PHOTOS: Shop! MarketPlace 2026 Recap

The Shop! Association wrapped up its fourth annual Shop! MarketPlace trade show and conference this past May 6-7 in New Orleans. Featuring exhibitors showcasing products from fixtures to materials to lighting and more, the show also hosted several on-floor experiential zones and a range of Smart Talk (“power” presentations) and main stage sessions, alongside the networking opening reception, OMA Awards and annual PAVE Bash.

The event kicked off the afternoon of May 5 with self-guided off-site tours of the New Orleans area and concluded with a networking opening reception featuring a live DJ, light bites and drinks. The first full day of the show featured keynote presentations focusing on hospitality’s influence on retail, AI and its integration into retail environments, and large-scale case studies.

The Outstanding Merchandising Achievement (OMA) Awards took place that evening of May 6 honoring winners from this year’s OMAs, Global Awards and Design Awards. Between interactive touchpoints like a 360-camera, a bigger-than-life-size Gold Shop! award and a live jazz band, visitors were engaged throughout the evening. (You can view all awards winners by visiting shopassociation.org/awards)

Following the OMA Awards, many attendees made their way to the annual PAVE Bash at the nearby Fulton Alley, a celebration recognizing students and educators to the retail industry.

The final day of the show allowed attendees to explore the show floor and catch sessions related to company culture to the evolution of QSR brands and more.

Stay tuned to shopassociation.org and vmsd.com for more in-depth recaps about the event as well as updates for the 2027 show. Don’t forget to register for Shop! Ideation this Oct. 5-6, featuring the Retail Challenge. Winners of this year’s challenge will be able to build their creation IRL during Shop! MarketPlace 2027. For more information on Shop! Ideation, please visit shop-ideation.com.

Photography: Kara Emily Krantz Photography