edition]

Awards

AEO Excellence Awards Best UK Trade Show

Annual

Retail Technology Show was named Best UK Trade Show (Between 4,001,000sqm) at the Association of Event Organisers (AEO) Excellence Awards, recognising continued growth, industry impact and exceptional event experience. The award was announced in June 2026, with the RTS team focused on building momentum for 2027

Best UK Trade Show

source

Innovation Trail & Awards

Annual

The Innovation Trail & Awards recognises standout retail technology solutions exhibited at the show. Ten exhibiting products are shortlisted by an independent panel of judges drawn from the retail advisory board and industry experts, with the winner announced at The BIG Retail Party at the end of Day 1. The 2026 winner was Vusion for EdgeSense AI

Data & AnalyticsCustomer Experience & RetentionRetail Operations

source

Previous edition

Current edition

2027 · 15,000 visitors · 450 exhibitors

The official Retail Technology Show homepage and Visit page list 450+ exhibitors and 15,000+ senior retail professionals as the show's profile for 2027. Third-party exhibition directories also list 26,000 sqm floor area and 480 exhibitors as estimates. These figures are organiser forecasts until audited post-show data is released

Forecast — not final

Visitors

15,000

Exhibitors

450

Floor area (sqm)

26,000

Growth over time

New this edition

1
Retail's BIG Party
Annual industry get-together networking event held on Day 1, featuring entertainment and socialising. Sponsored by PMC in 2026 with a disco theme and headline entertainment. (2026 edition)
Source
2
Zebra Scavenger Hunt
Interactive competition through the official RTS app with prizes, encouraging visitors to explore exhibitor stands. Sponsored by MiTEQ in 2026. (2026 edition)
Source
3
Start Up Superstars
Dedicated area showcasing unseen solutions from emerging retail tech start-ups. (2025 edition)
Source
4
Retail Futures Stand
In partnership with Commerce Futures, spotlighting ecommerce solutions and hosting retailer-only deep-dive content sessions focused on the future of online trading. (2025 edition)
Source

Testimonials

Every retailer should walk this show, decide what's right for them and invest
Touker Suleyman · Owner & Chairman · Hawes & Curtis · 2026

RTS remains an invaluable platform for evaluating what's hype and what's not when making tech investment decisions
Iain Robertson · Chief Operating & Innovation Officer · Fortnum & Mason · 2026

RTS not only gets bigger and better every year, but it's become the place where people can connect, converse and collaborate, and make those long-term connections that matter
Matt Bradley · Founder & Event Director · Retail Technology Show · 2026

The fact that technology and retail come together at RTS is fantastic because they aren't two different things anymore they haven't been for a while now. It isn't possible to talk about retail without talking about technology, digital, AI they are all one and the same thing
Prerana Issar · Chief People Officer & Head of Corporate Affairs · Sainsbury's · 2025

It's a great event, but it's not just about the technology; it's about meeting people and about building relationships
Alex Gourlay · Executive Chair · Holland & Barrett · 2025

It's been a fantastic retail technology show. I really recommend you come next year
Jeremy Schwartz · Former Chairman and CEO · The Body Shop · 2022

There is no show like this in the UK
Dean Frew · CTO · SML-RFID · 2022

Next edition outlook

2027

medium

RTS 2027 returns to ExCeL London on 21-22 April 2027 with the theme 'Feel the Beat of Retail.' The show builds on the momentum of RTS 2026, which delivered over 450 innovators, 125+ speakers, and more than 15,000 senior retail professionals. AI and agentic commerce are expected to remain central themes, with the conference programme continuing to feature 125+ brand and retailer leaders. Registration is free for retailers, consumer brands, and hospitality organisations, and exhibitor enquiries are already open. The show was recently awarded Best UK Trade Show at the AEO Excellence Awards, reflecting growing industry recognition

Continued focus on AI execution and data readiness rather than novelty Expanded agentic commerce content covering payments, OMS, delivery, and post-purchase integrations Growing presence of composable and MACH-architecture technology providers Enhanced networking opportunities including Retail's BIG Party and satellite events Potential expansion of cybersecurity and loss prevention content given rising retailer concerns

