Autumn Fair 2026 Unveils Full Counter Talks Programme for Retailers
Autumn Fair has announced the complete programme for its Counter Talks Stage, offering four days of free talks, workshops, live discussions and expert-led sessions for retailers at NEC Birmingham from 6–9 September 2026.
The programme brings together experts from retail, buying, technology, social media, visual merchandising, licensing, business strategy and consumer trends. Featured names include Buy Women Built, Google, Faire, Retail Huddle, BIRA, George at ASDA and Jeff Banks.
The agenda responds to findings from the Voices of Retail 2026 report, which surveyed 650 independent retailers and more than 2,000 UK consumers. Key concerns identified include changing consumer behaviour, retail crime and margin pressures, alongside the growing importance of customer experience, storytelling, community and digital engagement.
Among the highlighted sessions is “Gift Of The Year: Discover the Award-Winning Products Shaping Retail”, while a dedicated session on retail crime will feature Lisa Maslen, Superintendent at City of London Police, and Andrew Goodacre, CEO of BIRA, discussing practical approaches to reducing theft and protecting retail teams.
Digital transformation will also feature prominently. Sessions including “Practical AI for Your Business”, “Build Your Business Online with Google” and “Google: Social Media Masterclass” will explore AI, online growth, social strategy, trend identification and content creation.
The programme will also address visual merchandising, consumer trends, licensing and social commerce, with experts including John Abbate of Westminster City Council, Elyse McAvoy of Faire, Steve Manners of Licensing International and Alison Battisby of Avocado Social.
Community and buying expertise will feature through a Buy Women Built panel and a partnership with Buying & Beyond, founded by Katy Norton and Lynsey Abbott. The partnership includes a live podcast, a Buyers Meet Up and one-to-one mentoring sessions for retailers, buyers and brands.
New sessions will explore independent retail expansion, TikTok Shop and customer trust, including “From One to Many: How Independent Retailers Scale into Chains”, “The 7-Figure TikTok Shop Playbook” and “Trust First: Turning Service Platforms into Marketplaces Customers Use.”
Live commerce will also take centre stage through Whatnot, which will operate from The Clubhouse in Hall 9 throughout the show. Visitors will be able to watch live sellers, meet the Whatnot team and explore how live selling can support customer acquisition, stock movement and community building.
Autumn Fair’s Pitch Live competition will return with a new morning format, featuring pitches across Fashion, Accessories & Jewellery; Home & Gift; and Kids, Toy, Play & Clothing from 6–8 September.
The final day will feature Retail Huddle Live x Autumn Fair, with sessions covering AI, seasonal planning, conversion, retention, sustainability communication, retail listings and visual merchandising.
Alongside the Counter Talks programme, visitors can access free one-to-one mentoring sessions covering product ranges, store design, sales, strategy and business growth.
Co-located show Glee 2026 will also present an expanded programme focused on garden retail, hospitality and operational growth, including Centre Stage and the new Feed Your Business Stage.
Event: Autumn Fair 2026
Date: 6–9 September 2026
Venue: NEC Birmingham
Co-located: Glee 2026, 8–10 September 2026
