Everything You Need to Know About P2PI's Retail Media Summit 2026
As the retail media landscape matures, the focus for 2026 has shifted from simple ad placements to scalable growth. To meet this moment, the Path to Purchase Institute’s Retail Media Summit (RMS) is returning for its fifth year, and it’s evolving alongside the industry.
Taking place June 2-4 at the historic Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, RMS is the only event purpose-built to help CPG brands elevate performance and solve real-world execution challenges.
This year’s streamlined program features focused tracks designed to increase peer interaction and ensure every session ties directly to ROI, omnichannel activation, creative excellence, AI and the future of retail media.
What's New This Year
Beyond the stage, P2PI is introducing several high-impact updates:
- Convenience Channel Focus: In partnership with Convenience Store News, P2PI will release the industry's first benchmark report on c-store retail media priorities.
- Experience-Driven Activations: We’ve replaced the passive exhibit hall with integrated activations, allowing for meaningful engagement with brand leaders.
- Senior-Level Networking: With 1 in 4 attendees holding C-suite or VP-level authority, we’re hosting a members-only breakfast for collaborative networking. Members can RSVP via Nicole Mitchell ([email protected]) to get on the list. Not a member? Join us.
Session Spotlight: Protecting the Customer Relationship in an AI World
In the "AI & The Future of Retail Media" track, Debra Aho Williamson, founder and chief analyst at Sonata Insights, will explore the convergence of AI and commerce. This shift is reshaping who controls the customer relationship and revealing new data dependencies.
In her session, "Protecting the Customer Relationship in the Age of AI," Williamson will provide a strategic perspective on safeguarding brand influence when intelligence, influence and commerce flow through AI platforms.
With decades of experience analyzing the landscape and how emerging technologies reshape consumer behavior, Williamson is a leading voice on how generative AI and social platforms are reshaping the advertising ecosystem and the consumer journey. She previously led the social media research practice at eMarketer and writes a substack called “The AI Ad Economy.”
[Explore our growing agenda and featured sessions]
Partner With the Event
Want to take the stage as a thought leader or showcase your presence among key decision-makers? Our 2026 partnership program delivers qualified connections and measurable impact. Learn more now.
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