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

The Retail Technology Show has established itself as the UK's flagship retail technology event, growing from 6,850 visitors at its launch in 2022 to over 15,000 senior retail professionals in 2026. The show's relocation from London Olympia to ExCeL London in 2025 coincided with record attendance and its largest ever technology showcase. In 2026, RTS delivered over 450 exhibitors and 125+ speakers, with a strong C-suite audience representing 95% of the UK's top 20 retailers. The event has become a critical meeting point where technology and retail converge, as noted by industry leaders including Sainsbury's, Holland & Barrett, and M&S. The show was awarded Best UK Trade Show at the AEO Excellence Awards, reflecting its growing industry recognition and impact

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

RTS consistently attracts a senior-level retail audience. In 2024, 82% of attendees operated in C-Suite, Senior Management, or Head Of roles, and 83% either influenced or authorised retail technology spend decisions. In 2025, 81% of visitors were C-Level executives, Senior Management, or Heads Of functions, and 89% of exhibitors rebooked on-site for the following year. In 2026, the show attracted 95% of the UK's top 20 retailers, with 83% of attendees influencing purchasing decisions and 44% representing £1M+ annual budgets. Matt Bradley noted 'strong levels of senior, c-suite audiences attending the sessions and walking the show floor, underlining the show's central role in bringing together senior retailers with tech innovators.' Fashion and apparel remained the top visitor sector at 27% in 2024, followed by grocery at 22%. Attendees consistently cite staying ahead of industry trends (28%), networking (27%), and seeking technology inspiration (26%) as their primary motivations

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

Exhibitor satisfaction and return on investment at RTS is evidenced by the 89% on-site rebooking rate achieved for RTS 2026 during the 2025 edition. The show connects exhibitors with a high-quality audience: 83% of attendees influence purchasing decisions and 44% represent £1M+ annual budgets. Industry research conducted during RTS 2026 by ASPR indicated that proving return on investment is the single biggest challenge facing retailers when it comes to technology, making the show's role as a platform for evaluating solutions particularly valuable. Touker Suleyman, Owner and Chairman of Hawes & Curtis, told attendees 'Every retailer should walk this show, decide what's right for them and invest,' while Iain Robertson, Chief Operating & Innovation Officer at Fortnum & Mason, said RTS remains 'an invaluable platform for evaluating what's hype and what's not when making tech investment decisions.'

Intelligence

Market context

Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

United Kingdom

Why it matters

The Retail Technology Show is the UK's flagship retail technology event, and its strategic importance is intensifying as the sector undergoes rapid transformation. The UK retail market is forecast to grow from £466.7bn in 2025 to £481.7bn in 2026, before reaching £523.1bn by 2030, yet growth is slowing and operating cost pressure is driving a 73% year-on-year increase in AI technology investment. RTS provides a critical platform for retailers to cut through the hype and evaluate practical, execution-ready solutions. With 82% of attendees in C-Suite, Senior Management, or Head Of roles, and 83% influencing or authorising technology spend, the show offers technology vendors unparalleled access to decision-makers. For retailers, it is a concentrated opportunity to compare 450+ suppliers, learn from 125+ speakers across six tracks, and network with 15,000+ peers. As AI shifts from novelty to operating execution, RTS has become the essential event for separating actionable retail technology from expensive distractions

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

AI shifts from experimentation to operating execution

At the Retail Technology Show 2026, artificial intelligence dominated the agenda but conversations shifted from novelty to practical execution. Retailers are focusing on the data infrastructure, processes, and change-management capabilities needed to make AI deliver value. The commercial test is whether technology improves availability, margin, conversion, and service rather than creating novelty

Source

Agentic commerce and AI-driven checkout readiness

UK eCommerce brands are racing to prepare for AI agents that can complete purchases on shoppers' behalf. Research from Varn Search Marketing found that only 12% of the UK's 100 biggest eCommerce brands are ready for AI systems to complete purchases directly, highlighting a significant infrastructure gap that vendors at RTS 2027 are expected to address

Source

Data readiness as the foundation for AI value

Retailers are learning that AI delivers value only when built on unified, trustworthy customer data. At RTS 2026, New Look's COO described stitching 9.2 million customer data points into a single customer record to support advanced AI modelling. HyperFinity research shows most UK retailers do not believe their loyalty systems are ready for agentic AI

