What it is
Retail Fest AUS, run by Retail Global, is one of the two biggest ecommerce events in Australia. The 2027 edition takes place on May 11 to 13 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, with around 2,000 attendees and a showcase of 100+ solution providers.
The tone is practical and community driven. The program combines keynotes and panels with deep dive workshops, a solutions showcase and curated one to one meetings between retailers and tech providers. The 2027 theme is about embracing AI, streamlining operations and growing faster.
Why it matters for smaller online stores
- Free tickets make it one of the most accessible ecommerce conferences in the region.
- Speakers are mostly operators who run Australian stores, so the advice fits the local market, from shipping costs to marketplaces.
- The curated meetings save time if you are looking for a specific agency or tool.
Who should go
- Founders and ecommerce managers of Australian and New Zealand online stores
- Brands from Europe or the US planning to sell in Australia
- Teams that want hands on workshops rather than only keynotes
How to get the most out of it
- Register early for the free ticket and check whether you qualify for the hosted program.
- Pick workshops over panels. They are where you get templates and processes you can copy.
- Stay in Broadbeach. The venue is within walking distance and the evening networking happens nearby.