The 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards: Celebrating Retail Technology Excellence
The retail landscape is evolving rapidly, and at the forefront of this transformation is social commerce. The upcoming 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards will shine a spotlight on this critical area as it recognizes outstanding achievements in retail technology. With entries now open, this event celebrates innovation in an increasingly dynamic omnichannel environment.
The winners of the awards will be announced during a special ceremony on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at The HAC in Central London. To view highlights from last year’s event, you can visit the 2025 winners’ page.
Last year’s event was a resounding success, enjoying a sold-out attendance at The HAC on October 16. The gathering featured a cocktail reception, a sumptuous three-course meal, and an awards presentation hosted by the talented comedian, actress, and writer Tiff Stevenson.
Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor of RTIH, reminisced about how the awards have grown over the past five years. “Our inaugural event had just 30 attendees at the South Place Hotel, and since then, we’ve hosted our ceremony at various iconic venues including London Bridge Hotel and The Barbican,” he shared. “This year, we’ve chosen our largest venue to date and received more entries than ever before.”
He emphasized the exceptional quality of this year’s submissions, stating, “The innovations seen in both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable, as recognized by the judges.”
As we look to the future, congratulations to all the 2025 winners, and a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, Tiff Stevenson, and everyone who made last year’s event memorable.
Conclusion
The RTIH Innovation Awards represent a significant occasion for recognizing the creative minds driving retail technology. With a focus on innovation and social commerce, the 2026 ceremony promises to highlight groundbreaking advancements that shape the future of retail. Whether you’re an industry professional or a tech enthusiast, this event is an exciting opportunity to witness the future of retail unfold.