Source

Physical stores remain central to retail technology investment

Despite digital acceleration, physical stores remain a major focus of retail technology investment. Tesco began trialling Simbe Robotics' Tally stock-checking robot at its Ware hypermarket, while John Lewis is investing in AI-powered shopping as part of its £800 million transformation programme. Vendors at RTS 2026 showed strong presence in electronic point-of-sale, self-checkout, and in-store analytics

Source

Loyalty systems lack AI readiness across UK retail

HyperFinity research published in July 2026 shows that most UK retailers do not believe their loyalty systems are ready for agentic AI. The biggest expected impact on customer loyalty over the next two to three years is faster customer insight and decision-making through intelligent agents, creating an urgent upgrade cycle for loyalty platforms

Source

Market news

Latest updates from across the market.

Tesco explores AI agents that could do your shopping for you

Read

Asda partners with Ocado to deploy Ocado Smart Platform across UK stores from 2027

Read

UK retailers say loyalty systems lack AI readiness

Read

Retail Technology Show 2026: AI talk turns practical as retailers focus on execution

Read

John Lewis invests in AI-powered shopping as part of £800m transformation

Read

Global Retail Technology Event Circuit

6 to 12 months ahead for booth bookings; 3 to 6 months ahead for travel and accommodation

The retail technology event calendar spans Europe, North America, and Asia across the next 12 months. The circuit begins with NRF 2027 in New York (January), moves to EuroCIS in Düsseldorf (February), and reaches its UK anchor with the Retail Technology Show in London (April). Later in the year, NRF Retail's Big Show Asia Pacific takes place in Singapore (June), and NRF Retail's Big Show Europe returns to Paris (September). These events serve distinct regional markets but share a common focus on AI, unified commerce, and store technology, allowing exhibitors and buyers to plan a coherent multi-event strategy

Q1 2027 — Global and European kickoff

NRF 2027: Retail's Big ShowEuroCIS 2027

The calendar year opens with NRF in New York in January, followed by EuroCIS in Düsseldorf in February. These events set the global and European retail technology agenda for the year

Q2 2027 — UK and APAC focus

Retail Technology Show 2027NRF Retail's Big Show Asia Pacific 2027Retail Technology Oslo 2027

The UK's flagship event takes place in April, followed by APAC in June. Nordic buyers and vendors gather in Norway in May. This window is ideal for exhibitors targeting multiple regions

Q3 2027 — European autumn gathering

NRF 2026: Retail's Big Show Europe

NRF's European edition returns to Paris in September. The event addresses challenges facing the European retail market and serves as a bridge between the spring and winter retail calendars

Dates sourced from official event websites and organiser-published materials. Retail Technology Oslo 2027 date is from a third-party event directory and should be confirmed with the organiser. NRF Big Show Europe 2026 is included as it falls within the 12-month planning window preceding RTS 2027

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · GBP

Arrival airports

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

LCY

London City Airport

Closest airport to ExCeL London. Take the DLR from London City Airport station to Custom House for ExCeL

Less than 1 mile (3 km)

to venue

5 minutes by car or taxi; 10-15 minutes by DLR

by car

LHR

Heathrow Airport

Direct Elizabeth line service from Heathrow to Custom House for ExCeL

Approximately 26 miles

to venue

Approximately 1 hour by car; 43 minutes by Elizabeth line

by car

LGW

Gatwick Airport

Take a train to London Victoria or London Bridge, then continue via Underground and DLR to Custom House

Approximately 40 miles

to venue

Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by car; 48 minutes by public transport

by car

STN

Stansted Airport

Take the Stansted Express to Liverpool Street, then continue via Elizabeth line to Custom House

Approximately 35 miles

to venue

Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes by car

by car

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

Budget (3-star)

Royal Victoria Dock / Custom House / Canning Town

USD 70–200 / night

Options include Premier Inn London Docklands (Excel), ibis London Excel-Docklands, Holiday Inn Express London ExCeL, and Fox Connaught London ExCel. Many are within a 5-15 minute walk of ExCeL London. Prices are estimates based on Trip.com and Trivago listings and are subject to seasonal demand and booking lead time. Booking early is strongly advised as rates can increase significantly closer to the event

Mid-range (4-star)

