What's on


The show floor is just the start. Autumn Fair brings together a full programme of content, experiences and industry moments across all four days at the NEC Birmingham. From trend-led talks on the Counter Talks Stage to one-to-one clinics with retail experts, there's something worth building into every visit.


This year we're running side by side with Glee 8-9 September, bringing garden, outdoor living and pet suppliers into the mix for the first time.

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Retail talks and industry insights

Live content agenda

Explore four days of free retail talks, workshops and expert-led sessions covering consumer trends, AI, social media, merchandising and retail business growth.

Browse the full Autumn Fair agenda and plan the sessions most relevant to your business.

VIEW AGENDA

The Counter Talks Stage

At the Counter Talks Stage, leading voices in retail unpack the trends and challenges defining the industry. Through a series of daily talks and workshops, discover practical insights spanning merchandising, technology, consumer behaviour and store operations.

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Retail Huddle Live

Ami Rabheru from Retail Huddle is taking over the Counter Talks Stage at Autumn Fair. This expert-led experience is designed for independent retailers and brands ready to grow, trade better and plan for profit.

 

🕥: 10.30 am - 1.30 pm on 9th September

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Today's Agenda

 

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Discover four days of free retail talks, workshops and expert sessions, all live on the Counter Talks Stage.
 

Think of it as the industry's shop counter. It's where ideas are swapped, connections are made and the conversations that shape next season happen. Expect practical sessions on consumer trends, AI for retail, social media, visual merchandising and smarter buying, led by the people doing it best.
 

Browse the agenda below and pick the sessions worth a front-row seat.

06 Sept 2026
  1. Counter Talks Stage
    • New Products
    • Opportunities
    Discover the next big thing in fashion retail as emerging brands take to the stage to present innovative, standout collections. From design to commercial retail potential, finalists will pitch their p ...
  2. Counter Talks Stage
    • Trends
    • Customer Experience
    • Transformation
    Discover the hidden potential within your store with John Abbate, Economic Growth Lead for High Streets at Westminster City Council and Online Visual Merchandising Tutor at SDEA. Drawing on his experi ...
  3. PANEL: Building a Business Customers Come Back To
    Counter Talks Stage
    • Leadership
    • Resilience
    • Customer Experience
    What makes customers choose one business over another – and keep coming back? Join two inspiring founders from the Buy Women Built community as they share how they've built trust through storytelling, ...
  4. Counter Talks Stage
    • Trends
    • Opportunities
    Whether it's Bluey, Barbie, Harry Potter or Mickey Mouse, licensed products are everywhere – but many retailers don't fully understand how licensing works, how to get involved, or the opportunities it ...
  5. Counter Talks Stage
    • AI & Data
    • Digital Growth
    • Opportunities
    Learn to save time and enhance your social media presence by leveraging AI tools to identify trends, build a strategy and create content.

 

VIEW FULL AGENDA

Product discovery and innovation

Product Pavilions

Autumn Fair’s Product Pavilions are curated destinations spotlighting the newest launches, emerging talent, and retail-ready innovations across the show. Whether you’re sourcing for the season ahead or scouting fresh talent, these dedicated zones make it easy to discover standout brands and explore key trends without walking every aisle.

Discover Product Pavilions 

Gift of the Year Showcase

Celebrating innovation, creativity and excellence in the home and giftware industry, the Gift of the Year Showcase at Autumn Fair displays the most prestigious products in gifting.

 

This is your chance to discover the esteemed winners of The Giftware Associations Gift of the Year 2026 Awards. 

Pitch Live

We are excited to announce this opportunity for our exhibitors to present their latest products and put a face and story behind them - Pitch Live at Autumn Fair allows exhibitors to take the stage with their most innovative products, pitching to an esteemed panel of judges and a curious retail audience.

Discover Pitch Live

About product discovery and innovation

Discover new wholesale products, emerging brands and retail-ready innovations from across the home, gift and lifestyle sectors.

Buyer networking and meeting spaces

The Clubhouse

The Clubhouse is an exclusive, members-only retreat designed for Autumn Fair buyers. A refined space away from the show floor, it offers somewhere to pause, meet, and recharge between appointments.

Discover The Clubhouse

Greeting Card Association Lounge

The Greeting Card Association (GCA) is thrilled to partner with Autumn Fair to create an exclusive area where GCA members and greeting card retailers can connect, collaborate and celebrate our vibrant industry.

 

 

Buyers Meet Up 

Take a break from the show with a networking session for buyers from across the industry hosted by our partners: Buying & Beyond - Katy Norton and Lynsey Abbott.

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About Buyer networking and meeting spaces

Meet retail professionals, connect with industry organisations and take time away from the busy show floor in Autumn Fair’s dedicated networking spaces.

Business support and expert advice

Free 1-to-1 Mentor Session 

Whether you're looking to refine your product range, reimagine your store, boost sales, attract new customers or plan your next stage of growth, you'll receive practical, personalised advice tailored to your business, along with actionable insights you can start using straight away with our sessions. 

Discover our 1-2-1 mentoring 

Retail business drop-in sessions

Head to Hall 9 to visit the Home & Gift Association stand, offering free drop-in sessions. Get expert advice from AdSquirel on creating videos for brands, Snapdragon for intellectual property, and Motivates on gift cards.

Discover the future of selling with Whatnot

Whatnot is the largest live commerce platform in the UK, U.S. and Europe, bringing the experience of shopping in person online. Visit Whatnot in The Clubhouse to watch sellers share their expertise and sell live, connect with the team, and discover a new way to reach buyers and grow your business. On Monday from 4–8pm, join us for the Whatnot After Party and have a go at going live with 1:1 support from the Whatnot team.

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About Business support and expert advice

Access personalised retail advice and practical support to help you improve your product range, attract customers and grow your business.

Even more to see on 8–9 September

Experience everything that the UK's largest seasonal showcase has to offer and find out Glee co-location.

Get your ticket   Glee co-location

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