Royal Victoria Dock / Canary Wharf

USD 150–400 / night

Options include Aloft London Excel, Novotel London Excel, DoubleTree by Hilton London Excel, and Crowne Plaza London Docklands. All are within walking distance or a short DLR ride of the venue. Aloft is 0.39 km from ExCeL, Novotel is 0.46 km, and DoubleTree is 0.63 km. Prices are estimates based on Trip.com and TripAdvisor listings

Premium (4-5-star)

Canary Wharf / Central London

USD 250–800 / night

Options include Sunborn London Yacht Hotel (luxury yacht hotel 300m from ExCeL), Crowne Plaza London Docklands, and hotels in Canary Wharf or Central London such as Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge, The Savoy, and Corinthia London. Premium hotels in Central London offer more dining and nightlife options but require 20-40 minutes of travel to the venue via Elizabeth line or DLR. Prices are estimates

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

DLR (Docklands Light Railway)

Estimated cost£2.80–£3.40 per journey depending on zones and peak/off-peak

Best forCustom House for ExCeL (West Entrance) or Prince Regent (East Entrance)

Custom House DLR station is connected to ExCeL London by a covered walkway, with the entrance less than two minutes away. Services towards Beckton and Gallions Reach stop at Custom House, with easy connections from the Jubilee line at Canning Town. From London City Airport, the DLR journey to Custom House takes 10-12 minutes, with trains running every 8-10 minutes. Oyster, contactless and Travelcards accepted

Elizabeth line

Estimated cost£3.40–£5.60 per journey depending on zones

Best forCustom House for ExCeL (West Entrance)

Direct service from Heathrow Airport (approximately 43 minutes), Paddington, Bond Street, Liverpool Street, and Canary Wharf. Alight at Custom House and follow signs to ExCeL London. Contactless and Oyster accepted. This is the quickest route from central London

London Underground (Jubilee line)

Estimated cost£2.80–£5.60 per journey depending on zones

Best forJubilee line to Canning Town, then change to DLR (Beckton-bound) to Custom House or Prince Regent

The Jubilee line is recommended as the quickest route from central London towards the venue. Travel to Canning Town station (approximately 12 minutes from Waterloo) and change to the DLR on platform 3 for Prince Regent or take a Beckton-bound DLR to Custom House for the West Entrance

Bus

Estimated cost£1.75 per journey (Hopper fare allows unlimited changes within one hour)

Best forRoutes 147, 241, 300, 325, 473, 541, N551 serve Custom House and the venue area

Several bus routes serve ExCeL London, providing low-emission travel options. Buses travel regularly to Canning Town, Ilford, East Beckton, and North Woolwich. Buses are cashless; contactless payment or Oyster accepted

IFS Cloud Cable Car

Estimated costAdult: £7 one-way, £13 return; Child (5-15): £3.50 one-way, £6.50 return

Best forNorth Greenwich (The O2) to Royal Docks (ExCeL London)

Scenic crossing of the River Thames connecting North Greenwich (Jubilee line) with the Royal Docks. Visitors and exhibitors attending an event at ExCeL can enjoy an exclusive discounted fare. Operates daily from 8 AM to 9 PM (Mon-Thu), 9 AM to 10 PM (Fri), 9 AM to 11 PM (Sat), and 9 AM to 9 PM (Sun). Pay via Oyster or contactless at the gate

Taxi / Ride-hail (Uber, Bolt, black cabs)

Estimated costVaries by distance; approximately £15-£30 from central London, £8-£15 from Canary Wharf

Best forWest Taxi Rank, Western Gateway (E16 1XL)

The only passenger drop-off point is the West Taxi Rank at E16 1XL on Western Gateway. All ride-hail and taxi drop-offs happen here. A strict no-idle policy is enforced at the West Taxi Rank. Black cabs are metered and accept contactless payment

Plan your trip

Visa & entry documents

Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

Visa not required

ATA Carnet: accepted

Type	Who needs it	Fee	Processing
Standard Visitor Visa	Nationals of countries on the UK visa national list who require entry clearance before travelling to the UK for business activities including attending trade fairs and exhibitions. This includes nationals of India, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, and many others	$170.00	Typically around 3 weeks after biometric appointment; priority service available for an additional fee (5 working days)
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)	Nationals of visa-exempt countries including EU countries, Australia, Canada, Japan, the United States, and 85 nationalities in total who do not require a visa for short stays	$25.00	Usually issued immediately or within 3 working days

Nationals of the USA, Canada, EEA countries including Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as some Middle Eastern and South American countries, are visa-exempt for short stays. Holders of Hong Kong SAR or Macao SAR passports and Taiwanese passport holders are also exempt. These travellers must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. Irish citizens are fully exempt under the Common Travel Area and require no ETA

The UK is a participant in the ATA Carnet system, which allows temporary importation of goods duty-free and tax-free for up to 12 months. Carnets are valid in 87 countries and territories. Only goods covered under the Istanbul Convention Annexes may travel under an ATA Carnet. Controlled, restricted, or dual-use goods require additional licences. Exhibitors should check the UKNATACO country list and country-specific requirements before applying. The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) issues ATA Carnets in the UK

Official visa page

Weather

April in London is mild but changeable. Average high temperatures are around 13-15°C (55-59°F) and average lows around 4-7°C (39-45°F). April averages about 4 to 8 wet days across the month, with roughly 35-50 mm of total rainfall. Visitors should bring layers and a waterproof jacket

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

ExCeL London is exceptionally well connected by public transport. The venue is served by both the Elizabeth line and the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), with Custom House (Elizabeth line and DLR) and Prince Regent (DLR) stations located adjacent to the venue. Custom House is nearest to the West Entrance, where event halls S2-S4 are located. The Jubilee line connects at Canning Town and Canary Wharf for onward travel. The IFS Cloud Cable Car provides a scenic crossing of the River Thames from North Greenwich. Several bus routes serve the venue. Taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available. For drivers, the venue is accessible via the A13 and M25, with over 3,000 onsite parking spaces

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Cultural notes

Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

Trade-only environment

The Retail Technology Show is open to trade visitors only. Retailers, consumer brands, and hospitality organisations attend free, while technology solution providers and students must purchase a pass. Visitors may be asked for proof of company name, so bringing a business card or ID is recommended. No children under 18 are allowed

Networking culture

Networking is a central part of the RTS experience. The show hosts Retail's BIG Party on Day 1, along with roundtable lunches, satellite events, and after-hours socialising. The official event app includes a meeting scheduler and attendee list to facilitate connections

Currency and payments

The local currency is the British Pound (£). London is largely cashless, with contactless cards and mobile payments accepted almost everywhere, including street food stalls and taxis. ATMs are available onsite at ExCeL London. Tipping is not mandatory but 10.5% is customary in restaurants if a service charge is not already included

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

Flights

Destination: London City Airport (LCY), Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN)

The Retail Technology Show has an official airline partner, Lufthansa Group, offering exclusive discounted fares for flights scheduled up to one week before and one week after the event. Participating airlines include Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Edelweiss, and Discover, with access to transatlantic flights operated in partnership with Air Canada and United Airlines. Book early for the best rates, especially for April travel which coincides with spring tourism in London

Book flights

Visa

Most international visitors need either an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or a Standard Visitor Visa to enter the UK for the Retail Technology Show. Visa-exempt nationals require an ETA; visa nationals require a Standard Visitor Visa. The Standard Visitor Visa permits attending trade fairs and business meetings but prohibits direct selling and paid employment

Processing: Standard Visitor Visa: approximately 3 weeks. ETA: usually within 3 working days

The Standard Visitor Visa fee for up to 6 months is £135 as of 8 April 2026. The ETA fee is £20. Apply for the Standard Visitor Visa online up to 3 months before travel. The ETA is obtained via the UK ETA app or GOV.UK. Both permit stays of up to 6 months. For business visitors, permitted activities include attending conferences, trade fairs, and meetings; direct selling to the public is prohibited

Official

Hotels

Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

Areas to stay

Royal Victoria Dock (walking distance to ExCeL) · Custom House (DLR and Elizabeth line access) · Canning Town (Jubilee line connection) · Canary Wharf (business district, 10 minutes by DLR) · Central London (broader dining and nightlife, 20-40 minutes by Elizabeth line)

Budget

$70 - $200 per night

Mid-range

$150 - $400 per night

Premium

$250 - $800 per night

Transport

Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

Airport → venue: London City Airport (LCY) is the closest, less than 1 mile away, with a 10-15 minute DLR journey to Custom House for ExCeL. Heathrow (LHR) is approximately 26 miles away with a direct Elizabeth line service to Custom House taking approximately 43 minutes. Gatwick (LGW) is approximately 40 miles away; take a train to London Victoria or London Bridge, then continue via Underground and DLR. Stansted (STN) is approximately 35 miles away; take the Stansted Express to Liverpool Street, then the Elizabeth line to Custom House

Hotel → venue: Most hotels in Royal Victoria Dock (Aloft, Novotel, Premier Inn, ibis, DoubleTree, Crowne Plaza) are within a 5-15 minute walk of ExCeL London. Hotels in Canning Town or Canary Wharf are 1-2 stops away via DLR or Elizabeth line to Custom House or Prince Regent. Central London hotels require 20-40 minutes via Elizabeth line to Custom House

Ride-hail: Uber, Bolt, and black cabs are widely available. The only passenger drop-off point is the West Taxi Rank at E16 1XL on Western Gateway. All ride-hail and taxi drop-offs happen here. A strict no-idle policy is enforced at the West Taxi Rank

Public transit: ExCeL London is served by both the Elizabeth line and the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). Custom House (Elizabeth line and DLR) is the nearest station to the West Entrance, less than a 2-minute walk away. Prince Regent (DLR) is nearest to the East Entrance. The Jubilee line connects at Canning Town and Canary Wharf. Several bus routes serve the venue. Contactless and Oyster cards are accepted. A single fare is £2.80-£5.60 depending on zones

Parking: ExCeL London has 3,070 onsite parking spaces across three colour-coded zones. Pre-booked parking is £27.50 per calendar day; on-the-day parking is £30. Coach and minibus parking is £50 per day and must be pre-booked. Motorcycle parking is free. Blue Badge holders pay the standard rate. Access to the car park is only via the A13; use postcode E16 1FR for satellite navigation to the car park entrance. Payment is by card, contactless, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. No cash is accepted

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Month: April

Temperature: 4°C to 15°C (39°F to 59°F)

Seasonality: April averages about 4 to 8 wet days across the month, with roughly 35-50 mm of total rainfall. Conditions are changeable with a mix of sunny spells, cloud, and occasional showers

Packing: Bring layers, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes. An umbrella is useful for the walk between stations and the venue entrance. Indoor halls can be warm, so light clothing underneath is recommended

Itinerary builder

Add priorities and side trips to make the most of your visit.

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Default day plan

08:30Arrive at ExCeL London via Custom House station
09:00Collect badge and explore the exhibition floor
10:30Attend a keynote session on retail innovation
12:00Network over lunch at the Waterfront Street Kitchen
13:30Visit exhibitor stands and product demos
15:00Attend a panel discussion on omnichannel retail
16:30Wrap up and head to The BIG Retail Party

Plan your trip

Planning

Best day to visit: Day 1 (Wednesday 21 April 2027)

Day 1 offers the fullest programme including the opening keynote sessions, maximum exhibitor availability, and The BIG Retail Party networking event in the evening. Day 2 runs until 16:30 and may have lighter attendance as exhibitors begin packing down

Register for your free visitor pass online — Registration is free for retailers, consumer brands, and hospitality organisations. Tech solution providers and students must purchase a pass. Pre-registration avoids queues on the day and allows you to pre-plan your agenda. (Guidance, not an official deadline.)

Book travel and accommodation — April is a busy period in London. Book flights and hotels early for best rates. Hotels near ExCeL London fill up quickly. Lufthansa Group is the official airline partner offering discounted fares. (Guidance, not an official deadline.)

Plan your agenda using the official event app — Download the official RTS app for the interactive floorplan, meeting scheduler, and full conference programme. Identify must-see exhibitors and sessions. The app includes AI-powered recommendations. (Guidance, not an official deadline.)

Print your badge and confirm travel documents — Print your badge at home to save time queuing onsite. Bring a business card or ID as proof of company name. International visitors should ensure they have a valid ETA or visa. (Guidance, not an official deadline.)

Check the weather forecast and pack appropriately — April in London is mild but changeable with average highs of 13-15°C and lows of 4-7°C. Bring layers, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes. (Guidance, not an official deadline.)

Review the floorplan and finalise your must-visit list — Use the app to map your route. Plan to arrive for the 09:00 opening on Day 1 to maximise your time. The BIG Retail Party is on the evening of Day 1 and is included with your badge. (Guidance, not an official deadline.)

Sample visitor itinerary

Route-optimised day